Books
Take a look into my home library.
This is my suggested reading list for those interested in finding out more about fibromyalgia,
related health issues, nutrition, medication, treatments
and other topics of interest.
"April" courtesy of:
| Click here to find out how a friend inspired me |
| Living Well With Autoimmune Disease: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You . . . That You Need to Know |
by Mary J. Shomon Did you know that if you have fibromyalgia, you may be predisposed to developing multiple autoimmune diseases? This lengthy guide provides up-to-date information on the possible causes of, prevention of and treatment for autoimmune illness. The most common diseases are described in-depth. Written in an easy-to-comprehend style that still provides adequate scientific data, it is a surprisingly quick read. Includes information on both traditional and alternative medicine and suggestions for finding the right doctor. |
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| Fibromyalgia for Dummies |
by Roland Staud, M.D. with Christine Adamec You don't have to be a dummy to get something out of this book. The information within is quite current and covers the gamut of topics from children with fibromyalgia to whether or not to tell your employer you have it to controversial treatments such as guaifenisen. I would particularly recommend this book for those who have just been diagnosed as it provides a good starting point, but those who are well-researched will also appreciate the newer subject matter such as the section on botox therapy. Best of all, the format is conducive to comprehension even in the midst of fibrofog–the paragraphs are short, logically organized, and there are many summaries to help you along. |
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| Lucky Man: A Memoir |
by Michael J. Fox You might wonder what on earth the contents of Michael J. Fox's autobiography would have in common with fibromyalgia. He was diagnosed at age 30 with Parkinson's Disease, which is degenerative and for the most part irreversible. Yet I did find some common threads between his struggle and that of a fibro sufferer. Adjusting to the reality of an incurable illness is no easier for a well-known actor than for anyone else–the illness doesn't care about your age, income or coping skills. Most of us still have to grapple with whom do we confide in and how, whether we can still work and for how long and what we can do to make a difference. None of us emerge unchanged by our illness, but some of us, like Michael J. Fox, have found ways to change for the better. |
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| From Fatigued to Fantastic! |
by Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. Dr. Teitelbaum is the Director of the Anapolis Research Center for Effective FMS/CFS Therapies and has suffered from Chronic Fatigue himself. This book cuts through much of the conflict concerning how best to manage the vast array of symptoms in a simple yet comprehensive manner. The information provided here on supplementation is excellent, and I use it as a basis for my own treatment regimen. The checklists provided in the Appendices for yeast evaluation, fibromyalgia health history and treatment protocol are worth the price of the book alone. Your doctor may also find valuable information in the treatment modalities study results. I consider this book to be an essential part of my library. |
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| Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual |
by Devin Starlanyl and Mary Ellen Copeland I recommend the Second Edition because it contains the most current information. Anyone who has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or myofascial pain needs to read this in order to obtain a basic understanding of what they are dealing with. This is one of the few books to distinguish between chronic myofascial pain (a muscle disease formerly known as myofascial pain syndrome) and fibromyalgia. I learned that I have both ailments only after reading this book and seeking a proper evaluation. This book also contains the most comprehensive list of fibro symptoms, including the weird ones that are usually dismissed as imaginary, that I have ever seen. Keep this one in your home because you will likely want to refer to it often. |
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| The Fibromyalgia Advocate: Getting the Support You Need to Cope with Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome |
by Devin J. Starlanyl, M.D. While not as current as the Second Edition of the Survivor Manual, it is still an essential volume for anyone seeking proper treatment and understanding. Dr. Starlanyl has both fibro and chronic myofascial pain, so she understands all too well the struggles involved in symptom management. She addresses various specialties of the medical community directly with sections dedicated to what each needs to know. I have made copies of some of these sections available to my more open-minded doctors. The book also enpowers the patient and encourages them to do what they can to promote awareness at all levels. I found it quite inspiring; I was motivated to find doctors who could help me help myself because of this book. |
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| Fibromyalgia: How to Combine the Best of Traditional and Alternative Therapies |
by Milton Hammerly, M.D. Written by a former doctor of mine (prior to my diagnosis). This book addresses the growing realization that Western medicine alone might not be enough to provide significant relief for those with fibromyalgia. Dr. Hammerly believes that integrating the most effective complementary/alternative medicine with standard treatment is the best approach. He provides many useful suggestions for developing individualized regimens to best serve the needs of the patient. He is a very open-minded man, and the best of that trait is featured in this book. A great place to start if you are considering alternative treatments. |
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| Your Personal Guide to Living Well with Fibromyalgia |
an official publication of the Arthritis Foundation. This is adapted from the Arthritis Foundation's Fibromyalgia Self-Help Course. It is the book that was recommended to me when I was diagnosed. It helps you focus on where to start in dealing with your illness and provides several checklists with space to write your own answers. You can use this as a jumping-off point to learn more about the aspects of fibro that affect your most. Later you can refer back what you wrote and chart your progress. |
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| Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Insights from Practitioners and Patients |
by Mari Skelly and Andrea Helm The authors both have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome and have explored many avenues of treatment. They interview health specialists as well as fellow patients to present a balanced view of the spectrum of therapies. They acknowledge that the cookie-cutter approach to symptom management seldom provides full benefit. They cover both prescription and over the counter medication, nutritional supplements, osteopathy and chiropractic, Chinese medicine, physical and mental therapies, vocational rehabilitation, nutrition, and the controversy over whether or not to use narcotics. A good book for those who are ready to supplement their conventional treatment but don't know where to start. |
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| The Etiquette of Illness: What to Say When You Can't Find the Words |
by Susan P. Halpern A small but valuable book. This was written both for people who are healthy and for those who are sick to help us through those awkward times when we want to say or do something helpful but don't know how. Often we fear upsetting a person by mentioning their illness, so we error on the side of caution and say nothing, which is perhaps worse. This book covers such delicate subjects as how best to offer assistance to the disabled, how to tell a child that you have cancer, how to accept help when you are sick without taking advantage of the giver, and how much help is too much. The paragraphs are short and easy to read, which is a bonus for those with concentration problems. I'm glad someone finally chose to write about those awkward silences we all have faced. |
© 2010, klbrowser