Fibromyalgia: The Complete Guide From Medical Experts And Patients [Paperback]

I have read many books on Fibromyalgia and none of them really provided any useful information. They ranged from too much medical jargon to too many depressing stories about patients who were confined to a wheelchair with no hope of getting any better.

After reading the first few chapters of this book, I knew it was different. I love that each chapter is written by a different author, a doctor or specialist in whatever area is being discussed. This really gives the book a different feel from any others. I have learned so much already (and I'm not even through it) that will make a huge difference in my life. For example, in my continued effort to find help in handling the pain and challenges associated with Fibro, I have gone from one rheumatologist and neurologist to another with little benefit. Now I know that I am approaching it all wrong and which doctors and specialists would be more beneficial to my healing. I also appreciate the personal accounts of real people with the disease that are interspersed throughout this book. They are not the depressing tales of people with no hope to get better who have poor outlooks on life. Instead they are about people who have the real struggles, feel the same pain and trials that all of us who suffer do, but reflect on them in positive ways and on what has helped and hindered their progress. I realize that this disease may never be "cured" per say, but with the help of a book like this, I know that all of those out there suffering can find real hope and help which is, after all, the most important thing to all of us.

I'm only halfway through, but so far, this book is an incredible resource. I've only had fibro for two years, but as a health care professional and patient, this book has helped me to understand my condition better and has helped me to explain it to others better. I work in a position where I teach patients all day, and I have found resources in this book that has allowed me to explain to fibro patients why they feel the way they do. I would reccommend this book to anyone with fibro. But I do feel that some of the language is geared toward the medical community or someone who is familiar with medical jargon.

"Sharon Ostalecki has done an admirable job of compiling an edited volume that includes different voices and perspectives - from inspirational personal stories to sound advice from a wide array of healthcare professionals. Dr. Ostalecki, whose personal expertise is in the area of nutrition, reminds us that successful treatment of fibromyalgia comes from taking a multi-disciplinary approach. Topics in The Complete Guide to Fibromyalgia include foundational information on fibromyalgia itself, associated conditions, theories of pain mechanisms, treatment strategies, as well as down-to-earth suggestions on improving how you feel. This book is steeped in both information and hope. Given the variety of contributors' backgrounds and styles, I feel confident that this readable book will offer something valuable to everyone!"

Deborah Barrett, Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill