A Hole in My Life. Battling Chronic Dizziness.

In 1995 an American doctor made the astonishing discovery that some people actually had holes in their heads. And many of them could even hear their own eyes moving. Years later, it transpired that Philippa Thomson was one of them.
Embarking on a much-needed weekend of respite from the care of her disabled son, Thomson's life is turned upside down when the flight triggers an unusual disorder. With symptoms as disturbing and wide-ranging as the sound of her eyes moving, her heartbeat pounding and pulse whooshing in her ear, brain fog and debilitating dizziness, can she adapt her well-honed research skills to medical sleuthing, and obtain a diagnosis within a health system that is failing her at every turn?
A HOLE IN MY LIFE chronicles Thomson's extraordinary series of medical challenges which she meets with resilience, courage and determination. She deftly guides the reader through fascinating information, putting her condition within the context of all inner ear and balance disorders, and with a fast-moving narrative, sparkling with warmth and humour, she recounts a series of incidents with doctors up and down the country which will enlighten, amuse and sometimes shock. This page-turner, told with suspense and style, is a must-read for anyone who has ever been, or will be, a patient. Getting the diagnosis after four gruelling years was just the start - surely things could only get better when she sought rescue across the Atlantic? After two brain surgeries miles away from home, a vital missing piece of the puzzle is at last identified.
If you like compelling prose and emotional true stories, you'll love reading Philippa Thomson's incredible battle, one that maddened, strengthened and ultimately healed her. It is also the first personal account of this intriguing inner ear disorder, which latest estimates suggest affects as many as one in a thousand, and yet hardly anyone has heard of it. Buy A HOLE IN MY LIFE to absorb yourself in the remarkable tale.

"Philippa's eloquent account reminds us never to give up, to keep up the search for people who not only wish to help you but genuinely care about you. A wonderful resource for all those who care about the importance of human experience in medicine." Dr Jacek Mostwin, John Hopkins Institutions.

"This fantastic memoir is so lovely and personable. I particularly enjoyed Philippa's ability to intertwine the challenges she had gone through with the details of her personal life. It is written with wonderful balance." Janet Hansen, designer.

"A compelling account of awe-inspiring resilience, courage and determination, in the face of an extraordinary series of medical challenges. The resulting story is full of important information, information offered in the words of a delightful and engaging individual." Harriet Spicer, business coach and founder member of Virago Press.