64 of 64 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't wait to buy this book!, February 17, 2006
If you've never heard of Taking Charge of Fibromyalgia, where have you been? The original 1993 publication has survived more than a decade, primarily due to co-authors Rosalie Devonshire and Julie Kelly consistently updating this classic. To my delight, the newest version includes an expanded chapter on nutritional and alternative (complementary) therapies.
The 2005 edition chronicles the history of fibromyalgia (FMS), introduces the latest research and treatment options, plus advises how to recognize if you have FMS and/or chronic fatigue syndrome. Traditional elements address disability, work, sleep and exercise, medications, along with an appendix of physician protocols and an exhaustive compilation of resource material. Newbie information features FMS and men, pregnancy, an excellent section for support group leaders and a much needed index. A listing of useful laboratory tests added to the diagnosis section, along with a symptom checklist, are helpful tools for determining treatment options. Other self-educating (and thus empowering) tools include a sleep log, exercise and medication diary, a personal activity chart and journal pages for self talk, stress management, coping and support. My favorite is the "Journal for days when I hurt page"! Its fill-in-the blanks format focuses on the positive instead of the pain. Plus, a one page summary of the book lets you see at a glance what steps you need to start taking charge immediately.
Understanding how or why you hurt is important for managing the most difficult symptom of FMS; pain. Notably, the revised Research section gives a thorough explanation of the possible causes of pain, as well as how a person with FMS processes (more)pain. Although the complexities of neurochemicals and nerve hypersensitization sounds intimidating, this difficult material is turned into easily understood language for readers. And knowledge is power.
Even if you have a previous edition, the comprehensive, 100 page update makes it worth plunking down the purchase price for the 2005 Edition. The best self-help book is the kind that gives you the maximum, most effective tools to be successful. Taking Charge empowers the reader to do just that. Need I say more? Don't wait; buy the book!
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36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I have to agree, October 19, 2006
I've had FMS for over 7 years and have read tons of books and done a lot of research. This book is the most excellent by far, and is worth it if just for the condensed version of the latest research. All in all this should be a required manual every doctor hands an FMS patient. Please do yourself a favour and buy it. PS - Compliment it with "The Fibromyalgia Advocate" and "Fibromyalgia: The New Integrative Approach : How to Combine the Best of Traditional and Alternative Therapies"
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26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Book on Fibromyalgia, February 28, 2006
I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This book answered all of my questions about the disease and provided me with ways to cope with my illness. The book is well written and packed with information. I highly recommend this book to all.
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