Valley Fever Epidemic

Very informative glad I purchased!

I was diagnosed with Valley Fever at the end of November. I had never even heard of this horrible disease until I became one of its victims. I felt so scared and so alone. Started doing as much investigation as I could trying to figure out what this horrible disease was that had taken control of my life. I searched Facebook and found Valley Fever Survior which was created by David and Sharon Filip. After joining the group I didn't feel so alone anymore. Everyone on there was dealing with the same issues that I was. The pain of the disease and the horrible side effects that came along with the medication are something that no one will understand unless they or a loved one had dealt with them. Any questions anybody had, others in the group including David and Sharon were quick to respond, giving their advice or sharing similar experiences they had with the issue. I was truly amazed by the love and support that was shared amongst those in the group. I joined a few other support groups for Valley Fever and the one thing that all the groups insisted on was the reading the book Valley Fever Epidemic, a must do for anyone who was dealing with VF or had a loved one who was. I ordered the book and couldn't put it down. There was so much information and so well written. I wish that all doctors were required to read this book, because before I was diagnosed with VF, the lung specialist at my local hospital had told that I had Stage 3B inoperable lung cancer. Being the father of 3 kids under 5 years of age, those were the most emotionally exhausting 2 days of my life. It's very scary that how many people including myself hadn't ever even heard of Valley Fever. If you breath you're susceptible to catching this disease. I went on the support group and starting talking about what a treasure this book was for anyone who is dealing with or has a loved one that's dealing with the disease. The next thing I know both Sharon and David both were thanking me for talking about their book. David actually personal messaged me on Facebook book and has made himself available to answer or discuss any questions I might have. I couldn't believe it. I wrote him and told him about my life, my injuries(I was a professional fighter for a living) and all the problems and fears I have now since being infected with this disease. He wrote me back and in detail and answered all my questions. I'm not talking about one or two paragraphs, I'm talking about pages and pages, which he must have spent hours of his free time on a Saturday(today) writing. If you are battling this disease and want the best info on the subject from a person who truly cares about each and every person who is dealing with this illness, then please do yourself a favor and get the book. It will help you in every aspect of what you can do to make life easier while dealing with Valley Fever.

I was diagnosed 2 years ago with a disseminated version of Coccidiodmycosis in my liver, kidneys, intestines and joints that put me in the hospital. 4 of our dogs were diagnosed with Cocci as well (3 severe disseminated versions and 1 pulmonary) I almost died and one of our dogs did die before a correct diagnosis was made. In the intervening two years, two of our dogs and I have all had nasty reactivations of the cocci despite having left the endemic area of deep West Texas we loved - where we contracted this fungus. We are 300 miles from the nearest confirmed fungal zone - no cure and no promise that this will not reactivate again in the future. Make no mistake... this miniscule fungal spore can kill you and it will darn sure change you life in ways you cannot predict or prepare for. Afterall.... Cocci Immitus and Cocci Pasadasii are considered bio terrorism threats to only be handled in Level 3 or 4 Bio-hazard labs."Valley Fever Epidemic" is the only book on this disease out there of any substance. It contains real information and more importantly, it's CURRENT information. The facts and info in the book are well researched and written in language that every one should be able to understand, digest and remember. I have spent two years educating doctor after doctor and multiple veterinarians about Cocci - from symptoms to what titer numbers to look out for, and suggested treatment plans from other doctors familiar with Valley Fever. FINALLY there is a single book that I can pass out and share with family, friends who don't have a clue why I feel like dirt 20 days out of 30, medical providers, and pharmacists who always think the length of the prescriptions are 6 months too long and must be a typo!************ UPDATE NOVEMBER 2015 *********I have purchased several copies of this excellent book over the years, there is still nothing else out there with more or better information about this devastating disease. It's been almost ten years since I was infected and I have now lost part of the vision in one eye and I have some permanent damage in several fingers that has left the the joints enlarged and twisted. I have learned to just take this book with me to every doctor - most have never experienced a patient with disseminated valley fever and they truly have no clue what to do. If you or a loved one is sick, sadly, it's up to you to educate yourself and your medical team.

Arizona and California should tell people ..it killed my dog .