Muscle Pain

I read this book a few yrs. after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I cannot begin to describe the sense of relief and companionship this book brought to me. When friends, loved ones, & acquaintances are "diagnosed", This is the first "therapy" I recommend and/or purchase for them as a gift. It gives the reader a sense that she/he is not alone. The authors have a way of "validating" the person suffering, and helps the others in their lives understand and offer compassion. I have lived with fibromyalgia, and several other autoimmune disorders for 7+ yrs now. I still consider this book the best first step in treatment! Well worth the investment and time. The only thing I disagree with in the edition I still own, is that the use of narcotic pain medications is highly admonished...so often, and to a degree that can make the reader/sufferer that must rely on such medications to function feel guilty. Since fibromyalgia is so often accompanied by other rheumatic-like conditions, I would never want ANYONE to add GUILT to their endless list of problems and symptoms. There is a place for narcotics in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Many people (myself included) are unable to take NSAIDS, and the only other medicinal alternative is maintenance narcotics.(In addition to antidepressents, muscle relaxants, etc.) Research is finding that within the FM population, NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflamatories) are not well tolerated by the FM patient. This is one of the best FM companions available!

Defintely worth reading. A good reference book for those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia or those wishing to have a better understanding of FMS. I found the personal account of the author's experience very true to life. (I have Fibromyalgia.) This is real life, and those looking for a miracle storybook ending won't find it here. This book deals addresses the fact that Fibromyalgia is real and won't just go away, however it also deals with the many aspects of how people can deal with Fibromyalgia.

This book is a wonderful blending of both practical advice for everyday living and information on the most current medical research. Even if you own all the other books out there on fibromyalgia (I do...), you will still find a great deal of valuable information in this one! It is really that good.

Recently diagnosed? Don't know the medical jargon? This is the book to get! It's an excellent "primer" for newly diagnosed FMers and will explain the basics to you.

Gayle Backstrom has managed to combine fact and experience into a highly readable book. I found myself highlighting passage after passage with the hope that I could get my family members to read them, and thereby understand what I was dealing with. The author gives some splendid practical advice on such topics as whether or not it's worth it to go through the lengthy hassle of applying for disability benefits. Her cautions are realistic, and I have passed them along to members of my support group.