Fibromyalgia for Dummies

by Roland Staud, Christine Adamec

Remember the body aches you experienced the last time you had a bad flu? Now multiply that pain times ten and you have some idea of what everyday life can be like for fibromyalgia sufferers. A chronic medical condition characterized mainly by pain in the muscles and tendons throughout the entire body, fibromyalgia is known to afflict more than 6 million people in the United States and millions more around the world. Yet, many people, including some doctors, think that “fibromyalgia” is just another word for “hypochondria.” If you have fibromyalgia you have some idea of how frustrating it is to have your suffering dismissed by your friends, family, and coworkers, and how hard it can be to find professional help in managing your disease. Now for the good Written by one of the world’s leading experts on fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia For Dummies is a complete, easy-to-use guide to coping with chronic pain and other symptoms associated with that disease. You get expert advice and guidance on how Dr. Roland Staud offers you immediate relief from the physical and emotional pain of fibromyalgia with. He fills you in on the latest science on what fibromyalgia is and how you get it, and he offers a wealth of practical information A gold mine of expert information and guidance, Fibromyalgia For Dummies will help you feel better and live and happier, more productive life—starting today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Medical, Reference, Self Help

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

Reviews

[Cheryl Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, extensive research into what Fibromyalgia really is. It holds nothing back and I've even had to take the books to my doctor's appointments in the beginning and sometimes still now, which is noted in the book. Some people give you dirty looks like, "I'm the doctor here!" -- but this was written by a doctor and if you have no insurance like me, then letting them know that sometimes you have to take painkillers for flare-ups and breakthrough pain and showing them the proof that they DO work for some fibro patients, is EXTREMELY helpful. Some doctor's don't even believe in fibro and if that's the case DO NOT waste your time or money explaining because you won't change their medical opinion. Seek other care! This is such a helpful book for me...especially for someone who knew so little about my condition that I feel like, now, that I have read the symptoms, I have had since I was in elementary school. I'm 26 years old now.

Definitely read this, for people suffering and for their families that may not understand!

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, this book was a very good, easy-to-read (yet it included some technical info explained for the lay person) general overview of the various aspects of Fibromyalgia. It included information on the latest research, treatments, and medications. It covered the variety of symptoms, treatment options, and a variety of ways to manage it. For a newbie to the world of fibromyalgia, this was a great introductory book.

[Deborah Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

his book is written in layman's terms and is great if you think you may have signs of Fibromyalgia. I have thought I had it, but the doctors did not agree until I pointed out a few signs that I had learned from this book. I am a chronic headache/migraine sufferer as well with signs of Fibromyalgia on top of it. I am glad I bought this book, and it was very informative - it is an easy read - and easy to highlight and write notes in. I would highly recommend this book if you or someone you know suffers or think you suffer from Fibromyalgia.

[Mamabear · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for basic information about Fibromyalgia from symptoms to treatments.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for some basics but quite dated with regards new research happening. Mine is an old copy.

[Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised when I picked this up at work to read, because I have a bit of an attitude about all of the 'Dummies' books. Granted, it didn't have any groundbreaking information or tell me stuff I didn't already know about fibromyalgia (although I'd forgotten some things, so it was helpful in that respect) but is concise and easy to follow and understand and is a great starting point for the newly diagnosed. Ideally, I'd give it to every close friend and family member or even workmate of mine to help them understand this illness a little bit better. It might not make for exciting reading if you don't have fibromyalgia yourself though, I'll grant you. :)

I would probably buy this for myself, just as a good general reference to keep on hand.

[Lyndsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good overview for all fibro sufferers, from the newly-diagnosed to those of us who have had it a little longer.

It covers pretty much all relevant aspects: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, food, exercise. It also gives detailed information on how it affects the body.

I definitely recommend for anyone who suffers. I probably wouldn't recommend to people who know/love someone with fibro. It goes into more detail than you probably need.

[Susi Mirick · Rating 5 out of 5]

took a long time to read because i was only reading it in the "little" room....but it is chock full of information (some of it is outdated) but nonetheless a lot of it actually helped and now i have a plan with my doctor and will use the book for reference from time to time

[DonnaB Busk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good first grade after diagnosis

This book is written in an easy-to-read manner . It offers many ideas and solutions and covers the topic well . It is a good read for anyone diagnosed with fibromyalgia or wanting to better understand fibromyalgia .

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a broad overview of fibromyalgia syndrome, it’s causes, treatment, diagnosis, and coping skills. For me, the two most helpful sections of the book where the chapter on similar diseases that help you figure out if you have fibromyalgia or something else and the section on finding the right doctor for you or finding a new doctor if you need one. I found the chapter on talking with family members and handling emotions about having an auto immune disease to be helpful as well. There is also a thorough chapter covering medications that can be helpful if they are new to you.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

The copy i read was 8 years old outdated from my library. As a new patient I did find it helpful and learned more about my disease. It has valuable references in the back for the ones that are not outdated or obsolete. Is it worth reading for patients yes but I would recommend finding a more up to date copy .

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good review of the symptoms, suspected origins, medications, treatments, and emotional implications of people with FMS and their friends and family. Covers a range of western and alternative medical treatments and medications...their uses and abuses. Myths and facts is a major portion of this book.

[Christina Bebee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was mostly informative. Some stuff is outdated. There's recommendations to join newsgroups which haven't been a (widely used) thing for almost 20 years. Some resources/links are to sites that no longer exist. Sadly, it's still more updated than some medical professionals. So in that way it's still useful for learning about fibromyalgia if you or a loved one has it.

[Hayley Jane B · Rating 5 out of 5]

All book that you need to read or even just pick through to find the information you want when first diagnosed. Answers a lot of the questions you nearly always forget when see the doctor. Can be empowering and give you a boost of confidence when you've got a unbelieving or stubborn GP.

[Amy Woodley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to help individuals with fibromyalgia learn more about those condition and what may help. It is also helpful for loved ones to have an understanding of the condition and how they can help.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very American-centric. Some good information.

[Donna Few · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. Always going back to it for advice.

[Tricia Maloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful book with a lot of basic information. It is great for someone just learning about fibromyalgia.

[Mary Lotshaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would be great for someone new to fibromyalgia. But sadly I’m not.

[Natalie Sparkes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely aimed towards American readers. I had to look up some of the terminology, as it was American names for treatments

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Answered so many of my questions. Gave me a better understanding with documented research. Everything makes more sense now after reading this book.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and understand...I would recommend this to others looking for this info!!

[Jorge Rodighiero · Rating 3 out of 5]

An useful introduction

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

very informative and easy-reading pace.

[Joshua Bertram · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing style is bad, as is typical for these "Dummies" books, but at least you're getting good content from an expert on the subject. This book is a pretty comprehensive run-down of all aspects of FMS, covering the science, treatments ranging from pharmaceutical to lifestyle changes, and even chapters on supporting others who have FMS. I appreciated that it comes well-researched and presents the science for you to see. It doesn't feel like a pseudoscience trend book or come off like it's trying to sell a miracle cure to desperate people.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books to read when learning about Fibromyalgia. I've been diagnosed for years now and I am still learning. Seems I can blame almost everything on Fibromyalgia as much as I don't want to, it's true. Or so it seems!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful book if you want to get information about fibromyalgia quickly. Written so anyone can understand it, and even though it's from 2007 it still has information that's applicable in the medical field now.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! It was very helpful during the process of receiving my diagnosis. This book is very informative and helped me understand this condition and how to deal with the transition that is coming after a diagnosis. Don't let the cover fool you!

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I flipped through this after checking it out from the library. It was okay. Probably a good resource for someone who was just diagnosed.

[Emma Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

lots of good self help suggestions. The only downfall for me was that it was american so a lot of the medication info was not applicable.