City Attorney writes book and ‘Starts New Chapter’
By Bari Auerbach

Sunny Isles Beach City Attorney Lynn Dannheisser recently announced she will be resigning in May to practice land-use law for a private firm – but while she embarks on pursuing a “new chapter” in her career, her new book will also be making its debut.

What’s Wrong With Me? The Frustrated Patient's Guide to Getting an Accurate Diagnosis written by Dannheisser and Jerry M. Rosenbaum, MD focuses on need to know topics including:

• 8 steps to self diagnosis
• The dos and don'ts of Internet research
• Discovering the real source of chronic pain
• How to avoid multiple doctor visits and
  expensive medical testing

Outlining an easy-to-follow program designed to help readers take charge of their health in conjunction with a doctor’s advice, the book chronicles numerous case studies covering a wide array of conditions. When all is “read and done,” you can learn how to:

• Develop and track down clues that may lead to a correct diagnosis of mystery illnesses
• Choose the right physicians, create a team of medical care professionals, and learn how to work with them for your benefit
• Deal with chronic pain, insomnia, and emotional stress associated with your condition
• Find relief from suffering and learn techniques to live well despite your mystery illness

“You may feel that your doctor isn't spending the time needed to give you accurate diagnoses - and often you are right,” Dannheisser said. “One-third to one-half of all symptoms evaluated by a doctor are medically unexplained.

“This book was conceived when I developed a mystery malady several years ago and in discussing it with a doctor friend of mine (Jerry Rosenbaum, my co-author and board certified rheumatologist who also has a mystery malady involving his eyes) we decided lay people really needed to become their own medical detectives and help their doctors (who have fewer resources and less time than ever) help them get to an accurate diagnosis.”

According to Dannheisser, a “mystery malady” is a condition, syndrome or set of symptoms that cannot be easily diagnosed despite advances in medical technology; misdiagnosed chronic conditions; symptoms that have no know origin or cause, or conditions that are now identifiable but until recently were considered ‘mysteries’ and may still be unfamiliar to many physicians.”

When asked why she felt it was important to share the book's message, Dannheisser explained, “The statistics are staggering (millions) as to how many misdiagnosed and undiagnosed conditions exist. And even when there are diseases that are identifiable, sometimes for example with autoimmune conditions, people will see five and six doctors over a two-year period before they can find their diagnosis.

“ I hope in reading this book others will be able to help themselves or their loved ones get a diagnosis and treatment and avoid needless suffering or complications that come from lack of treatment. The book is currently available at Borders or Amazon.com; Barnes & Noble will order upon request.”

Dannheisser will be speaking about What’s Wrong With Me? The Frustrated Patient's Guide to Getting an Accurate Diagnosis on April 18 during a meeting of Concerned Citizens of Northeast Dade and will be appearing at Books & Books in Coral Gables at 8 p.m. on June 21. She was first published by Redbook magazine in 1993 when she wrote an article entitled “Diary of a Hurricane Survivor.” Ever since, she has been writing and publishing pieces as well as guest columns for the Miami Herald and Pinecrest Tribune.

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