Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Survival Manual

I have Devin Starlanyl's book and I highly recommend it to anyone who has FMS/MPS, or has a family member who suffers from this little understood disease. The book is very easy to understand and has helped me more than words can say. I have traveled the journey that leads to the diagnosis of "FMS" since an auto accident in 1985. Over the last 15 years, I've been trying to find ways to help my family and friends understand what I could not explain and now, with the information in this wonderful book, I have a practical tool which helps me explain what I've been dealing with. The detailed information and explantions regarding the various symptoms and challanges this disease causes, have helped my family understand my condition and has helped them adjust to the changes this disease has caused.FMS is a very complex disease and it effects each of us differently, physically, emotionally and mentally, but there is a reason why these things are happening and it has a name! And for me personally, that one fact alone has renewed my spirit and my self-esteem. It's an extremely discouraging and difficult journey of finding the right diagnosis, the correct balance of medications and appropriate treatments that work. Sometimes, the lack of understanding and the frustration can contribute to the severity of the depression those of us who have FMS/MPS find ourselves batteling. But this book offers a definative ray of hope.The wide range of information in this book provides valuable insight into the various challenges we "Fibromites" have to cope with, and for the first time in many years, it has made me feel acknowledged and validated.Thank you Devin and Mary Ellen, for letting us know the good news is that once one understands what FMS/MPS is, and finds the right diagnosis, proper therapy, and appropriate medications, there is hope! Thanks to your efforts to share your experiences and research, it is much easier for us and our families to understand and manage the day to day challenges of FMS/MPS.

I would recommend this book to anyone who suffers from fibromyalgia or mps, is seriously affected by the disease, and who has a pretty good ability to deal with details and medical information. For those with fibromyalgia who are looking for a less overwhelming book, there are other good ones out there for you. That being said, if you do have a serious case of fibromyalgia or mps and want to be a good advocate for yourself within the medical system, this is the book to have.In detailed and comprehensive terms the authors explain what these conditions are, what they aren't, how they are diagnosed, other common symptoms (this is the section that you will most like if you have fibromyalgia or mps--who knew about mosquitos being drawn to us!) and several great sections on coping, keeping journals, how to cope with the dreaded "fibrofog," medicines, and how to work out home, work, and travel issues.If you have fibromyalgia or mps you will constantly refer to this book, and will be glad you made the purchase.

If you can only buy one book on fibromyalgia, you have found it. Look no further! When I got my copy, I stayed up all night until I had read the whole thing (not recommended by the authors, by the way.) While written in such a fashion that a newly diagnosed fibro patient can quickly find the information they need, it is also an extremely comprehensive book for the medical profession and layman looking for a more in-depth understanding of this little-understood illness.Invaluable to family and friends, an assist to fibromyalgia patients working with the medical community, and reassuring to the reader who feels they have long suffered from a collection of painful symptoms that no one else understood, "Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome" has filled a long-existing empty spot in the health section of the bookstore.When you come home from the doctor's office trying to remember which medication they prescribed, what treatment was recommended, and confusion reigns supreme, turn to this book.When your mother-in-law says "Well, my body aches and my memory is fading, and _I_ don't have fibrawhatchamacallit.", turn to this book.When your doctor pats you on the shoulder and kindly says "We are all getting older, you just need to accept it. I am writing you a prescription for your nerves." turn to this book.In addition to coprehensive and well-documented research, many resources for further information and study are given, including internet addresses. Dr. Starlanyl has for years lent her time and talents to Fibrom-L, a fibromyalgia list open to anyone with internet access, guiding and reassuring those who need her assistance.From the moment I read the foreword, I know I had finally found the answer to my prayers, knowledge that I was not alone, and this was not "all in my head."Thanks to Dr.'s Starlanyl and Copeland, countless thousands of fibromyalgia sufferers are "surviving". You are both a blessing to us all.

If you have fibromyalgia and/or chronic myofascial pain syndrome(s), do yourself a favor and read this book and take it with you to your next appointment with your physician! Written by authors who suffer from these conditions, you feel a kindred spirit with you as you read this invaluable reference of self-help. This book thoroughly describes what these conditions are (and aren't); common conditions and why they occur; methods on how to deal with these conditions on a daily basis; tools to help you with the healing process; and lists additional resources, additional reading lists, and suppliers of health care items. And it is all done in an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand format. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 20 years ago, and with chronic myofascial pain syndrome 10 years ago. I have not only had to deal with the frustration of the symptoms of these conditions, but also the condescending attitude of many (not all) medical practitioners who made me feel like "it's all in my head" and "I'm crazy". Their "you have to live with it" attitude and/or their lack of full knowledge of this condition has been the worst part of having to deal with having this condition. My heartfelt thanks go to Devin Starland, M.D. and Mary Ellen Copeland, M.S., M.A. for writing this book. It not only is the most resourceful reference to these conditions I have read, but it is easy to understand and concise. And I received a great peace of mind after reading it. Although my current doctor has claimed to have read this book, I am now even more angry at him after reading the book myself - angry because of his lack of questioning about symptoms I may have been having that could have related to these conditions that I was unaware of. Now I am armed with the knowledge needed to consult him in the direction of my care and with the tools needed to improve my life. This book is a "must have" if you suffer from these conditions!