by
Judy V Rentz

Fighting to Survive: The Suicide Disease by Judy Rentz is a personal account of the author’s struggle with Pudendal Neuralgia, also known as the Suicide Disease. Unfortunately, it is often misdiagnosed, and patients can go years without proper diagnosis and treatment, leading to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The available treatment options for chronic pain include medication, surgery, and nerve blocks. However, the process of finding effective relief can be a difficult and frustrating experience for those who suffer from it.
Rentz’s documentation of her own painful and isolating journey highlights the toll that chronic pain can take on a person’s life. By sharing her story, Rentz provides valuable insight into patients’ challenges and raises awareness about this debilitating condition. Her experiences provide a window into what it’s like to live with non-stop pain and the lifelong journey toward finding a cure.
With her light-hearted approach, the author inspires readers to persevere through their struggles with undiagnosed illnesses. Even in the darkest moments, she finds humor and hope, motivating readers to persevere through their own battles.
Readers can appreciate how the book was written, as it combines Rentz’s reflections with medical opinions and provides additional resources for individuals struggling with chronic pain. One excerpt that highlights this approach is when Rentz expresses her excitement at finally being able to give her pain a name, which she does by referring to it as Levator Syndrome.
The author’s expressive writing style conveys the profound physical and emotional pain she is experiencing. Through her choice of words, she vividly describes her frustration and desperation as she searches for a specialist who can provide relief. Additionally, the author reveals her deep faith and struggle to reconcile her suffering with her beliefs. “I believe angels intervened,” she said.
This honesty in her writing can help raise awareness and understanding of chronic pain conditions. Their perseverance in searching for help despite numerous setbacks is also admirable. Fighting to Survive: The Suicide Disease is a must-read for anyone living with chronic pain or seeking to understand the struggles of those who do. Rentz’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and is sure to motivate and uplift readers.
– The Moving Words Review
Official Entry: The Most Moving Book Award, Jan. 3, 2024
