Fibromyalgia: A Guide to Understanding the Journey

by Shelly Bolton

HELP, I'M FALLING APART!!

This quick read is informative and entertaining, with personal stories and documented research.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Medical, Reference

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2013

Reviews

[Damona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded and read this book a little over a year ago when my partner was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I was recently diagnosed with fibro myself, so I figured I would read it again. It's interesting to have had both perspectives on it, both being the partner of someone with fibromyalgia and having it myself. Reading other's stories is good because it reminds me that we're not alone in this.

[Adele Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having suffered from fibromyalgia, all my life but only diagnosed five years ago, I wanted a book that I could guide people too when people they know nothing of it.

The only issue I have about it is when “the Lord” is mentioned, hence the reason why I removed one star.

[Gabriella Simons · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was diagnosed six years ago in my early 20s and bought this book not long after. Now, I've finally read it! It's been a good reminder/ refresher on the every day struggles that are symptoms of the condition and not my personal failings. I'd fallen back in to beating myself when my body was working against my best intentions.
Overall it's a good insight into a fibro sufferers symptoms but a shallow one. There's a lot that needed expanding on or adding to really cover the sections.
Examples; the Sleep section needed more clarity as REM sleep is not the deep regenerative sleep stage but reads as though it is and the headaches often linked to the jaw issues touched on also could have been a natural expansion on the issue.
The same applies to the digestive symptoms section, there's a lot more to be said including the link some researchers have made between fibromyalgia and gut bacteria.
Reproductive issues don't explore how symptoms worsen when pregnant which having just had a baby I can attest to first hand.
When we get to coping with fibromyalgia I and from the looks of it many other readers didn't like the reference to prayer and God as a solution. I'd have a lot more respect for the idea if posed as the author's personal way of coping and not as a solution for all.
The stories are a nice touch although I feel we could have benefitted from more information upfront than the amount of personal experiences in the back. They do however create a sense of community and common experiences, such as not being understood, looking for answers and really having to investigate to get the diagnosis and still getting up and making the most out of life everyday even through the pain and plethora of debilitating symptoms.

[Lenore Kuipers-Cummins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simply put explanation of Fibromyalgia for women of all ages. It comes and goes for any female from teen to old-age.
It is a disease. It is serious. It hurts. It is constant pain. There is no known cure for it, but many women suffer from it and don't know that the symptoms they are experiencing (skin hurting and burning and turning red, tingling of the skin, problems with eyes and ears, fatigue, depression, problems with joints, muscles, and the spine) are indeed Fibromyalgia. Doctors struggle to figure this disease out, and hesitate to diagnose it. Friends and family think it is excuses. You may suffer from "fibro-fog" ; the memory issue of involuntary recall....problems remembering to do things. There are sleep problems, respiratory/sinus problems, nausea, abdominal cramping, reproductive problems, and sensory symptoms.
The book has an excellent list of sources to reference.

[Jessica Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very formative book

It is good to see that there are people are just like but their stories are different from my story. It always hope for us to win in victory. God has us in his hands.

[Mrs L Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite good, interesting stories

It was ok, more based on the writers journey than anything else, but some interesting info at times and a nicely written book. Not a bad read.

[Chelsiie' Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and all true, I recommended to friends to help understand my condition better

[Ella Dancey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice to read a book which made me feel seen but it would have been good to have things that have worked for other people to manage the pain etc

[Lorieen Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was therapeutic! I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 7 years ago. For 3 years, I underwent what seemed like every test known to man. I too had my sanity questioned which made me very angry. It showed me that I am not alone and my journey is not even close to the worst. The stories within the book reminded me of how blessed I am. Although my husband doesn't really understand it, and I don't claim it...it is real. It has a name, and I have experienced all too well 99% of everything discussed in the book. This book speaks to me: it's not fun to be in the Fibromyalgia club, but for every day I fight for normalcy, someone else is fighting even harder. I recommend this book for anyone and their families who have experienced unexplained pain. It could possibly answer their questions as well as help them maintain their sanity.

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very helpful for someone who has been diagnosed with Fibro and really doesn't know anything about it. Not an in-depth look, but a very good overview. For me is was a way to get started into how to deal with my illness.

[Lana D. Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally it is making sense

Thank you for letting me know that after years of ailments it seems that the end result is that I have fibromyalgia for sure. A upcoming trip to a Rumetoligist I hope will go better now.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good simplistic information for a Fibro "newbie"

[Patience Harris Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fibro


A declaration of others' experiences with fibromyalgia. It was good to listen to the experiences of others' to help mitigate your own.

[mrs s ziane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great help

Newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia, this book help to hear other people's story. Helps to realize your not alone. Easy read.

[Mandy Dawson Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information though it didn't really grab my attention.