I read this work as I recovered from the surgery performed to treat this condition.The book's format was user-friendly and personable with refreshing honesty and a 'sense of story' to it that moved the book beyond a mere retelling of events. It was D'Alonzo's candid description of , for example, his puzzlement as diagnosis evaded him, that allows the reader to repeatedly identify with the circumstances and medical scenarios. Most 'Chiarians' have experienced some version of the maze that D'Alonzo navigated in the search for the truth about the medical condition that persisted despite treatment and reassurance. Personally I also found the fact that the author used technical language with helpful explanations refreshing.Supported by a genuine scientific understanding of cause and effect D'Alonzo is able to write the truth,describe the dramas and provide hope for people as he moved through a stormy recovery. I have recommended the book to others because I knew they would be able to listen and learn from it.They tell me they have.

Ray's truimphant Chiari journey is a must read for all Chiarians and everyone else! He writes from a scientific background and although his expertise as a scientist provides a fantastic base for a Chiari journey, it is his non-scientific expression of his experiences that made his book so very special to me.

Those of us who have Chiari will all relate to parts of Ray's journey, so if you feel alone in this, you won't any longer. It is a wonderful read for those who want to understand more about Chiari, and I highly recommend it for family members who don't quite "get it" or as a nice present for your physician who might think "It's all in your head!" All will take away something positive by reading Contents Under Pressure.

The struggles and obstacles that Ray discusses and his ability to overcome them is heart warming and anyone who has challenges to face will be greatly inspired by Ray's story, which is everyone! It really is a triumph!

It's a fantastic gift item and the proceeds from the book all go for Chiari research, so of course you should order several copies as I have done. Thank you, Ray, for this awesome work and for all your contributions to the Chiari Community.

Ann Hood
Chiari Crusader