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Foreword by Charles Anderson M.D.

Available on Kindle: $5.99 Click Here

A heads-up look at boomer history. From Mouseketeers to John Kennedy, Viet Nam, to the prosperous Reagan years, We're Not in Kansas Anymore chronicles an activist life put on hold by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It's a "kiss and tell" look at the CDC and NIH and follows the political history of an epidemic swept under the rug by the medical / insurance / pharmaceutical cartel, endearingly referred to as Goliath. It exposes the dirty side of medicine, in their own words, as physicians choose business to healing. This book addresses issues faced by most who experience chronic disease.

“I just finished "We're Not In Kansas Anymore."
It was exquisite. A gem. I have so much trouble reading and comprehending, but your book was truly a joy to read and a comfort to me.
You are a fantastic writer. Amazing, twisted sense of humor. And incredibly accurate in your portrayal of what the medical community has done to patients like us. I felt like I knew you after reading the book
I really want ... the world (to) know about your book and movie. Both are such important works.
For me, the book was a blanket of healing.”

Yours truly,
Susan Bilheimer

“Just wanted to say I REALLY loved your book ‘You're Not in Kansas Anymore.’...
Some of it should be front-page news, like the doctor you wrote about who was an axe man for the insurance industry...
I love your writing style. ...
It did my heart good to read your story and about what you've gone through. It helped me feel not so alone (I've had this disease for 25 years), but even better, it got me totally riled up and boiling mad, (again) and more determined to fight this awful system we are mired in.
Bless you for hanging in there...
Good work you've done, with movie and book.
Thank you.
Cordially,
Lisa Markwart

Hi there Rik -
Just had to let you know I read your book. Yep in one sitting! It was great!! My birth-year is also 1947 so there was more in it for me than CFIDS, it was a great walk down memory lane in so many ways. It was amazing to me that I was able to read your book today. You have such a great style of writing and story-telling, ... I haven't been able to read a book for some time now - it had to be your writing.

Linda

I want to especially thank you for your book - not only was it a fantastic form of validation for me, it confirmed that I am already on the right track treating with a naturopath, and also it convinced me to finally adopt a couple cats that were loooong overdue in my formerly busy life. Luckily I too am blessed with a wonderful spouse who understands and supports me in all that I am going through. I just wish I had the energy to help fight this Invisible Blight on the health care system and do battle for others that have no advocate.

Lissa

Hello Rik,
I just finished your book and it was fantastic. You have caught the true essence of what this disease feels like and what we go thru. I am not as fortunate as you in having an understanding family---thank you for pointing out that many of us do not have the means that you do. I am 60 and live alone...well, not alone...I have my Kitty and she is so precious to me. I have a large family----mother and 6 siblings. None of them "get it" and there is only one sister that I have tried in vain to educate. But she is so BLONDE, very very BLONDE. I am going to give her a copy of your book for Christmas and make it mandatory that she read it by my birthday and tell her it is the only birthday present I want from her---to read your book!"

Anita Burgess
Clearwater, FL

I really enjoyed your book. I particularly enjoyed your love of animals and the way you
expressed it with such abandoned vulnerablity. and oh, yes, you are so right, I will
never forget that poor little new born squirrel and it's haunting cries.

Nancy

Rik,
I can't wait to read your book. I got it, and skimmed bits and started it, and left it on the table. Then my husband picked it up, and he is so gripped by it, I really can't take it away until he's finished.

K.A.

Dear Rik,
I could identify with your wonderful, wonderful book. Your stories about the pets and creatures in your life made me laugh at times and cry at times. Your book deserves a lot of attention. It is emotionally very powerful, enjoyable to read and inspirational. It reads like a novel.

Vickie Taylor
Houston

Rik
I just finished reading your book and wanted to send you an email to tell you how much I appreciate your taking the time to write it. I've recommended it to a number of people already as it paints such a clear picture of what life really is like after CFIDS moves in. I've had this illness and Fibromyalgia since 1986, although wasn't diagnosed until 1992, so I've lived through much of the history you describe and remember it all too well. I've travelled the same paths that many of us seem to but am more fortunate than most because I live in Miami and am a patient of Dr. Nancy Klimas whom I'm sure you're familiar with as she is one of the pioneers in this area and is currently on her second term as President of the International Association of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
While I remain ill after 21 years, I am more encouraged now than I have ever been because I was able to attend the IACFS conference in January and witnessed the reports of all the incredible research that is being done all over the world. With the amount of information that's being brought to light now, any doctor who still says he doesn't believe that CFIDS is a legitimate illness is just plain ignorant and too lazy to keep up with the research! We have a long way to go but at least it's not completely up hill at this point.
I hope today turns out to be a day that you're smarter than your sweat socks! Thanks again for putting into words the world of CFIDS.

Sincerely,
Pat Sonnett

"I don't envision any patient that would be disappointed with his riveting style of writing and his brash honesty. ... It's a book about nature, about love, about life. ... that will both entertain and enlighten, and one that you will want to pass on to your friends and relatives."

Gail Kanski, National CFIDS Foundation

"Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. You explain how this FEELS better than anything I have ever read. You are blessed with an amazing lively writing style that puts into words what everyone with CFIDS wants to say but often can't. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you, from the bottom of my heart! I am so grateful that this story has been told."

Julia Alzofon, PhD.

"I really had fun reading this book and I learned a lot. Perhaps "fun" is an odd reaction to so serious a subject, but We're Not in Kansas Anymore is highly entertaining. Everybody in America should read this book. It's about us all. Truly a wonderful read."

Michael Thurston, "Exile Media"

"Physicians should read this book. The unique sense of humor that prevails makes it enjoyable, almost fun reading. A landmark Guide."

Charles Anderson, M.D. FAAFP

"Your book was wonderful. Read it in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. You are a fine writer and must do more. You come across as a warm, caring, and funny human being. Plus so honest. sincerely Ginny Flynn, Burlington, VT
P.S. I hope and pray for your recovery.""I give it a 10. This book is superbly written, fun and steaming as the author questions the ethics of US public health agency research funding, big business insurance, and our health care system, issues faced by all who experience chronic disease." Pat Fero, Wisconsin CFS Association, Inc."(I) loved it and thanks for writing it. You are a talented writer, you pull no punches, and I appreciate you."

Eileen Sheehan, Hendersonville, NC

Voice mail: 3/1/04:

"Hi Rik, my name is John Miller, I live in Amsterdam New York I had just gotten in touch with the CFIDS association and was given the name of several people, not really local to me but close, someone from Essex New York . I spoke with her the other day on the phone and she forwarded to me a copy of your book,... and through my illness I haven’t been able to even read a newspaper but for some ungodly reason, I was able to sit up and go through the entire book, sometimes having to read a page twice or three times to fully comprehend. I just wanted to thank you for finding the energy and whatever to be able to write this because it has made me feel so not alone. It has also given me the strength and power to really fight the system I have learned to deal with what I have, but , uh the system is another story, as you are fully aware. I at some point would love to speak with you. In fact I’m going to my specialist today for an IV treatment and I am bringing this copy for him to read and again thanks so much for finding the strength to write this, to make the public more aware of what’s going on. You sound an awful lot like me, I was a go getter and all of a sudden got knocked down in the prime of my life, but I’m still going and I’m going to keep going, so thanks again."

March 1, 2006

Dear Rik,

I just finished your book that Mike Tveras sent me. I am very impressed! Your style of writing really turns a dull topic into an enjoyable experience. It certainly is the best piece on CFS that I have read and I would like to send some copies to family and friends, especially those who just don't get it. Since I'm part of the Medical-Industrial Complex I was prepared to be more offended. I wasn't. Probably because my experiences with Drs. and insurance companies has been identical to yours. I am embarrassed to be a part of it at the same time I'm being victimized by it. When I revealed to my colleagues that I had CFS it was like telling some of them that I had seen a UFO. I immediately lost stature and respect. Many of these colleagues know very little about CFS and even less about caring for someone with it. These are the same doctors that pride themselves on their breadth and depth of knowledge of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. It's as if by remaining ignorant about this illness they are somehow preserving the dignified objectivity of the science of medicine by not giving in to the make believe symptoms of of these difficult patients. Perhaps I knew that would happen and that's why I did not tell anyone for 6 years and just put up with the pain and limitations. I am fortunate to not have the cognitive problems that many do. I remember going out to San Diego to see an "expert" on CFS, Dr Jay Goldstein. I sat in his waiting room for 8 hours a day with other CFS patients while we were waiting our turns to try different drugs. We all talked, of course. When they found out that I was an MD, they crucified me. I tried to defend myself and point out that one is not guilty by association but I think it would be easier to defend a terrorist. I do hope that I will have the opportunity to take care of CFS patients again in an office practice someday. I think I would have more to offer than most of my collegues.
Please tell me how much I should send for the books and mailings and I'll send a check or whatever. Thanks again for what you have done with your publication.And for what you have done for CFS patients. Someday when I have made more recovery than I have so far, I would like to be involved with actively helping you help patients. I cannot publically speak now or committ time to much else than my family. I'm still in bed 18 hours per day and have 3 young children and a wife who gets stuck with everything who needs support. If you have some ideas of something I could do now, run it by me and I'll see. I would enjoy a dialogue with you at anytime.

Thanks,

Dear Rik:

We have been going through all our files in preparation of selling the main house. Today we found the file on my daughter, regarding the horrific 2 years she was bed confined with severe CFIDS.
    Her descriptions were graphic & frankly I had forgotten how much she suffered in 96 & 97. In the file was a letter describing a meeting she attended on CFIDS. In it she makes reference to the "Carlson's", of whom she was very impressed & liked very much.
    It may be a bit late, but I want to thank you for all you did for her, and all you continue to do for the unsung sufferers of this insidious condition. You are a hero in the true sense of the word, rising above & beyond the call. I admire & respect your efforts & your personality. I personally could not persevere in the endeavor you have so eagerly embraced.
   (Right now I am just thankful I can get out of bed in the late morning). Keep up the good work. Do not expect anyone to care, or render support, unless they have been through what you have been through. That way you will not get discouraged or disappointed.

Your Friend, Mike.

Thank you for your prompt response. I received the book today. Thanks also for your efforts on behalf of all of us suffering with this disease. I listened to your press release and radio broadcast and congratulate you on your success in Vermont. I've read many accounts of people's experiences with CFS, but none that describe the experience as well as you do. I also appreciated your comment that real healing begins with acceptance, and that such acceptance is not a sign of failure (it took me a very long time to learn that lesson).

Edwina Hartshorn Flynn