The Complete Idiot's Guide to Fibromyalgia, 2nd Edition [Paperback]

Lynne Matallana (Author), Laurence A. Bradley Ph. D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 6, 2009 | Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide

Nearly eight million Americans suffer from it.

Cutting through the history and medical jargon found in more exhaustive and incomprehensible reference books, this guide focuses on the most important things readers need to know in order to effectively understand and manage fibromyalgia, especially important now, with 22 new fibromyalgia-fighting drugs on the market. This new edition teaches readers how to:

·Communicate better with doctors and healthcare providers
·Evaluate pain medications and non-medical therapies
·Develop exercise and diet regimens
·Identify and treat symptoms

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lynne Matallana was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1995. Her frustration with lack of available treatments inspired her to create an organization that would focus on awareness for this misunderstood illness. The National Fibromyalgia Association has since grown into a major force. She is also the editor-in-chief of Fibromyalgia AWARE magazine.

Laurence A. Bradley, Ph.D., has devoted his research career to the study of biological and psychosocial factors that influence persistent pain associated with fibromyalgia. He heads the department for fibromyalgia research at the University of Alabama.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Alpha; 2 edition (January 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592578330
• ISBN-13: 978-1592578337
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #611,134 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Reference Manual & Guide for Anyone wanting to Understand more about Fibromyalgia! Don't Let the Title Fool You!, February 7, 2006

By 

Lynne Carter (Chino Hills, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Fibromyalgia (Mass Market Paperback)

I was officially diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (FMS) in 1998 at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ. Back in 1998, there were very few books written for patients with fibromyalgia, let alone ones which would walk you through the entire process from "diagnosis to wellness." Although more books have recently become available, do not let the title of this book fool you! It is far more than just an entry level book.

ANYONE WITH FMS SHOULD HAVE THIS BOOK AS A REFERENCE MANUAL IN THEIR BOOK COLLECTION! This is an easy-to-read book which walks the reader through all of the steps, questions, and available resources and options to get you the help you need quickly. The book also discusses future developments on the horizon to help those with FMS. Whether you are knowledgeable about FMS or have just been diagnosed and do not know where to turn, this book is for YOU!

The author recounts her own experiences & frustrations with FMS. She then provides you with an action plan to improve! Everything from exercise, support groups, medications, finding the best doctor, and overlapping conditions are all discussed. There is also a medical team of FMS physicians who assisted in providing information for this book so that you can feel comfortable and confidant that what you are reading is medically sound advice.

I can not speak highly enough of this book. If you are only able to buy one book for yourself or a friend, this is the book! You will get more information from this one book than from three or four other books combined.

You definitely will not be an "idiot" after reading this book! :)

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must Read" for Fibromyalgia!, August 23, 2005

By 

Sharon J. Squires (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Fibromyalgia (Mass Market Paperback)

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Fibromyalgia" should be everyone's first choice when selecting a resource book on fibromyalgia. Ms. Matallana has incorporated information suitable for anyone interested in learning about FM, from those who are newly diagnosed to those who have been living with the illness for a long time, the healthcare practitioners treating them, and the friends and family, trying to understand what has happened to their once energetic loved one. In her own unique, personable style that has earmarked the National Fibromyalgia Association's magazine publication, "Fibromyalgia Aware" as the superior periodical it has become, "The Guide" addresses all aspects of living with this syndrome. She utilizes easily understandable charts, lists, and personal anecdotes in a positive "You are not alone" manner that gives hope to even the most desparately ill. Her "picture this..." illustrations of her own experience with FM will surely bring a smile of recognition to a number of her readers with fibromyalgia! I was particularly impressed with her clarity and sensitivity in discussing the trials and tribulations many patients face when the illness forces them to make major, dramatic changes in their lifestyle. Using a text-box format, she focuses the reader's attention to defining potentially unfamiliar terminology, calling it "vocabulary lesson". In the same manner, she also uses "fast facts" to describe important, sensible suggestions for patients to use in designing their own, personal health care plan, "Caution-Pain Signal" as warnings for especially important issues.No one's fibromyalgia library should be without this wonderful edition!

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Help for people with Fibromyalgia, July 27, 2005

By 

Nathalie Douglas (Guyton, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Fibromyalgia (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is a very valuable resource to anyone who is trying to deal with Fibromyalgia. It is nicely organized and easy to understand. It is packed with good information. I am a nurse and I have Fibromyalgia. I have read a lot about this illness from very medical to easy to understand. This book is invaluable because it takes into consideration all aspects of this syndrome from physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. It has really helped me and I highly recommend it to anyone suffering from Fibromyalgia and their family.