Women and Fibromyalgia: Living with an Invisible Dis-Ease [Paperback]

I have to be honest, I haven't read any books on FM for a few years because as a sufferer I find some of them quite depressing to say the least. Not with this one though. It was easy to understand, and as far as I was concerned Dr. Keddy hit the nail on the head, with her understanding of the condition. Also the feedback from the twenty women she interviewed for the book, made me feel like I wasn't going mad, they were experiencing the same symptoms as me. Other books on the subject are more inclined to tell you all the things you should or shouldn't do, should or shouln't eat etc. which although helpful sometimes make you feel so alienated from everyone else. I really connected with this book. Everything fell into place when I read it, OK I did have tears rolling down my face as I read some parts - looking into the past, my childhood in particular for answers as to why this had happened to me, but as I read I became quite elated because I had always suspected many of these things could have contributed to the condition. Also, I agree with Dr.Keddy that I'm not quite sure if it is hereditory, my father might have had it, he was always very stiff, but being a man of few words and who has now passed away, I'll never know. My daughter does show some symptoms but I don't want to wish it on her!
I'd say to anyone who has FM this is an excellent book, which doesn't preach, but will help you to come to an understanding of the condition and also how to deal with adversity that may come upon you especially in the workforce. As many employers are very ignorant about FM and are not really interested in finding out this is a very important book too. It really empowers you to know how to deal with these problems. 10 out of 10 to Dr.Keddy.

In reading the way the author wrote about the people she interviewed I felt she likely brought a bias into the project. They were described in too similar a way - high stress, sensitive, etc. - which I think is the way most women are in today's world. To me it was a continuation of blaming suffering women for causing their illness. I was unimpressed.

I was disappointed in the defeatist attitude. The commonality of FM with women is clear, but hope, ideas for help, etc. were missing. I have met several women that have not stopped looking for help, and have found what works for them. There is hope - keep looking - find your key!