Battle Scars

To a physician, Dinaaz beautifully illustrates the human impact of our profession upon those whom we serve. Reflecting on Dinaaz's experience provides a strong reminder about what it is like to be a patient on the receiving side of complications, disappointment and uncertainty. Despite significant adversity, her perseverance, resilience and compassion represent an inspirational story of personal character and strength.

— DR PATRICK WEINRAUCH, ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON

It was like reading a thriller because one just wondered when someone would actually be smart enough to operate when even I was sitting there turning page after page, barely believing that people would not accept the neurological findings, the MRI findings and listen to your history. You demonstrated how incredibly important it is to do one's best to acknowledge each patient's individual situation. I do consider your book teaches all of us a very sound lesson.

— DR DAVID WOOD, ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON

You are an inspiration, Dinaaz. You and your book are outstanding. You have been through SO much and have turned it into a remarkable book.

— STEVE BURROWS, WRITER/DIRECTOR, BLEED OUT

This certainly was a confronting, yet important book to read. The healthcare system failed Dinaaz and her memoir is a harrowing account of those failures. As a healthcare worker, I can learn a lot from this.

Dinaaz demonstrated great resilience in pushing for the diagnosis. It was excruciating to read the barriers she had to overcome on her long journey. Frequently she was told there was nothing to be done to help her and that she would have to learn to live with her disability. This must have been devastating and exasperating. She persisted and it honestly felt like she was persisting against all odds. What a tragedy it would have been if she had given up. I'm very glad I read this book.  

— DR ANDREW COOK, DOCTOR

I have to say, your courage and perseverance are just amazing. I am just so totally impressed by the way you have faced your challenges. I am sure the book reflects only a miniscule part of your real efforts and actions and one day I hope I can hear you talk about this and get an even deeper insight into what you have done.

- DR RUSTOM KANGA

Our bodies may belong to us, but what happens to them in the course of medical treatments is often beyond our control. Battle Scars is a thought-provoking reflection on uncertainty in medicine and what can happen to a patient when a medical challenge being faced is a rare and uncertain one. Dinaaz Lentin’s story almost reads as fiction, but since it deals with the truth, it serves as an exploration of issues that clinicians might wish to consider before they become patients themselves. It is a story of human resilience, dogged persistence and faith. In the words of the author’s favourite quote, “At the end of the day, all you need is hope, and strength. Hope, that it will get better, and strength, to hold on, until it does."  

— ZEHRA BHARUCHA

I read your book in two days. I was gobsmacked by what you went through. It is an excellent read. 

— JAMELLE WELLS, TV AND RADIO PRESENTER AND SENIOR COURT REPORTER, ABC

I have just finished reading Battle Scars and I think you are very brave. Brave not only for having the courage and persistence to overcome your many medical complications, but to actually write the book. You have opened your heart so that everyone can look inside. I just hope that the medical profession reads and learns from your book. Congratulations!

— ASSUNTA DEAN


Superb story of grit, determination and persistence. Dinaaz is true inspiration.

— Comp Sci Major

Once in a while, I see your case in other patients, with another pathology. Not the thumb, but something nobody finds the cure. Your memoir is very valuable to inspire people to not lose hope, and also for physicians to keep updating and deepening their study in medicine and their respective specialties. 

— PROFFESSOR JENARO FERNÅNDEZ-VALENCIA, DEPT. OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY, UNIVERSITY OF BARCELONA, SPAIN

Battle Scars is about Dinaaz's extraordinary medical journey, suffering from misdiagnosis and mal adventure on not one but three occasions, ultimately getting through it all! Every doctor and medical student should read this book. 

— DR STEPHEN THORNLEY, DOCTOR

I just finished reading Battle Scars. I couldn’t put it down. Such an amazing story. Your resilience, bravery and tenacity resonates throughout the book. It also highlights the best and the worst of our medical system and the clinicians who are part of it. Well done and congratulations.

— DR TED, DOCTOR

Determination is a skill and you have demonstrated it over and over again. Wow! I am in awe of your resilience and strength that paid off in the end. What a great story for a film that will inspire all that need a voice when facing medical hardship.

— JEANETTE ZOGHBI

Just finished reading your incredible book - kept me up to 1 am, as I couldn't go to bed without finding out the details at the end. I'm impressed by your determination and perseverance. It must have taken a lot of courage to publish your journey through the trials of the medical system. I think a lot of people will learn from your experiences, doctors and patients alike. Congratulations on a job well done.

— DR JERRY, DOCTOR

Dinaaz Lentin is a smart and tough woman who had an extraordinary perspective on her situation that allowed her to thrive. She questioned the system, her reality and it allowed her to keep all her limbs intact. 5 stars.

— EDWARD ZIA

An inspirational story of a woman's determination and strength to navigate her way through medical hurdles. "Everything happens for a reason." Each of her hurdles prepared the way for what lay ahead. When the medical profession sadly offers no hope, this brave woman continued to search for a positive outcome, despite numerous contradictory medical opinions. Her challenge was to find a doctor that believed a cure was possible. The author writes in an easy-to-read conversational style without bias or malice. The journey to success comes at great emotional and financial cost. This book gives hope to everyone - you need to trust your gut feelings, believe in yourself and never give up.

— DEBRA MURPHY (REVESBY TOASTMASTERS)

An amazing story of resilience, well written and easy to read. You would expect that someone who has gone through this kind of truama would be bitter or angry. Instead the book is surprisingly uplifting.

The author takes you on her medical journey and despite her encountering many doctors who were unable to help her, her determination to find a doctor who would, is inspiring and an example to follow when facing any adversity.

- ROSHNI TALATI

It would be a pale expression on my part to say that your book is just so compelling. What I really enjoyed is your style of writing. You have presented your journey with interceptions of humour and I truly admire your sheer strength and determination to surmount the problems you faced. 

— TAB PATEL

I am speechless!! Really enjoyed reading your book and I marvel at you writing style. An account like yours can be heavy reading, but your book brought out your courage, perseverance and above all YOUR FAITH IN YOURSELF. 

— GOOLOO KATRAK

Wonderful book. Congratulations. An emotional road for the reader, let alone the author!!

- DAVID SALINGER

An extremely powerful example of how self-belief and trusting your own gut instinct can allow you to overcome any of life's challenges. Dinaaz's debut memoir follows her medical journey over forty years. The story is raw, provoking and a brilliant look at complications and uncertainties that numerous patients may face when seeking medical attention. Battle Scars moved me and really opened my eyes. It's a must read for all. 

— AMNA YANG, JOURNALIST, CHANNEL 10

Dinaaz's experiences, accounts and insights of the best and worst in the medical profession are powerful and moving, and in an ideal world, Battle Scars would be mandatory reading for all medical students (and current doctors). The book is harrowing, riveting, and inspirational and I couldn't put it down.

— DR STEPHANIE WEINRAUCH, DOCTOR

Dinaaz Lentin - resilient, inspirational, thoughtful, brave and a great Australian.

— CHRIS

WOW!!! Thank you for sharing your amazing story. I now know how to choose my future doctors - their smile, date of birth  and football team. Hooray for Dr O'Neill. You both are shining stars.

— ROBERT TAYLOR

Thank you for an "unputtdownable" read. I loved this book. It is painfully honest, authentically voiced and filled with insights about  self and "journeys" in life. I especially loved anecdotes about how despite being in the doldrums, you would rally yourself to "notice" and help the homeless and show appreciation to others even when the medical messages were unpalatable. This should be mandatory reading for every practicing medico and potential health care professional. Good luck as you celebrate life and may your resilience and fortitude never desert you.

— DR PHEROZA DARUWALLA

MY GOD, what you've been through!! Such courage, persistence and resolve. Battle Scars is a GREAT read and it shows your gorgeous humourous side along with your unwavering empathy for people. I totally agree with Prof. Weinrauch - alongside your calm gentle caring nature is this strong intelligent stoic person who is truly inspirational. I had a real chuckle and loved your play on words throughout the book. I also cried in parts, feeling your frustrations. What a monumental historic battle you've had.

— GLORIA VELLA

With tears rolling down my eyes, I've just finished reading about your journey. If only I had read Battle Scars, before my own journey 40 years ago, I would have questioned surgeons before they cut into me, hoping to get a better result. You are such a strong yet gentle soul. Thank you for taking me on this journey. 

— TRISH SMALL

An inspirational story of courage and self-belief.

— DOREEN SMITH

Wow!  I could not put it down and finished it in a record (for me)  7 days.  Your writing style kept me engrossed and eager to find out what happens next…  It also gave me an insight into what could happen in our medical system and more importantly how individual egos, thoughts and inactions can cause so much pain, frustration and helplessness. I admire your courage and persistence in following through at every step. That along with listening to your gut and some great doctors who listened to your inner voice made it happen.  What a journey!

— CYRUS PESTONJI

A fantastic read and very addictive. Loved it.

— CHERIE