Living With Fibromyalgia

An indispensable resource that empowers fibromyalgia patients to take charge of a debilitating disease and get the health care they deserve. Fibromyalgia—a painful, exhausting, and often misdiagnosed disease—affects up to 12 million Americans (90 percent of them women). And because many health care professionals are still learning how to diagnosis and treat its confusing symptoms, patients living with the disorder must become proactive and informed consumers for their own health. The expert advice found within The 10 Best Questions™ for Living with Fibromyalgia gives readers the answers they need to get the best care possible and enjoy a more normal life. This essential book provides the Best Questions that patients should ask their doctors, partners, children, and friends, accompanied by the “best answers” drawn from cutting edge research and extensive interviews with the top experts in the field. There are chapters on what to ask about your diagnosis, test results, second opinions, for ongoing disease management, to lose weight, get more sleep, and to make other healthy lifestyle changes. This practical and holistic book also offers Best Questions and advice for fibromyalgia patients for their relationships with partners, children, friends to ensure emotional, financial, and spiritual health. Each chapter concludes with The Magic Question™, the one crucial question most people never think to ask until it’s too late.

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition characterized by pain in the muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Other symptoms include fatigue, sleep problems, allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, stiffness, anxiety, depression and problems with short-term memory and concentration. Living with Fibromyalgia offers tried-and-tested advice on how to reduce pain, boost energy levels and live more comfortably. In line with the latest thinking of fibromyalgia as a disorder of the CNS (central nervous system), this third edition looks at how an over-sensitised system may amplify pain messages and trigger the symptoms of fibromyalgia. It also looks at research into the link between poor sleep and the disorder. Other topics include: a physical cause? - the evidence for fine nerve damage in fibromyalgia sleep problems and management the benefits of yoga and music therapy updated recommendations on diet and supplements the importance of posture and exercise pain and stress management complementary therapies

Although fibromyalgia is a real neurological condition, it is not uncommon for FM sufferers to be treated as if "it's all in your head." Support, understanding, and even basic information can be hard to come by for coping with the intense pain and fatigue of this debilitating chronic illness, as well as the grief, anger, and isolation that often accompany its onset. Women Living with Fibromyalgia offers insight and practical advice to help sufferers alleviate the symptoms of FM and manage its impact on their lives, relationships, and careers. Woman from all walks of life share their experiences and the lessons they've learned about fibromyalgia, from a single student pondering the impact of FM on her future to the mother trying to find the energy to care for her children. Topics include: Strategies for dealing with pain, fatigue, and "brain fog;" advances in pharmaceutical treatment; results from latest scientific research; exciting new "alternative" treatments; financial issues such as insurance and Social Security benefits; and how an awareness of their rights can help women with FM in dealing with healthcare providers. This book helps its sufferers create new, rewarding lives even as they grieve the loss of the old one.

A clear, four-step plan to overcoming fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder that afflicts nearly 10 million Americans--mostly women. Written by a fibromyalgia sufferer and her doctor, who are collaborators for the Fibromyalgia Friends Support Group, Living with Fibromyalgia provides you with a revolutionary four-step plan to overcoming this debilitating condition. Although there is no known cause or cure for fibromyalgia, much can be done to relieve the pain. Living with Fibromyalgia lays out a clear strategy and easy-to-follow plan that will help you learn how to adapt to this chronic illness. The book explores how you can: Find the right care Rebuild your relationships Stabilize stress . . . and more

“Coming from one of the most reliable, respected health resources that Americans have, this book is the first one a newly diagnosed patient should consult.” —Publishers Weekly Drawing on decades of experience in treating fibromyalgia, this book can help people with this much-misunderstood condition return to a fulfilling, enjoyable life. From personal stories of patients to the compassionate expertise of its medical editors, this guide seeks to inform, first explaining what fibromyalgia is—and isn’t—and helps guide readers toward finding the best mix of research-supported strategies for managing their symptoms. Also included is an actionable daily plan that can be started right away. This book: · Defines fibromyalgia, describes what causes it, and lists the challenges it can pose · Outlines treatment options · Describes strategies for managing fibromyalgia · Provides steps toward working with your health care team and family and creating a daily action plan for managing symptoms

Fibromyalgia (fms) is a chronic neurological condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, insomnia, cognitive impairments, and a host of other symptoms. Many patients are forced to quit their jobs, studies and life dreams due to the impact of symptoms on their lives. In Living the best life with Fibromyalgia, Alisha Nurse shares what’s worked for her, to enable her to make the best of life with this chronic illness. Alisha continues to work, and function more than many fms patients are able to. In this short narrative, she shares her health regime consisting of long-standing family remedies, and natural sources of pain relief. An avid blogger whose writing focuses on living with fibromyalgia and depression, Alisha fiercely encourages fms patients to fight for their lives and not give in to this condition. Living the best life with Fibromyalgia is a must-read for any fms patient who wants to regain control over their life, and win their battle against fibromyalgia.

In 2007, when Dee Campbell learned that she had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, she began a personal quest to learn all she could about the disease, treatments, and outlooks. Now she shares the result of her extensive personal research and experience, with the hope of inspiring others living with fibromyalgia to do just that: live. Her story is one of a journey back to health, happiness and hope. She draws on a range of interventions and embraces a holistic view of the individual. Dees success is a testimonial to the importance of remaining positive, empowered, and open-minded. Through her personal experiences and challenges, she hopes to encourage others living with fibromyalgia to seek their own enhanced quality of life. Life with fibromyalgia can be a challenge to mind, body, and soul, and, without support, these can be difficult, challenging, and confusing times. Through her own experiences, Dee recognizes the importance of addressing the physical, psychological, and spiritual elements of each individual in order to achieve improved well-being and long-term management of a chronic illness (and similar health problems or life challenges). You are not alone in your journey. Anyone with this illness can easily relate to this courageous and inspirational story written by someone who has experienced the whole spectrum of fibromyalgia and all the frustrations and symptoms that go with it. Lynette, a fellow fibromyalgia patient; October, 2011