Fibromyalgia : Understanding and Getting Relief from Pain That Won't Go Away

by Don L. Goldenberg

Fibromyalgia is a debilitating disease that affects a large number of people - an estimated to 500,000 people in the UK alone. With symptoms ranging from extreme fatigue to sleep disturbances, headaches and pain throughout the body, it is a disease which for years has baffled medical science. Fibromyalgia is the first definitive guide to the causes, symptoms and treatment options for this increasingly common illness. Don Goldenberg has treated over 20, 000 sufferers and is America's leading investigator into the disease. In this book he answers patients' most frequently asked questions. Explains the common symptoms and why they occur; Explores the link between fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Explores the latest theories about the causes of the disease. Examines the connection between your emotional state and fibromyalgia. Details what conventional treatments are available. Explores the effectiveness of complementary and natural remedies. Debunks the myths and misinformation that abound about this disease

Genres: Health

Paperback

First published June 4, 2002

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is for Dr. Goldenbergs "Fibromyalgia: The Final Chapter", which I believe is a later version of this book. e-book price of $9.99 via amazon.

Lots of good info about various studies done all over the world about fibro. His wife is a fibro patient, and this helps me swallow some of his theories, as he's seen it with his wife firsthand. Basically, his idea is that its a combo of physical and mental causes that feed off of each other into a spectrum which causes the symptoms. Basically (an idea which I very much agree with) the conclusion is that you have to be engaged in your treatment, have a positive attitude, keep moving, and refuse to be defined by your illness - this will help your treatments (whatever you choose) help you.

Not a whole lot of new information (no "smoking gun" as to cause and or cure of course), but its a thorough analysis, and I think this book would be very helpful to the newly diagnosed and their families.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a patient of Dr. Goldenberg, I can say he is one of the nicest and most understanding doctors in the field at this time. I was very lucky to have been "officially" diagnosed with Fibromyalgia for the last time by him after seeing 4 doctors before this. Yes, this book is a little outdated, but I still find it informative and pertinent today. If you can, find his new book and you will get the whole picture of the work being done in the medical field about this awful illness.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has become my primer on Fibromyalgia. Dr. Goldenberg is my Rheumatologist. What I especially like is the way in which he shares cases, places facts and fallacies on the table and is very objective. His passion for the topic is obvious and it allows him to reach the reader while he is quite pragmatic. Fibromyalgia is complex. Those looking for a magic wand or a simple just-add-water solution won't find it here. What the reader will find is solid information and support. Many of the cases resonated with me. The explanation of how the doctors set the criteria for diagnosis was an interesting historical note.

I highly recommend this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a very informative, helpful and encouraging book, written by a researching physician with first-hand experience of chronic pain.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

To clarify, I actually read Fibromyalgia: The Final Chapter, the recent e-book by the same author.

Dr. Goldenberg is one of the doctors who helped formalize the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. Although he can be a bit dry, his style is straightforward and accessible to laymen.

This is recommended reading for anyone who has ever experienced chronic pain or exhaustion. Fibromyalgia and its cousin Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are both widespread but very poorly understood. Perhaps the main danger from both diseases is from unnecessary surgery and over-medication in pursuit of some more conventionally diagnosable ailment. If you have experienced chronic pain from any cause or ongoing inexplicable exhaustion, read Dr. Goldenberg's work and educate yourself. FM and CFS afflict millions of people, but they don't have to ruin your life.

[Reighnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this is an older book and I'll have to see if there is something newer out but this is my first read about Fibromyalgia after recently being diagnosed. I found it to be easy to read and informative. I especially liked the shared stories, I could relate to the words of those quoted in the book. They articulated what I couldn't about their feelings and pain.

[Maeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a thorough, readable introduction to the many symptoms of fibromyalgia, many of the experiences people have with wading through the medical system trying to discover a diagnosis for their pains, and the treatments that actually work. Despite being published back in 2002, I highly recommend this book. I am better off for having read it.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent primer on Fibromyalgia, written by one of the world's leading experts on Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Disorder. I highly recommend this book for anyone with Fibromyalgia and those who care about them.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it was published in 2002, it is now a little outdated but it still has great basic information for anyone with Fibromylgia. I would reccommend this book for anyone who has just found out that they have Fibromyalgia.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK but wasn't as informative as I had hoped.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Very informative.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very informative book.