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But You Don't Look Sick!: Fibromyalgia an Invisible illness
There is a wealth of information in this small book regarding fibromyalgia and its many co-existing illness. Topics such as medication, hints and tips, educating the family, childhood fibromyalgia (JFS), financial advice and much more is discussed.Fibromyalgia is an invisible, chronic illness for which there are no medical tests. Diagnosis is by a process of elimination and there is no recognised treatment. Symptoms include widespread aches and pains; extreme fatigue; cognitive and mobility difficulties and impairment; insomnia; gut, digestive, bowel and bladder problems; headaches/migraines; Tinnitus and many more unexplained symptoms.For many years Bette Brown has been diagnosed and living with the challenges of fibromyalgia (sometimes referred to as Fibromyalgia Syndrome or FMS). She knows how it affects every corner of your life. She’s had to make several lifestyle changes to ensure she can keep fighting this life changing illness. As well as her own experience, knowledge and research, she has had access to the personal stories of others who have had the challenge and trauma of living with fibromyalgia and its effect. They have agreed Bette can share these with you. This is a down to earth, easy-to-read book about the debilitating, fluctuating and frequently misunderstood illness fibromyalgia. Ann Livingstone B.A.(Hons) Business Admin
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2019
11 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 3, 2024
I read this book whilst I had been signed off sick with stress and when my fibromyalgia was unmanageable. I echo what a previous reviewer has commented in that you should ONLY READ THIS BOOK IF YOU HAVE A DIAGNOSIS. Without a diagnosis you are in danger and trying to self diagnose something that is debilitating and following advice that may not be suitable for you. This book came to me at a time where I felt like my fibromyalgia was a two tonne demon clinging to my back as I tried to continue with my normal everyday life; the book made me feel heard and at points made me cry with the epiphany of acceptance of my diagnosis.
Bette Brown also helps you navigate relationships and how to manage your communication with your significant others in regard to how you feel in your body at any given time. The only critique I would have would be in reference to the testimonials towards the end of the book, this is quite depressing especially if you are hopeful that your diagnosis is transient. It also is in danger of minimising your condition as there are some extreme cases that I pray most of us will never experience.
A very good read for anyone struggling with acceptance of a fibromyalgia diagnosis.
Bette Brown also helps you navigate relationships and how to manage your communication with your significant others in regard to how you feel in your body at any given time. The only critique I would have would be in reference to the testimonials towards the end of the book, this is quite depressing especially if you are hopeful that your diagnosis is transient. It also is in danger of minimising your condition as there are some extreme cases that I pray most of us will never experience.
A very good read for anyone struggling with acceptance of a fibromyalgia diagnosis.
June 9, 2020
Read with caution.
Most of this book is helpful, but not for someone who has not been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.
The advice about diet, medication, the need for aids etc. is useful. One common theme is that of unsympathetic GPs. Reading that is useful, as the frustration can be almost as bad as the condition.
The financial advice for older people is a bit distorted, saying that PIPs has replaced Attendance Allowance. It has not! AA is for older people over 65, replacing PIP.
Other reviewers have said that this book is depressing. But it only applies to part 2, because the Fibro Warriors stories are quite harrowing. That is why readers need to have been diagnosed, otherwise they may not believe they have this disease. Not all people living with Fibro have had huge amounts of trauma in their lives.
It also seems to assume that it is a middle age disease, but I was healthy until age 72, although I have had a bad back and neck issues since age 30 or so, I realise now how long it has been creeping up on me, and now at age 76 it is a relief to have finally had a diagnoses, after four years of trying to get through to GPs how much pain and fatigue I have. But after tests, and xrays, at last I know what I am dealing with.
It is reassuring to read about the guilt one may feel at wanting to lie down and rest. Something that i struggle with.
Most of this book is helpful, but not for someone who has not been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.
The advice about diet, medication, the need for aids etc. is useful. One common theme is that of unsympathetic GPs. Reading that is useful, as the frustration can be almost as bad as the condition.
The financial advice for older people is a bit distorted, saying that PIPs has replaced Attendance Allowance. It has not! AA is for older people over 65, replacing PIP.
Other reviewers have said that this book is depressing. But it only applies to part 2, because the Fibro Warriors stories are quite harrowing. That is why readers need to have been diagnosed, otherwise they may not believe they have this disease. Not all people living with Fibro have had huge amounts of trauma in their lives.
It also seems to assume that it is a middle age disease, but I was healthy until age 72, although I have had a bad back and neck issues since age 30 or so, I realise now how long it has been creeping up on me, and now at age 76 it is a relief to have finally had a diagnoses, after four years of trying to get through to GPs how much pain and fatigue I have. But after tests, and xrays, at last I know what I am dealing with.
It is reassuring to read about the guilt one may feel at wanting to lie down and rest. Something that i struggle with.
May 2, 2021
But You Don’t Look Sick by Bette Brown is a powerful little book looking at fibromyalgia. If you are a sufferer or know someone who is, this book will be useful to read.
The book covers some of the symptoms (but not all as the list is huge), the medications and helpful suggestions as to what may work, how to cope and how to tell others.
Fibromyalgia is an invisible illness. You look fine but don’t feel fine. Ordinary tasks may be hard and brain fog (which I thought was unique to me) is very frustrating.
There are personal stories from sufferers which helps to know that you are not alone.
I had a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2010 and fibromyalgia in 2016, this book was helpful but I felt it did not go far enough. I would have liked a section on how to fight against the symptoms. For me personally, I thought I was going to end up wheelchair bound as my mobility was bad but I learnt to swim and gained a new lease of life for my limbs. With lockdown I discovered yoga and am now more mobile and supple than ever. I found the tone of the book seemed to be suggesting an inevitable downward spiral but we can fight back and improve our bodies mobility.
I would recommend this book to fellow suffers but with a caution to say, a downward progression is not inevitable.
The book covers some of the symptoms (but not all as the list is huge), the medications and helpful suggestions as to what may work, how to cope and how to tell others.
Fibromyalgia is an invisible illness. You look fine but don’t feel fine. Ordinary tasks may be hard and brain fog (which I thought was unique to me) is very frustrating.
There are personal stories from sufferers which helps to know that you are not alone.
I had a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2010 and fibromyalgia in 2016, this book was helpful but I felt it did not go far enough. I would have liked a section on how to fight against the symptoms. For me personally, I thought I was going to end up wheelchair bound as my mobility was bad but I learnt to swim and gained a new lease of life for my limbs. With lockdown I discovered yoga and am now more mobile and supple than ever. I found the tone of the book seemed to be suggesting an inevitable downward spiral but we can fight back and improve our bodies mobility.
I would recommend this book to fellow suffers but with a caution to say, a downward progression is not inevitable.
January 16, 2021
Excellent Wee Book
I chose the five star rating for this book because it is so informative about FMS and all the other problems that go with it. I definitely learnt a few things from reading it e.g how FMS affects everyone differently even though its all covered by the 1diagnosis.
I would recommend that anyone who thinks that they might have FMS to read this book and also get their family members to have a read of it too, hopefully it will go someway to help them understand how what a daily struggle it is living with FMS.
I chose the five star rating for this book because it is so informative about FMS and all the other problems that go with it. I definitely learnt a few things from reading it e.g how FMS affects everyone differently even though its all covered by the 1diagnosis.
I would recommend that anyone who thinks that they might have FMS to read this book and also get their family members to have a read of it too, hopefully it will go someway to help them understand how what a daily struggle it is living with FMS.
January 10, 2020
This book is really well written and easy to read. It is very informative, gives some great advice and motivational. I found the real life stories very moving & inspiring.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia or CFS and encourage friends and loved ones to read it too so that they can understand the symptoms we struggle with day in day out.
Highly recommended read 😊
I would highly recommend this book to anyone newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia or CFS and encourage friends and loved ones to read it too so that they can understand the symptoms we struggle with day in day out.
Highly recommended read 😊
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews