Customer Reviews

Taking Charge of Fibromyalgia: A Self-Management Program for Your Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Fourth Edition

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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!

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"

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.

This book is outstanding, extremely well written, and very down to earth and reaches everyone no matter where in their journey they are. I run a support group for fibromyalgia and have been diagnosed for over 10 years. This is one of the best books I have read on this topic and have recommended it to all that I come into contact with in the FMS world!

Huge thanks for the writer as she did an outstanding job and encompassing everything we deal with daily!

The authors have compiled a lot of information about Fibromyalgia in an easy to read format. The chapter on research is up-to-date. They have taken complex studies and made them easier to understand. The practical hints on exercise, coping, and how to deal with flare-ups were really useful. I'm really glad that I found this book!

This is a wonderful book!It is such a thorough, complete resource for fibromyalgia and yet it is so clear and easy to read. The many places where I can record and journal my own health experiences throughout the book are really helpful.After struggling with pain and difficulties on my own, I feel as if I have found a "friend" in this book. I just don't feel so alone anymore! I feel supported and encouraged and armed with a lot of knowledge that I did not have before!

This is a great, helpful book written in a clear and concisestyle. It is full of lots of suggestions and even has pages that youcan xerox to help keep your own journal of your illness. The appendices in the back are chock full of further resources, too. A good basic book that is packed with info and ideas.

I found that this book had more information from a medical view then from a living day to day view. I also puchased Fibromyalgia for Dummies and found that to be more helpful for people who don't have or need medical background.

This book is such a wonderful surprise! I call it my Fibro Bible and I refer to it regularly!

The title suggests that it will give you all "you need to know" to help you cope with this illness, and it DOES!

It's very comprehensive, factual, and is written by two nurse practitioners who work with FM patients and if I'm not mistaken they too suffer from Fibro.

This book contains such a wealth of information and is written in a very organized and easy-to-follow manner. The book contains logs & charts to help you track symptoms and other problems, which will help give your doctor a clear picture of your situation.

This book also covers medications, how to dress for maximum comfort, how to deal with people who don't understand your problem, how to talk to your family & friends about your illness, and how to minimize stress in your life so you won't have another "flare-up."

It talks about so many topics that you wouldn't think were inter-related to FM. As I read on, I found myself nodding my head in perfect clarity as certain things became so apparent to me.

Please read this book; it will really change your perspective and offer you a lot of help. It's not like the other books; it doesn't talk about the scientific part of FM although the nurses have a terrific bibliography in the back of the book.

For me, this is My Bible. Read it; you'll see why!

this is a goodbook...when you getthe news your wifehas this disease..
andyou've been wondering..."whats really going on"..this book nails it..
very good information..well worth the $$