The Fibromyalgia Handbook [Bargain Price] [Paperback]

Harris H. McIlwain (Author), Debra Fulghum Bruce (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 1999

Breakthrough traditional and alternative treatments that will change the way you feel.

More than 10 million Americans, mostly women, suffer the debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia. Since this book was first published in l996, awareness of fibromyalgia has increased dramatically, as has the need for reliable, up-to-date information on the many breakthrough medications and treatments. In this revised edition, Dr. McIlwain includes a full discussion of the much touted guaifenesin and other new and experimental medications, explaining what is hype and what is hope. He also gives the latest unconventional alternative therapies such as Aryuveda and Bodywork that are safe to supplement his own treatment plan, as well as expanding sections of complementary treatments such as chiropractic, herbal therapy, and homeopathy that work to relieve symptoms. With Dr. McIlwain's seven-step program, sufferers will learn how to manage this disease and even reverse its progression in most cases.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Fibromyalgia affects more than ten million Americans, largely women, ages 40 or older, and causes severe muscle pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression. It rates as the most common arthritis-related disease, next to osteoarthritis, and as a commonly misdiagnosed syndrome. To help in controlling this difficult health problem, arthritis specialist McIlwain outlines a multistep program of medical treatment (moist heat, medication, ultrasound, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS), exercise and fitness, stress relief, complementary approaches (chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, biofeedback, and homeopathic treatment), nutrition and diet, and support groups. A useful appendix of exercises, a list of references and supporting research, and some frequently asked questions will assist in the patient's treatment. Recommended, especially when read in tandem with Devin Starlanyl and Mary Ellen Copeland's more comprehensive Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Survival Manual (LJ 9/15/96).?Janet Coggan, Univ. of Florida Libs., Gainesville
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Fibromyalgia is a misunderstood, misdiagnosed disease whose symptoms include severe muscle pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and depression. The sufferers, mostly middle-aged women, don't get much respect, and in the past, patients were often told the disease was in their heads. Now it is recognized as an arthritis-related condition, and finally, attempts are being made to treat it. In this volume, the authors (a doctor and a health writer) offer information on the latest treatments, physical therapies, and nutritional supplements as well as a list of organizations and information systems. A helpful, easily understood guide for an illness about which little is written. Ilene Cooper --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 233 pages
• ISBN-10: 0805061150
• ASIN: B000H2M8K6
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,841,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great intro to this confusing condition!, October 20, 1999

By 

LeAnn Gay ([e-mail]) (San Diego Ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Fibromyalgia Handbook: A 7-Step Program to Halt & Even Reverse Fibromyalgia (Paperback)

I am in the process of seeing a specialist for fibromyalgia after suffering symptoms for many years. I am a 39 year old mom of 4! This book helped me feel I wasn't alone and this wasn't all in my head. The case studies were very helpful and relatable. The diet and supplement info was educational and confirmed for me that antioxidants help tremendously! Also the extreme importance of exercise is emphasized. Thanks!

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book and credible, March 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Fibromyalgia Handbook (Paperback)

As a physician who suffers with fibromyalgia, I am stunned at the many books available for lay readers on how to treat fibromyalgia. That's why when I find a book that is credible with NO HYPE, I carefully read it and tell my patients. THE FIBROMYALGIA HANDBOOK by McIlwain is such a book. It is filled with scientific studies, easy-to-understand explanations, and a 7-step plan that is guaranteed to reduce your stress and chronic muscle pain--if you commit to doing it. The sleep and nutrition chapters were especially helpful to me, as I've found when i lose sleep, I hurt more. Thank you for writing something we can trust, Dr. McIlwain.

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BUY THIS BOOK--DO THE PLAN, October 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Fibromyalgia Handbook: A 7-Step Program to Halt & Even Reverse Fibromyalgia (Paperback)

I know you are sick of "answers" about FMS--because, if you are like me, NONE REALLY WORK. Forget it--this BOOK has answers that work. But you have to TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE. The book details how the patient with FMS is more sensitive to everything--stress, environment, life interruptions. So the good doctor shows how to regain control of your life, your sleep, your diet, your stress, your meds, and your exercise. BUY THE BOOK--DO THE PLAN. You will win!!!