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Believe Me: My Battle with the Invisible Disability of Lyme Disease Hardcover – September 12, 2017
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From the star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills comes an emotional and eye opening behind-the-scenes look at her descent into uncovering the mystery of chronic Lyme disease.
In early 2011, Yolanda was struck by mysterious symptoms including brain fog, severe exhaustion, migraines and more. Over the months and years that followed, she went from being an outspoken, multi-tasking, hands-on mother of three, reality TV star, and social butterfly, to a woman who spent most of her time in bed. Yolanda was turned inside out by some of the country’s top hospitals and doctors, but due to the lack of definitive diagnostic testing, she landed in a dark maze of conflicting medical opinions, where many were quick to treat her symptoms but could never provide clear answers to their possible causes.
In this moving, behind the scenes memoir, Yolanda Hadid opens up in a way she has never been able to in the media before. Suffering from late stage Lyme, a disease that is an undeniable epidemic and more debilitating than anyone realizes, Yolanda had to fight with everything she had to hold onto her life. While her struggle was lived publicly, it impacted her privately in every aspect of her existence, affecting her family, friends and professional prospects. Her perfect marriage became strained and led to divorce. It was the strong bond with her children, Gigi, Bella and Anwar, that provided her greatest motivation to fight through the darkest days of her life. Hers is an emotional narrative and all-important read for anyone unseated by an unexpected catastrophe. With candor, authenticity and an unwavering inner strength, Yolanda reveals intimate details of her journey crisscrossing the world to find answers for herself and two of her children who suffer from Lyme and shares her tireless research into eastern and western medicine. Believe Me is an inspiring lesson in the importance of having courage and hope, even in those moments when you think you can’t go on.
- Print length320 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherSt. Martin's Press
- Publication dateSeptember 12, 2017
- Dimensions6.41 x 1.24 x 9.58 inches
- ISBN-101250121655
- ISBN-13978-1250121653
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for Yolanda Hadid and Believe Me:
"Yolanda honestly shares her and her beloved family's serpentine path to recovery from chronic ailments that plague so many in America.” ―Mehmet Oz, M.D., Professor of Surgery, NYP/Columbia
“Challenges are universal. How we face them is what defines us as people. In her inspiring new book, Yolanda shines a light on the puzzling, painful and debilitating reality of living with Lyme. It’s an inspiring story of courage and hope for those diagnosed with the fastest growing infectious disease in America. Her courage is a reminder to us all that with a positive attitude, grit, and the love of family, extraordinary things are possible.” ―Tommy Hilfiger
"In the beginning of my Lyme journey, I felt so hopeless because it was mind blowing how many doctors did not acknowledge my symptoms and this disease until I was eventually diagnosed. Yolanda helped me through the initial process and got me to the specialists I needed to start my road to recovery." ―Avril Lavigne, Singer/Songwriter
"Yolanda Hadid’s healing journey has led her to search far and wide for answers. Her will to never give up and find answers is an inspiring story for anyone who has been told that he or she has a serious, untreatable illness!" ―Dr. Richard Horowitz, New York Times best-selling author of How Can I Get Better? An Action Plan for Treating Resistant Lyme and Chronic Disease
“A well-meaning and often compelling story of one woman's relentless pursuit of an effective treatment for the devastating chronic effects of Lyme disease that should expand public awareness for this deeply misunderstood condition.” ―Kirkus
"Readers will cheer [Yolanda] on as she digs deeper into her story, revealing her spiritual nature, her maternal devotion, and an unwavering and admirable determination.” ―Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : St. Martin's Press (September 12, 2017)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 320 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1250121655
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250121653
- Item Weight : 1.25 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.41 x 1.24 x 9.58 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #365,865 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Michele Bender has been an award-winning freelance book and magazine writer for more than 20 years. She co-authors and ghost-writes best selling books with high-profile experts and celebrities as well as proposals. Some of these best sellers include:
BELIEVE ME: MY BATTLE WITH THE INVISIBLE DISABILITY OF LYME DISEASE by Yolanda Hadid, star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
THE IMMUNE SYSTEM RECOVERY PLAN by Susan Blum, M.D., in its 19th printing with 100,000 copies in print.
SILVER HAIR: A HANDBOOK with Lorraine Massey.
CURLY GIRL: THE HANDBOOK by Lorraine Massey, with over 400,000 copies in print.
Michele has written articles for national publications including The New York Times and almost every top magazine including Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Real Simple, Redbook, Marie Claire, Family Circle and In Style, among others. She has had regular health, fitness and beauty columns in many of these publications.
Michele won a 2017 National Health Information award for a Family Circle article on back pain. Also, a series of seven articles that she wrote for Family Circle won a Clarion Award from the Association for Women in Communications. She also won the Samter Journalism Award from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and Excellence in Media Award from the Skin Cancer Foundation.
In addition to print work, Michele has contributed interesting, energetic beauty, health & fitness content to websites such as Yahoo! Health, ivillage.com, lifescript.com and Dr. Oz’s Youbeauty.com. Michele’s essays appear in Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, Chicken Soup for the College Soul and If These Walls Could Talk.
Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book informative and engaging. They appreciate the author's down-to-earth writing style and clear explanations of Lyme disease. Readers describe the story as compelling and inspiring. They value the author's honesty and courage in facing her illness. The attractive design and layout are also appreciated. Overall, customers feel the book provides valuable information about Lyme Disease and alternative health resources.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They find it inspiring and refreshing to read a story similar to their own. Readers praise the author's honesty and dedication to fighting Lyme disease.
"...The book is an excellent diary of what it is like to live with Lyme. This book would make a great gift for anyone affected by Lyme...." Read more
"...that this book was even written. The book is an easy and entertaining read, took me only a few sittings...and it's also filled with useful..." Read more
"...It is a long & dedicated path that leads you to true healing. Wonderful & inspiring to see this brave woman confront it all like a healing warrior..." Read more
"I found this to be an amazing read by Yolanda. She names names in the ways of doctors and treatments and better yet, what worked and what didn’t...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's information quality. They find it down-to-earth and eloquently written about chronic Lyme disease. The author provides valuable information and explanations in a detailed manner. Readers appreciate her candor and helpful opinions. Overall, they describe the book as an insightful, honest, and heartfelt journey of the author's struggle.
"...She writes with such amazing candor, the details of lying in her bed being held "hostage" of shorts to all the myriad of horrid symptoms...." Read more
"...we are fortunate that this book was even written. The book is an easy and entertaining read, took me only a few sittings...and it's also..." Read more
"...is not some vapid model housewife...She is an insightful, honest, very intelligent, forgiving, accepting and therefore conquering and transforming..." Read more
"...woman, because she is wealthy, attractive, has a platform to shed light on Lyme disease, has a loving family, (except for her lousy ex, David) and..." Read more
Customers find the story engaging and compelling. They enjoy reading about her life journey and admiring her strength. The author walks us through her life with clarity, stating moments and emotions clearly. The book carefully shares her story with proven facts and helpful opinions, inspiring readers and being brave in recounting the too few ups and far too numerous downs of her journey.
"...Yolanda has authored this book carefully and in detail sharing her story with proven facts and helpful opinions...." Read more
"...Additionally, the book reads easily like a memoir. Yolanda incorporates details nicely, so that you feel like she's a personal friend...." Read more
"...WOW. The journey of this book was incredible.... and I am sure there are a few things that she tried that she left out because no one understands..." Read more
"...I have to say I enjoyed reading about her life story very much, as well as learning more about her and her beautiful family...." Read more
Customers find the author's strength inspiring. They describe her as brave, humble, and a survivor. The book is described as honest, intelligent, and forgiving.
"...model housewife...She is an insightful, honest, very intelligent, forgiving, accepting and therefore conquering and transforming woman...." Read more
"...She is a class act that's for sure... and a role model for young women. I wish she would rejointhe show!..." Read more
"...How she managed to carry on and fight for her life, as well as her children's, is true strength and courage...." Read more
"A gritty look at the fight in one woman's life. She is so brave and humble...." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's honesty. They find the book real and honest about Lyme Disease struggles and the journey toward wellness. The author is described as brave and humble.
"...It is full of raw, honest, the ugly sides and effects of Lyme Disease...." Read more
"...Yolanda is not some vapid model housewife...She is an insightful, honest, very intelligent, forgiving, accepting and therefore conquering and..." Read more
"...Her fans will love her sweet spirit and honesty I am certain. I could not put the book down until the very last page, Her story left me wanting more...." Read more
"...Yolanda told her story with so much honesty, and I appreciate this as many people struggling with autoimmune disorders will understand and..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's design. They find it honest and eye-opening, describing the author as beautiful inside and out.
"...It is full of raw, honest, the ugly sides and effects of Lyme Disease...." Read more
"...I still think she is a fortunate woman, because she is wealthy, attractive, has a platform to shed light on Lyme disease, has a loving family,..." Read more
"...she shares her life in order to accomplish this task is a beautiful thing to behold...." Read more
"...show that just because something appears to be perfect and looks great on the outside it may not be reality...." Read more
Customers find the book helpful for their health journey. They say it helps them find alternative health resources and reliable medical treatments. The author validates the dreadful disease and provides brilliant insights into an epidemic.
"...Wishing you peace and good health." Read more
"...with the love of family and friends and finding wonderful alternative health resources while battling many health and personal challenges unearthed..." Read more
"...I'm so happy your health has improved. It gives us hope. Thank you for sharing your journey with us...." Read more
"...that separates fact from fantasy when it comes to tested, reliable medical treatments, both medically and homeopathically ...." Read more
Customers find the female character down-to-earth and classy. They appreciate her kindness and courage.
"...and most of all, because she seems like a caring, down to earth woman, instead of a fake Beverly HIlls housewife...." Read more
"What a moving book. I have always been a fan of this classy woman and envious of her kind and diplomatic nature...." Read more
"...I have a complete and total newfound respect for Yolanda, she is a humble woman who knows what's really important in life and has made it her..." Read more
""Believe Me" is a very interesting read. Yolanda seems to be a very kind person. And she has lived a very beautiful and privileged life...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2017Fellow Lymies and families of Lymies, please GET this book! It is full of raw, honest, the ugly sides and effects of Lyme Disease. Yolanda does a superb job of writing what it truly feels like to endure through the hellish Lyme roller coaster; from trying to get an accurate diagnoses, to various treatments, protocols, countless surgical procedures she bravely endured. The book provides such a great written journey of the harsh, cruel trials, tribulations & tests of being part of this dreaded Lyme 'club.' Myself included in this awful world of Lyme. I passed Lyme onto my two daughters in utereo unknowingly and it's one of my biggest guilts/shame as a mom. I won't go on and on about my own time with Lyme. It's the uninvited house guest in my life that doesn't ever leave. I don't give up and I definitely don't play victim to this horrific disease. Yolanda doesn't either. She is a warrior, unrelenting in her quest to slay this Spirochete monster.
The book is like sitting next to your best "sick" friend that can completely understand what you're feeling and going through. She writes with such amazing candor, the details of lying in her bed being held "hostage" of shorts to all the myriad of horrid symptoms. Her sense of humor is not lost in the book and I found myself crying and laughing outloud at the same time. Yolanda I hope realizes that she has opened so many doors to bringing Lyme to forefront of the thIs public epidemic. It is an epidemic. More people have Lyme than HIV. There are so many Indivuals walking around with Lyme but being told it is something else. I could go on and on about my thoughts, philosophies about Lyme. It was because of Yolanda speaking at a Lyme gala years ago that I watched on YouTube I realized in my gut what was going on with me. She helped me to realize I wasn't crazy. Lymies know this all too well. Everyone around you starts to think you're nuts when you don't know what is making you so sick, the tests, specialists appts.,the spinal taps, big Pharma meds, more unreliable diagnostic tests. The book is an excellent diary of what it is like to live with Lyme. This book would make a great gift for anyone affected by Lyme. Yolanda is such a HUGE blessing to the Lyme community. I have so much gratitude that she and Michele wrote this book. There are lots of Lyme books about its history, causes, treatment plans, protocols but this book is a refreshing reprieve from the medical self help books. Read this book, you will not regret it!
- Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2017As a public figure Yolanda had 2 very different options: try to fight her tortuous health battle privately, or open herself up to all the vulnerability of sharing her journey (of a highly politicized and misunderstood disease). She's received so much criticism along her difficult path. So I think we are fortunate that this book was even written.
The book is an easy and entertaining read, took me only a few sittings...and it's also filled with useful content for someone with Chronic Lyme. I marked down many passages for things to explore on my own health journey. The writing underscores her willingness to be transparent, her generosity of spirit, as well as her courage. I wish her continued healing and courage to keep sharing with the rest of us.
There is nothing remotely easy about chronic, systemic, or neurological infections. Add to that burden... being in the pubic eye, as the face & lightning rod for a nation that is profoundly misinformed about a disease. I respect the grace and dignity with which she has fought these battles and so I was happy to hear more of the inner workings of her process. Certainly she's highly privileged & has access to treatments most can't try, but in her advocacy she continually stresses the need for affordable answers.
I read another "celebrity lyme book" and while interesting, there was really no applicable or useful content whatsoever. That's not the case here. I highly recommend this book for those who are interested in the topic, or know someone touched by Lyme and wish to better understand their battle. Her purpose seems genuinely to share, inform & educate. If you're looking for something like a "memoir of a celebrity housewife" that's not what this, or what it's intended for...it's more like her "intimate medical journey"...so in my opinion no one should be judging or criticizing Yolanda's efforts. She should be given some compassion at minimum & praise at best.
The inconvenient truth is, there's a global plague at hand...transmitted both by insects & sexual contact. We have not seen anything like this Pandemic since the outbreak of Syphilis in the Middle Ages. It's highly politicized, being mainly denied, avoided and ignored. Thank God someone is using their platform to try to raise some awareness. I'm grateful for her efforts & transparency.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2019This is a book that very much is about a woman's journey with chronic illness, Lyme Disease in this case, and her desire to save herself and help her kids (2 who are also afflicted with it). In the process, she must have help in her pursuits at home & in the medical world-- truly showing what GREAT wealth one needs to truly fight this (and many) diseases. However, the information she learns as a scholar of her own healing and HOW TO FIND HEALING, all the treatments & supplements, and so forth, not only leads eventually to her unearthing all that has gone awry and sick in her body, but also the cure. It is not one thing, and is it ever? It is a long & dedicated path that leads you to true healing. Wonderful & inspiring to see this brave woman confront it all like a healing warrior and made it happen. This book illustrates how one must be one's best health advocate & how you need someone to be your voice when you have none, AND BELIEVE in your own story even when many find it more convenient to refute the truth about something they know naught. You will find solace in this book as well as helpful information. Yolanda is not some vapid model housewife...She is an insightful, honest, very intelligent, forgiving, accepting and therefore conquering and transforming woman. She deserves complete respect and I pray she continues on her quest for a cure and help for ALL and pay for ALL.
Top reviews from other countries
- D.N.Reviewed in Canada on July 6, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars A journey of Lyme Disease realities on the road to healing
Yolanda Hadid’s book brings a closer look on life with Lyme Disease beyond the perfect images in magazines or at celebrity events. Yolanda shines light on her challenging journey with Lyme, especially as a single mother, in addition to Lyme affecting a dear friend and members of her family. Her story is a reminder that a perfectly captured image does not depict the internal realities. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but when you’re a Lyme warrior, a thousand words cannot create a realistic or complete picture. Yolanda’s journey is a source of hope and inspiration, indicating that healing is possible. 💚
- SophieReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 22, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Book was in good condition and came early it was a great book about life’s journey and how to overcome challenges very inspiring and I love Yolanda from housewives
-
Stephanie MayrReviewed in Germany on April 14, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastisches, lehrreiches Buch was aufrütteln soll- ein Appell an die Menschlichkeit!
Fantastisches, lehrreiches Buch was aufrütteln soll- ein Appell an die Menschlichkeit- ein Leitfaden für Betroffene- eine kleine Hommage an Dr. Klinghardt.
Ich wurde vor Kurzem selber mit chronischer Lyme Borreliose diagnostiziert und habe einen jahrelangen Leidensweg hinter mir.
Dieses Buch war in zweierlei Hinsicht hilfreich für mich:
An Anfang einer Lyme Reise ist es als Betroffener unglaublich wichtig sich soviele Informationen wie möglich einzuholen, um die richtige Behandlung und den richtigen Arzt für sich auswählen zu können. Oft kosten adäqate Behandlungen mehrere tausend Euros, sodass man sich wohl überlegen muss welchen Weg man geht. Yolanda hatte natürlich das Glück, dass sie die finanziellen Möglichkeiten hatte um auf der ganzen Welt rumzureisen und nach Antworten suchen zu können, sodass sie hier einen Leitfaden für Betroffene erarbeiten konnte. Dass es am Ende hauptsächlich ihre ausgelaufenen Silikon-Implante ware, die sie davon abhielten wieder gesund zu werden war irgendwie eine recht unschöne Angelegenheit, weil man schnell denken könnte: "Selber schuld." In WIrklichkeit ist es aber so, dass man heutzutage garnicht oder nicht ausreichend über Risiken und Folgen aufgeklärt wird. Man springt auf den Zug nach Hollywood und dem Schönheitswahn auf ohne das man ahnen könnte was diese Entscheidung für sein späteres Leben bedeutet. Es ist nicht verwunderlich, dass es letzten Endes der berühmte Dr. Klinghardt war, der sie auf dem Weg zur Heilung begleitet hat. Ein toller Mann mit einem unglaublichen Wissen. Yolanda hat sich mehr als seine Studentin als seine Patientin gesehen. Ich denke als Betroffener bekommt man einen guten Überblick, welche Behandungen grundsätzlich bei Lyme Borreliose zum Einsatz kommen, schulmedizisch als auch naturheilkundlich, wobei schnell klar wird, dass man die langfristigen und anhaltenden Erfolge meist nur mit der Kraft der Natur erreichen kann. Das Buch ist teilweise extrem aufwühlend und traurig, da Yolanda an vielen Stellen so krank ist, dass sie nichtmehr leben möchte. Als Betroffener kann man sich sehr gut in sie hineinversetzen, weil es einem oft sehr ähnlich ergeht. Man wundert sich immer woher sie diese Kraft nimmt. Aber sie tut es für ihre Kinder und das hält sie am Leben. Desweiteren ist das Kapitel über ihre schwer kranke Freundin, die sie bis zum Tod begleitet sehr emotional geschrieben und regt einen zum Nachdenken an. Man fühlt sich selber auf einmal nicht mehr so krank und kann sich besser mit seinen Beschwerden "arrangieren".
Da ihre Kinder ja auch an Lyme Borreliose erkrankt sind kämpft sie wie eine Löwin darum, eine Behandlung zu finden, die heilt. Im Buch gibt es auch einige amüsante Momente, z.B wo sie in irgendeiner "Garage" in Mexiko behandelt wird, oder die Schamanen-Zeremonie, der sie beiwohnt.
Die zweite sehr wichtige Botschaft dieses Buches ist zweifelsfrei ein Appell an die Menschlichkeit. Yolanda stößt auf ihrem Weg über einige zwischenmenschlichen Konflikte, die aufgrund ihrer Unzulänglichkeit aufgrund ihrer Beschwerden wohl ein normaler Verlauf sind. Sie sieht sich Anfeindungen, Gerüchten und Unmenschlichkeit ausgesetzt, die ihr schwer zusetzen. Menschen, die sie einst als Freunde bezeichnete entpuppen sich als unempathische, oberflächliche "Hollywoodfreunde", auf die sie letzten Endes nicht zählen kann. Gerade die Szenen aus der Realityshow "The Real Housewifes of Beverly Hills", wo das angedichtete "Münchhausen-Syndrom" zur Sprache kommt sind haaresträubend und man leidet mit Yolanda mit. Man möchte dabei sein und für Yolanda aufstehen, Einspruch einlegen und sie verteidigen. Auch die Tatsache, dass ihre Ehe mit dem Musik-Produzenten David Foster aufgrund ihrer Erkrankung drauf geht, zeigt schon auf, wie egoistisch die Menschen doch in Wirklichkeit sind. Hat man sich denn bei der Hochzeit nicht "in guten wie in schlechten Zeiten" versprochen? Ich war unglaublich enttäucht über Davids unmenschliches Verhalten am Ende und die Art und Weise wie er diese Ehe beendete.
Es ist schön zu sehen, dass sie auf Ihrem Weg zur Heilung eine unglaublich spirituelle Reise hinter sich gebracht hat. Trotz den vielen Male, wo sie am Abgrund stand, trotz all der Höhen und Tiefen, der Unmenschlichkeit und der Unwissenheit und Unfähigkeit so mancher Ärzte hat sie sich mit Bravour zurück ins Leben gekämpft. Und wenn man Yolandas Leben verfolgt hat, weiß man dass sie heute das Leben führt was ihr gut tut, eines was wie für sie gemacht ist. Sie hat einen Zufluchtsort gefunden, ein Zuhause für sie und ihre Kinder. Und genau das wünscht man ihr aus vollstem Herzen.
Ein absolut empfehlenswertes Buch, nicht nur für Betroffene der Lyme Borreliose sonder allgemein für chronisch kranke Menschen, die auf der Suche nach Heilung sind.
- caroline tierraReviewed in France on September 14, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars read in a day
great inspiring story
-
SoniaReviewed in Spain on June 24, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Una historia para darnos esperanza
Libro de historia de superación y lucha importante por infundir esperanza a los que nos encontramos en esta situación. . Lo recomiendo a los luchadores de lyme y familiares. Os animo a leerlo , para mi es un soplo de fuerza para continuar luchando