Customer Reviews

Fibromyalgia: A Leading Expert's Guide to Understanding and Getting Relief from the Pain That Won't Go Away

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In 1996, fibromyalgia researcher, I. Jon Russell and Jenny A. Fransen put together the Fibromyalgia Help Book. Their book ex-plained--as much as possible--an illness that has no known cause and therefore no known treatment.
Dr. Russell is one of the handfull of researchers who are looking for the answers. Accordingly, his book began by explaining in simple terms what seems to be happening within the fibromyalgia patient's body.
He talked about the antidepressants that seem to lessen the pain of fibromyalgia. And then he went on. He told us about all the interconnecting systems in the body that work differently in a fibromyalgia patient's body. He talked about the exciting neurological, hormonal, enzymatic, cycles that just don't work the same old way in a fibro patient's body.
Russell acknowledged that the tricyclic andidepressants and selective seritonin reuptake inhibitators that are standard first treatments may not relieve all symptoms all of the time. Accordingly, he mentioned some of the other drugs that practicioners have found help with individual symptoms.
Finally, Russell showed us the way new research is bringing us more and more information about fibromyalgia, and suggest treatment and management options for the future.
I expected THIS book, written by a similarly-credentialed doctor who is right in there treating fibromyalgia patients and studying them would pick up where the Russell/Fransen book left off. I expeced a short description of what fibromyalgia is and is not. I expected to see tender-point diagrams. I expected a human touch, since Dr. Goldenberg's wife has fibromyalgia.
Most importantly, I expected to have the continuation of the research information last heard of in 1996 in the Russell/Fransen book. Why is there more Substance P in patients' spinal cords--but not in their brains? Can we neutralize the Substance P and remove pain?
The book I just read would be a good start for a newly diagnosed person with fibromyalgia. It is warm, human, and factual. From the viewpoint of someone who has lived with this disease for 30 years, Dr. Goldenberg's introduction smells of sugar coating and looks like rose-colored glasses. I expected more meat and less froth from one of fibromyalgia's principal researchers.
It has been six years since the Russell book was published. Isn't it time to pick up the thread and explain what has been found since then. Wasn't Dr. Goldenberg the person to write it?

Fibromyalgia, the most recent book by the author Dr. Don Goldenberg, an internationally renowned medical expert and researcher in the field, is an absolute "must read" for patient, families, and friends of people with fibromyalgia. Equally important, it is a valuable resource for physicians who work in this field as well as family doctors, primary care physicians and specialists who will all be educated by this sophisticated guide to understanding, and caring for people with fibromyalgia. I found it balanced, well referenced, personally touching, informative, and realistically hopeful. Dr. Goldenberg's sections on "Myths and Truths" at the end of each chapter highlight the most important information in a succinct and relevant format. The clinical vignettes allow the reader, patient and physician to gain insight into the many manifestations of fibromyalgia and related syndromes. Overall, I would give the book the highest rating of ***** (5 stars).

Dr. Goldenberg uses personal experience and patient case studies to illuminate the path to integrating chronic disease into a full and productive life. This book allows the layman to come to a deeper understanding of the whole mind/body concept of illness, pain and depression. It is very upbeat and sincere account of a life spent helping others and himself. Dr. Goldberg has just the right balance of expertise and compassion. An easy and enjoyable read with lots of helpful information and resources.

The book is clearly written and very helpful to the lay person. It combines academic and experiential teachings in a superb way. The fact and fiction section at the end of each chapter is very helpful. This is amust read for anyone who has, or is close to someone who has fibrmyalgia, CFS or any other chronic pain syndrome. It is also a must if you have chronic pain, feel fatigued and have not found a doctor who has helped you.

Fibromyalgia is a nebulous and agonizing syndrome; I rejected the diagnosis four years ago, {Denial? Arrogance? ... who knows?}, but could not ignore the (very) recent research or the certainty of my rheumatologist.

Dr. Don Goldenberg's book on Fibromyalgia answers a multitude of questions in easy to understand language, with clinical expertise, and a personal component rendered by the journey of discovery, research, and treatment that he takes with his wife, Patty,... a person with Fibromyalgia.

I understood prior to reading the book that my chronic fatigue is part of Fibromyalgia; it is in competition with my pain,... I'm undone that I'm "done" at 4:00 p.m., I'm depressed and frustrated that my life is so limited ... I want to dance to blues- boogie at 10:00 p.m. like I used to..........., thanks to Dr. Goldenberg's education regarding "pacing", multi-faced stress, hormonal factors, ... ETC., ... I am hopeful that I just may dance again.

Dr. Goldenberg is comprehensive and offers the means to emotional, psychological, and physical relief. YOU WON'T REGRET BUYING HIS BOOK, and DO buy it from Amazon!

This book is an excellent source of information for anyone with Fibromyalgia, caretakers, and family members of someone suffering this mysterious, horrible, life altering syndrome. I highly recommend it as a must read.

Dr. Goldenberg is a legitimate authority on fibromyalgia, and this book does a good job of separating fact from fiction, but the vast majority of the content is annoying stories about his patients and research. I think the intent was to provide examples and provide a cathartic outlet for the reader, but really it is just a waste of time.

However, each chapter has a 1-page summary at the end that tells you almost everything you need to know. You can read these summaries only and get 80% of the valuable content. Nonetheless, I recommend the book because it is one of the few trustworthy sources in a sea of misinformation, scams and outright lies.


Fibro is a very poorly understood disease and many seek to take advantage of it's victims with miracle cures, magic diets, 'alternative' treatments, and so-called 'research.' With Goldenberg, you can trust what he says.

This book has become my primer on this still somewhat misunderstood invisible ailment. Dr. Goldenberg, an internationally respected leading expert offers no "magic bullet." There simply isn't one. What he does offer is understanding of the many ways in which fibromyalgia can present in each individual through case overviews gleaned from his vast experience in diagnosing and treating this condition, and what one can do to help oneself. He is candid, realistic and helpful.Each chapter ends with a list of things that are untrue and those that are true, based upon the topic covered in that chapter.
There are many "Aha!" moments in the book where there is an opportunity to recognize in someone else what is familiar to the reader who has fibromyalgia. It would also be helpful to family members and friends who might want/need a better understanding of fibromyalgia.
I highly recommend this book.

I wrote the book -beyond the dark cloud,road to recovery from chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction.I know how much work it takes to write a book,I do feel that DR. Goldenberg,went beyond just writing this book, he also feels for any one who has this devastating illnes and really wants to help others.By reading this fine book,I did feel I know DR. Goldenberg,because he also puts his heart into it.Thank you DR. Goldenberg for writing this wonderful book.Thea Schlosser,author,founder of chronic fatigue,and immune dysfunction media awarness,board member of the anty aging network,staffwriter for the ,international councel for freedom of health.