Customer Reviews

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual (2nd Edition)

5 star:		(143)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

If you can only buy one book on fibromyalgia, you have found it. Look no further!

When I got my copy, I stayed up all night until I had read the whole thing (not recommended by the authors, by the way.)

While written in such a fashion that a newly diagnosed fibro patient can quickly find the information they need, it is also an extremely comprehensive book for the medical profession and layman looking for a more in-depth understanding of this little-understood illness.

Invaluable to family and friends, an assist to fibromyalgia patients working with the medical community, and reassuring to the reader who feels they have long suffered from a collection of painful symptoms that no one else understood, "Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome" has filled a long-existing empty spot in the health section of the bookstore.

When you come home from the doctor's office trying to remember which medication they prescribed, what treatment was recommended, and confusion reigns supreme, turn to this book.

When your mother-in-law says "Well, my body aches and my memory is fading, and _I_ don't have fibrawhatchamacallit.", turn to this book.

When your doctor pats you on the shoulder and kindly says "We are all getting older, you just need to accept it. I am writing you a prescription for your nerves." turn to this book.

In addition to coprehensive and well-documented research, many resources for further information and study are given, including internet addresses. Dr. Starlanyl has for years lent her time and talents to Fibrom-L, a fibromyalgia list open to anyone with internet access, guiding and reassuring those who need her assistance.

From the moment I read the foreword, I know I had finally found the answer to my prayers, knowledge that I was not alone, and this was not "all in my head."

Thanks to Dr.'s Starlanyl and Copeland, countless thousands of fibromyalgia sufferers are "surviving". You are both a blessing to us all.

This book was written by two Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) sufferers, one an M.D. and the other a psychologist. It covers both the technical medical theories and treatment approaches and the coping aspects in a readable and lively format. A whole section on coping strategies useful in one's relationships with family, friends, workplace and doctors is included. Other chapters deal with meditation, the body-mind connection, and how to cope with the cognitive dysfunction familiar to CFIDS patients, termed "fibrofog". The personal experiences of the authors are included in boxes along the margins of this large soft-cover book.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome is discussed in detail in this book. Myofascia provide a tough film of connective tissue that surround muscle fibers and hold them in place. At the ends of the muscles, the myofascia band together to form the tendons and ligaments. The system of myofascia connect muscle groups, so that pressing on a sore area, called a trigger point, causes referred pain in another muscle trigger point. Fibromyalgia experts disagree as to the relationship between FMS and MPS, but it is clear that they often occur together in the same patient.

A wide variety of techniques of physical therapy or "bodywork" are discussed as well as medical strategies for relieving pain associated with FMS and MPS. Many diagrams are included to help the reader locate various trigger points that relate to particular symptoms. The book also presents a self-help method that I found very useful for trigger point massage called "tennis ball acupressure". It uses two tennis balls, knotted inside a sock, placed under various sore spots in order to release trigger points and relax overtightened muscles along the spine or elsewhere. This and other trigger point therapies may even help in non-pain symptoms like constipation.

I found the chapter entitled "Questions and Answers About Common Symptoms" fascinating. Among the interesting insights, I learned how many symptoms could be related to trigger points, including things like blurry vision and even dizziness.

Weight gain is a common concern among FMS/CFIDS patients and the chapter on nutrition includes important information on the role of excess carbohydrates in contributing to excess body fat, high triglycerides, fatigue, headaches, anxiety, mood swings and sleep disturbances among other symptoms. Both authors describe their successes with low carbohydrate approaches and I found my own fatigue and many other symptoms were dramatically improved on Dr. St. Amand's suggested diet for hypoglycemia, which they discuss. This chapter also includes a discussion of food allergy/intolerance and the leaky gut syndrome, and how NSAIDS (e.g. ibuprofen or naprosyn) may contribute to these problems.

An excellent chapter on fibromyalgia medications includes a brief description of 31 prescription drugs. A whole chapter is then devoted to guaifenesin, a treatment Dr. Starlanyl says she could not have written this book without. It was interesting to note that she also found guaifenesin helped her esophageal reflux (heartburn and nausea from hydrochloric acid irritating the esophagus). The authors describe Dr. St. Amand's theory for why guaifenesin may reverse an excess of phosphate and calcium hidden away in cells causing lowered energy (ATP) production and many diverse symptoms. To succeed with the guaifenesin approach, it is essential to avoid hidden salicylates and to achieve an adequate dose (also, see the new book by St. Amand & Marek for the most detailed and up-to-date information on how to use the guaifenesin and low carbohydrate diet approaches. Also, see web sites, such as www.sover.net/~devstar, http://www.guaidoc.com and http://members.aol.com/SynergyHN).

On the whole, I conclude that this book provides a wealth of useful information for those diagnosed with fibromyalgia, MPS and related conditions, like chronic fatigue syndrome, and I highly recommend it. I have found the allergy reduction, the guaifenesin approach, and the low carbohydrate diet especially helpful in my own case.

I have Devin Starlanyl's book and I highly recommend it to anyone who has FMS/MPS, or has a family member who suffers from this little understood disease. The book is very easy to understand and has helped me more than words can say.

I have traveled the journey that leads to the diagnosis of "FMS" since an auto accident in 1985. Over the last 15 years, I've been trying to find ways to help my family and friends understand what I could not explain and now, with the information in this wonderful book, I have a practical tool which helps me explain what I've been dealing with.

The detailed information and explantions regarding the various symptoms and challanges this disease causes, have helped my family understand my condition and has helped them adjust to the changes this disease has caused.

FMS is a very complex disease and it effects each of us differently, physically, emotionally and mentally, but there is a reason why these things are happening and it has a name! And for me personally, that one fact alone has renewed my spirit and my self-esteem.

It's an extremely discouraging and difficult journey of finding the right diagnosis, the correct balance of medications and appropriate treatments that work. Sometimes, the lack of understanding and the frustration can contribute to the severity of the depression those of us who have FMS/MPS find ourselves batteling. But this book offers a definative ray of hope.

The wide range of information in this book provides valuable insight into the various challenges we "Fibromites" have to cope with, and for the first time in many years, it has made me feel acknowledged and validated.

Thank you Devin and Mary Ellen, for letting us know the good news is that once one understands what FMS/MPS is, and finds the right diagnosis, proper therapy, and appropriate medications, there is hope! Thanks to your efforts to share your experiences and research, it is much easier for us and our families to understand and manage the day to day challenges of FMS/MPS.

If you have fibromyalgia and/or chronic myofascial pain syndrome(s), do yourself a favor and read this book and take it with you to your next appointment with your physician! Written by authors who suffer from these conditions, you feel a kindred spirit with you as you read this invaluable reference of self-help. This book thoroughly describes what these conditions are (and aren't); common conditions and why they occur; methods on how to deal with these conditions on a daily basis; tools to help you with the healing process; and lists additional resources, additional reading lists, and suppliers of health care items. And it is all done in an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand format. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 20 years ago, and with chronic myofascial pain syndrome 10 years ago. I have not only had to deal with the frustration of the symptoms of these conditions, but also the condescending attitude of many (not all) medical practitioners who made me feel like "it's all in my head" and "I'm crazy". Their "you have to live with it" attitude and/or their lack of full knowledge of this condition has been the worst part of having to deal with having this condition. My heartfelt thanks go to Devin Starland, M.D. and Mary Ellen Copeland, M.S., M.A. for writing this book. It not only is the most resourceful reference to these conditions I have read, but it is easy to understand and concise. And I received a great peace of mind after reading it. Although my current doctor has claimed to have read this book, I am now even more angry at him after reading the book myself - angry because of his lack of questioning about symptoms I may have been having that could have related to these conditions that I was unaware of. Now I am armed with the knowledge needed to consult him in the direction of my care and with the tools needed to improve my life. This book is a "must have" if you suffer from these conditions!

I would recommend this book to anyone who suffers from fibromyalgia or mps, is seriously affected by the disease, and who has a pretty good ability to deal with details and medical information. For those with fibromyalgia who are looking for a less overwhelming book, there are other good ones out there for you. That being said, if you do have a serious case of fibromyalgia or mps and want to be a good advocate for yourself within the medical system, this is the book to have.

In detailed and comprehensive terms the authors explain what these conditions are, what they aren't, how they are diagnosed, other common symptoms (this is the section that you will most like if you have fibromyalgia or mps--who knew about mosquitos being drawn to us!) and several great sections on coping, keeping journals, how to cope with the dreaded "fibrofog," medicines, and how to work out home, work, and travel issues.

If you have fibromyalgia or mps you will constantly refer to this book, and will be glad you made the purchase.

Ever since I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome nearly four years ago, I have been reading everything about the disorder that I could get my hands on. So little seemed to be known about it, that at times I found myself questioning both my diagnosis and my own sanity. Then I discovered Dr. Starlanyl's book, Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Survival Manual.

My first impression, as I thumbed through the book, was that it seemed to present a LOT of information while still managing to appear "user friendly." The text was interspersed with helpful illustrations and easy-to-follow question and answer sections. My first thought was that the breaks in the text would make it easier for me to find a stopping place when I became too tired or just too "foggy" to keep reading. I needn't have worried. Once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down!

The fact that Dr. Starlanyl also suffers from FMS and MPS gives her a keen insight into the workings of this illness which, unfortunately, all too many other medical practitioners lack. She takes the reader head-to-toe, with explanations of symptoms and possible causes. She balances the clinical objectivity of the physician with an insider's understanding of the devastation, both physical and emotional, that this disorder creates in a patient's life.

The first time through, I read all 401 pages in a single night. Then I went through it again over the next few days, highlighting sections that seemed especially informative or pertinent to my own situation. By the time I finished, it looked as if the book had been printed on yellow paper!

I refer to this wonderful book several times a week (and sometimes several times a day), and I have repeatedly recommended it to newly-diagnosed "fibromites" at an online support group I go to. Fibromyalgia is a disorder that has produced a lot of questions for a lot of people; this is the book that has the answers.

I was loaned a copy of this book a year ago by a friend (and fellow FMS/MPS sufferer) after I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. By the time I was half-way through the book I had bought my own copy, I was that impressed by it.

It is easy to read right through. I picked up lots of information (that my doctor didn't know) about what is going on inside my body, and how to live and/or deal with it. It helps that the authors are also fellow sufferers of the disease, and they give their own insights and experiences as well as reviewing research and opinions of others.

After receiving the book back from another friend who has had a diagnosis recently, I am now flicking through it and reminding myself of things I had forgotten (because there is so much to absorb about the disease) and picking up new hints and tips for coping with this monster.

I expect this is a book I will continue to refer to for a long time to come, and I am recommending it to anyone I meet who has the disease. Also very good for explaining to friends and family what is going on with your life, as there is not much actually visible, and most people, including some doctors, think you are complaining about nothing.

I found this book by accident after I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I had seen the diagnosis of Fibrositis, Myofascial pain syndrome in my records many times and never understood what the true meaning was. As I read this book I found that many of the seemingly unrelated health problems that I had been seeing my doctor for were all related and part of the Fibromyalgia Syndrome. I now have many books on the subject but this is the only one that clearly and in depth explains the condition, how it affects your body, current resarch, treatments, excercise, your social and family interactions, your sex life, deals with employment and disability issues and leaves nothing out. The book is straight forward and honest about the reality of having this condition, it doesn't sugarcoat anything or contain propaganda. What you experience is valid and you are not told to pretend that everything is O.K. and that you are not in pain. The tips for pacing yourself and coping with holidays is very helpful. The section on getting the most from your doctors visits and how to talk to your doctor are great. This is a must read for anyone with Fibromyalgia.!

Since being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I have read several books. This book provides the basis and starting point to understand the problems and begin to find solutions. I found the personal applications touching - I laughed and cried as I read this book and began to see myself thru the pain and suffering of the author. I like the fact that she considers and recommends such a wide range of alternative treatments and therapies. The nutritional and diet information she gives has been the basis for my own treatment, based on her information on the yeast connection - something most medical texts on fibromyalgia do not discuss or consider. I recommend that any one with fibromyalgia/chronic myofascial pain/chronic fatigue get this book for their personal library. Read it first, take it all in, then follow her advice and start moving forward toward better health.

I understand that any negative review amongst this sea of praise is likely to be met with skepticism, so let me first say that, yes, I have read the entire book, and yes, there are some good points to it. Indeed, I admire anyone who, having found answers and relief, is motivated to share this information with others. The authors certainly have done extensive research and no one could accuse them of not being thorough in this 400 page, well referenced tome. In addition, amongst these pages are literally boatloads of good advice!

Synopsis Review:

I found this book extremely depressing & unfocused, with far too much extraneous information of questionable value. In addition, I believe that the authors may be deliberately attempting to deceive the reader about their credentials, and lifted too much material from other sources. Perhaps most distressing, however, are the long chapters on every conceivable new-age alternative therapy and the campy tone of pseudo science that prevails, which will undoubtedly reinforce the medical community's views of FMS & CMP as "fad" or "yuppie" diseases.

My recommendation: Get Clair Davies excellent "Trigger Point Therapy Workbook" as a start. It is everything that this book is not - Very focused, empowering, and immediately applicable to help you start feeling better NOW. In addition, Davies is such a consummate perfectionist that, though he isn't a doctor, (and says so up front) he clearly has acquired detailed knowledge of Anatomy which may even surpass that of many in the Medical community.

Full Review:

Now, let me discuss some of the reasons why I titled this review "Greatly Disappointed." The overwhelming positive reviews on this site, and the sheer volume of material presented, boded well for this being a landmark book on FMS & CMP. Now, perhaps it is. I haven't yet looked at many other books in this area, so maybe this is the best so book currently available. If that is the case, however, it is unfortunate.

1. Is the Author a Medical Doctor?

Although many reviews on this site remark on "Dr. Starlanyl's" expertise and how it's so nice that a Medical Doctor has FMS and hence can appreciate it, I can find little indication anywhere in this edition of the book that she actually is a Medical Doctor, or any doctor at all, for that matter. Neither her or her coauthor are listed as "Dr." on the book's cover, nor do they have "MD" or "PHD" designations after their names. In fact, Devin Starlanyl, who seems to be the lead author, has no certifying letters of any kind after her name. Her coauthor, Mary Ellen Copeland, has a Masters degree (Two, in fact). The only mention at all that I can find of their medical training is in the introduction, which says "I am not a practicing physician, and neither is Mary Ellen Copeland. My formal training was in emergency medicine, not myofascial medicine, although I have learned a considerable amount since then." Now I'm not sure what kind of "training" she refers to - as an EMT perhaps? A nurse? In any case, if she was a Medical Doctor I assume she would indicate this after her name. And if, in fact, she is not an MD, then this statement borders on deliberate deception.

Please understand, I actually have some disdain for much of the medical community in their dismissal of alternative therapies and lack of compassion for non-standard, difficult to diagnose illnesses. I also believe that a sharp enough "lay person" can understand even more about a particular area of medicine than a degreed physician.

2. This Book is Very Depressing!

As mentioned by other reviewers, the tone of the book is very bleak and filled with a tone of victimization rather than empowerment. Add to that the constant refrain that you have to completely change your lifestyle in almost every conceivable way if you hope to improve your symptoms, and many people will end up overwhelmed and depressed.

3. Misplaced Medical Terminology?

In several places, the authors attempt to explain what are complex medical processes in "laymen's terms." In these cases, the unfortunate effect is to give the book a campy tone of pseudo-science. Indeed the majority of the book seems to be written with the idea that if they couch their ideas using standard medical jargon it will give them an air of authority. Unfortunately, it has the opposite effect. Occasional digressions into the author's favorite TV science fiction shows don't help to lend an air of professionalism to the work either!

4. What is This Book About? Oh yeah, FMS & CMP

The authors, in there quest to be thorough, discuss every conceivable symptom and condition that anyone who has ever had FMS or CMP has manifested, and every conceivable course of action for each of these symptoms or conditions. In other words, the book is extremely unfocused, leaving the reader feeling like he has just skimmed through the complete contents of several medical encyclopedias rather than zeroed in on a treatise specifically about FMS and CMP.

5. Who Wrote this Book Anyway?

There appears to be an awful lot of "borrowed" material in this book, from chapters that appear to be simple re-writes of other's work, to whole sections which are (admittedly) lifted verbatim.

My recommendation: Get Clair Davies excellent "Trigger Point Therapy Workbook" as a start. It is everything that this book is not - Very focused, empowering, and immediately applicable to help you start feeling better NOW. In addition, Davies is such a consummate perfectionist that, though he isn't a doctor, (and says so up front) he clearly has acquired detailed knowledge of Anatomy which may even surpass that of many in the Medical community.