In case anyone is interested I found two excellent books at my local
library that I finally bought on Amazon. The first is called The
Rheumatoid Arthritis Handbook by Stephen Paget, M.D. and is wonderful,
comprehensive and written for the layperson (i.e. someone like me who
failed 8th grade chemistry)Every aspect of life with RA is addressed,
even what to do if your claims are denied(!)Anyone living near the
Hospital for Special Surgery is darned lucky, those docs are on the
ball... The second book is called Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis (The
Latest Breakthroughs and Treatments) by Thomas F. Lee, PHd. He is a
professor of microbiology and biotechnology and suffers from RA
himself. It is much more about the medical aspects,research, drugs etc.
A little harder to follow but he takes some very complicated medical
stuff and makes it comprehensible. I finally understand something about
the biologics like Enbrel and Remicade and how and why they work. And
he writes about current research which is very hopeful.
Anyway, I've tried all kinds of books and these seem to be the best.