Understanding Fibromyalgia: An Introduction for Patients and Caregivers

by Naheed Ali

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder associated with overall body pain and discomfort. Although the condition is not a variety of other neurological disorders or even arthritis, it possesses some of the same symptoms. There are an estimated 10 million Americans suffering with fibromyalgia, and estimates suggest that three to six percent of the world's population have symptoms of fibromyalgia. The medical costs of treatment coupled with lost productivity have been estimated in the billions of dollars. The good news is that fibromyalgia is not progressive and is not fatal. Many sufferers report that the symptoms can improve with treatment and time.This accessible introduction to the disorder helps educate both sufferers and caregivers alike to the symptoms, potential causes, treatments, and outcomes of fibromyalgia. Addressing both traditional and alternative approaches, Naheed Ali offers hope and guidance for those seeking both understanding and possible paths to recovery. He focuses not just on the science and medicine behind fibromyalgia, but also on living well with it after diagnosis. Offering tips for lifestyle modifications as well as advice for caregivers, family, and friends, he ultimately provides a responsive and hopeful guide to this often misunderstood condition.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Medical

192 pages, ebook

Published May 20, 2016

About the author

Naheed is a bestselling author, speaker, and health advocate."

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife who battles FM picked this up for me and im so glad she did.The book is broken down in laymans terms and gave me real insight into what FM sufferers face each and everyday.I learned that for each individual its a different never ending battle.I now have a better understanding of the subject as a whole and am very grateful to my wife for opening my eyes to the many facets of this disease.

[Teresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly organized. Repetitive. Very wordy, but with little information. There are much more helpful books about fibromyalgia available. Don't waste your time on this one.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book does a poor job of explaining the pathophysiological mechanisms of FM. Even though it was published relatively recently, much of the information is outdated. The book does not mention the role of the sympathetic nervous system, the hypothalamus, and small nerve fibers in pathology. There is no explanation of the effects of dysfunctional enzymes on neurotransmitters nor dysfunctional receptors on pain-sensing nerves. For example, the author proposes the facile claim that the poor sleep that is typical of FM is caused only by bothersome pain keeping patients awake. Current research demonstrates that autonomic dysregulation prevents restful sleep, which causes the characteristic widespread muscle pain of FM. The book also makes various contradictory claims. For example, the author first claims that FM does not cause joint pain. He later claims that joint pain is a common symptom of FM and that patients often experience multiple arthralgias. Further, much of the prose is repetitive or irrelevant. For example, instead of explaining the structural and functional changes that cause fibro fog, the author wastes time arguing the semantics of whether the symptom should be called Fibro-Fog versus cognitive dysfunction and whether fibro-fog is a condition or a symptom.

[Hunter · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️. Repetitive, but a good place to start if you’re looking into fibromyalgia. Only 2.5 because the author spouts some homeopathic BS and there’s little to no discussion about comorbidites.

- a guy with fibromyalgia + comorbidites.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Description:

This book is written by a doctor in the states for patients and carers understand a difficult and complex condition fibromyalgia. The book is easy to read and tells the reader at the preface what fibromyalgia actually is so the lay person understands straight way and then can read through the book gaining understanding of the history through to treatments and coping strategies.


Highlights:

Although this is written for the patient and carer this book is relevant to all clinical staff looking after the patient and carers. The author makes no apologies for using medical terms in this book so for the patient there is an excellent glossary which is easy to read. For the clinical teams it is relevant in the terminology and excellent up to date referencing at the back with useful further reading for all readers.
The astounding fact that 10 million Americans suffer from the condition (no indication of UK or worldwide – if the data is available) highlights the need for a user friendly well research guide for patients and carers.


Strengths and weaknesses:

Quite often in text book medications are related to only pharmaceutical giving the patient no choice but the author explores both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments which the patient and clinical teams will find useful in relation to treatment pathways.

The book explores pain management in which pain specialists will also fond useful in treating their patients.

The author takes a very complex condition (as he has done in previous of his books) and makes sense and give the patient expert guidance and understanding. The author has a great gift in being able to impart his knowledge in a way lay persons can gain greater understanding.


Potential Readers:

All staff involved in treating patients with this condition including pain management nurses and doctors. For staff who have little understanding of this subject, they will gain clear understanding without finding the writing heavy or too jargonistic.