The Hypochondriac's Pocket Guide to Horrible Diseases You Probably Already Have

First off, this is not a book for the faint of heart. It is, however, the perfect read for those with an off-the-wall sense of humor. Mr. DiClaudio has compiled a list of forty-five of the most outlandish, obscure, and downright nasty diseases that you're likely to ever run across. Hopefully, on second thought, you'll never run across any of them, but in case you do, if you've read this book you'll at least be prepared for the horrid and totally disgusting ways with which you will suffer. The diseases are broken up into categories, including Autoimmune, Bacterial, Genetic & Neurological, Idiopathic, Parasitic, Toxic & Fungal, and Viral & Prionic. Although I found myself laughing hysterically at some of Mr. DiClaudio's observations, I sincerely hope to never find myself on the receiving end of these diseases. And, truth be told, I can't decide if I'd rather have worms living on my eyeball, having my flesh begin to decay while I'm still alive, or suffering from fatal familial insomnia (in which case, I'll never sleep again, and will probably spend my final waking hours wishing I had a disease as simple as worms living on my eyeball or having my flesh decay while I'm still alive). Overall, a great way to spend a couple of hours. However, if you suspect you suffer from any of these forty-five diseases, you might want to actually see a doctor.

I was in hysterics before I even left the book store. I read it aloud to my wife and sister who were totally disgusted with me. I think it must be read to oneself rather than aloud to others. Just be thankful if you don't have any of the 45 horrible diseases described in this book. Then stay awake wondering if you have any of the symptoms.

This book entices you with the author's incredibly witty writing yet repels you with the believe-it-or-not true facts. I bought it for my husband and couldn't put it down. This guy, Dennis DiClaudio, I'd love to meet him; anyone who can make me laugh that hard, that long!

Amazing yet true maladies of the world! I bought this book knowing it would be funny and was more then pleased when i actually read it, yet slightly disturbed that i might be dying!