Called the “invisible disease,” fibromyalgia is estimated to impact more than 10 million Americans. And yet, so much is still misunderstood about this chronic disorder. Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia is an invaluable resource for understanding fibromyalgia and its debilitating symptoms. Those living with fibromyalgia know it is an invasive disorder, one that can cause overwhelming fatigue, joint stiffness, sleep problems, migraines, digestive problems, and troubles with memory and concentration, a symptom so common it is often referred to as “fibrofog.” While it's believed that humans have suffered from fibromyalgia for hundreds, even thousands, of years, a delay in medical research means many people living with fibromyalgia are still in the dark, confused by their symptoms and what causes the painful disorder. By drawing upon decades of advanced research in studying and treating fibromyalgia, Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia combines anecdotes from real cases with expertise from Mayo Clinic’s rheumatology and chronic pain experts to provide an all-encompassing guide for understanding one of the most common chronic illnesses affecting Americans today. This book also offers reasonable, proven strategies—like worksheets to help readers craft a personalized daily plan—for managing common fibromyalgia symptoms, while serving as a comforting guide for those who may feel alone in their journey with fibromyalgia. This book breaks down what fibromyalgia is—and isn’t—in 4 separate sections: · Section 1 introduces fibromyalgia, the history and modern discoveries of fibromyalgia research, as well as common myths and misconceptions associated with the condition · Section 2 outlines the different treatment options available to those who suffer from fibromyalgia, including prescription medications, therapies, and forms of integrative medicine · Section 3 offers helpful tips for managing—and improving—chronic pain through diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management · Finally, Section 4 explains how to find guidance and support from your family, friends, and physicians to help you live a life unhindered by fibromyalgia If you’re struggling to advance past your painful fibromyalgia symptoms, get the book Publisher’s Weekly described as “the first [book] a newly diagnosed patient should consult.”

This year, six million Americans--most of them women--will go to their doctors, complaining of an illness they have no name for. The majority will be turned away or treated for depression; the few who persist will go to an average of four doctors before they receive the correct diagnosis: fibromyalgia. In their earlier Making Sense of Fibromyalgia, noted medical writer Janice Wallace and Dr. Daniel Wallace, a leading expert on this disorder, provided a comprehensive guide--for both patients and professionals--to this little known and poorly understood syndrome. Now, in All About Fibromyalgia, the Wallaces provide a thoroughly revised and updated version of that highly successful volume, incorporating a wealth of new information. This edition provides the current understanding of the disease as well as the latest drug treatments--all laid out in clear and accessible language. As in the previous volume, the authors provide a detailed, yet clear explanation of the disease. Fibromyalgia, they explain, is a form of chronic neuromuscular pain, a pain-amplification syndrome brought on by abnormal interactions between hormones, the immune system, neurotransmitters, and the autonomic nervous system. Sometimes the syndrome occurs spontaneously; in most cases, the authors write, it is associated with trauma, stress, such conditions as lupus and hypothyroidism, and over forty microbes, from hepatitis to Epstein-Barr to Lyme disease. Drawing on actual cases to illustrate their points, the authors help break through the isolation that patients often feel when doctors misdiagnose or simply ignore their symptoms. All About Fibromyalgia addresses a desperate need for information on this disease and offers reassurance to patients and their families.

Eight simple and relaxing yoga sequences for fibromyalgia patients looking to manage their pain, alleviate their fatigue, and improve their overall well-being Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain in muscles, ligaments, and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points (places on the body where slight pressure causes pain). Although mainstream medicine has yet to devise a successful plan for treating fibromyalgia, yoga offers sensible strategies for managing—and sometimes overcoming—the pain. Written by a yoga teacher and suitable for both yoga novices and veterans, this book is grounded in simple movements, breathing techniques, and guided visualization and relaxation sessions. Readers learn to reduce stress and manage fibromyalgia through eight sequences: four for pain relief, one to diminish fatigue and improve sleep, and three for maintaining body awareness and general flexibility. The author’s simple, supportive language and mixture of theory, practice, and the latest scientific data offer hope for one of today's most challenging health conditions.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are serious, debilitating conditions that affect millions of people in the United States and around the world. ME/CFS can cause significant impairment and disability. Despite substantial efforts by researchers to better understand ME/CFS, there is no known cause or effective treatment. Diagnosing the disease remains a challenge, and patients often struggle with their illness for years before an identification is made. Some health care providers have been skeptical about the serious physiological - rather than psychological - nature of the illness. Once diagnosed, patients often complain of receiving hostility from their health care provider as well as being subjected to treatment strategies that exacerbate their symptoms. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome proposes new diagnostic clinical criteria for ME/CFS and a new term for the illness - systemic exertion intolerance disease(SEID). According to this report, the term myalgic encephalomyelitis does not accurately describe this illness, and the term chronic fatigue syndrome can result in trivialization and stigmatization for patients afflicted with this illness. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome stresses that SEID is a medical - not a psychiatric or psychological - illness. This report lists the major symptoms of SEID and recommends a diagnostic process.One of the report's most important conclusions is that a thorough history, physical examination, and targeted work-up are necessary and often sufficient for diagnosis. The new criteria will allow a large percentage of undiagnosed patients to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome will be a valuable resource to promote the prompt diagnosis of patients with this complex, multisystem, and often devastating disorder; enhance public understanding; and provide a firm foundation for future improvements in diagnosis and treatment.

Fibromyalgia is real. The pain you awaken with is not in your head. You're not even remotely a hypochondriac. If anyone--doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist, well- meaning loved one--ever tries to convince you otherwise, tune them out. They are wrong. Likewise, if anyone ever tells you fibro is incurable and you'll just have to learn to live with it, understand they're seriously misinformed. You may even be able to fix your fibromyalgia on your own, without doctors and without drugs. This book will tell you how. So begins author David Edelberg, MD, an internist specializing in fibromyalgia, in his long-awaited book Healing Fibromyalgia. Dr Edelberg has treated 1,600+ women with fibro using the plan presented here, including step-by-step instructions for Dr E's Six-Week Nearly Natural Fibro Cure. In clear, reassuring language, Dr E explains how with fibro your whole self--the mind and body totality that makes you you--is under protective siege, your body trying desperately to guard itself from the assault of multiple sources of stress. Envision your muscles tightening up and creating a protective suit of armor. That's fibro in a nutshell. Your muscles aren't sick or inflamed, but they're definitely tired of being locked up like this, trying to protect you and making you utterly exhausted in the process. Ironically, if your muscles could talk, they'd probably say, Look, lady, we're just doing our job. We got this message from you that we're under serious stress. This tightening-up is what muscles do. Statistics prove it: Some 10 to 14 million Americans currently fulfill the diagnostic criteria for fibro and 80-90% of that group are undiagnosed. Than means more American women have fibromyalgia than diabetes. Wait, you think. Am I hearing this right? Is Dr E saying that the 12 million American women with fibro are so stressed that they're engaged in a 24/7 painful muscle lock-up of self protection and self preservation? That's exactly what he's saying. Don't live with fibromyalgia a single day longer than necessary. Whether your fibro responds to the Nearly Natural Cure or you need a little extra help from prescription drugs, this plan will help resolve your painful fibromyalgia forever. Also includes: Dr E's precise (and invaluable) fibro drug dosing instructions are radically different from what your own doctor might recommend and they increase your chances of success. Your doctor doesn't believe in fibro? The book provides expert advice on finding one who will take your condition seriously. As a bonus, Healing Fibromyalgia includes the Physician's Guide to Fibromyalgia, including Dr E''s complete treatment protocols. If your stubborn fibro requires prescription drugs, print out the guide and hand it to your physician. Don't go it alone. With this book and the Dr E's physician's guide in hand, you and your doctor will become an educated team in resolving your fibro. Includes: How Do I Know If I Have Fibro? Take the Quiz How to Classify Your Fibro Severity Memories in Your Muscles Tests Every Fibro Patient Should Know About Dr E's Six-Week Nearly Natural Fibro Cure Fibro-Friendly Eating Plan Medications for Fibro: How They Work and How They Can Help Pain Drugs for Fibro Alternative Medicine for Fibromyalgia You've Got A Friend: Women Speak Out About Their Fibro Fibro's Larger Message: Women Under Siege Physician's Guide to Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a severe musculoskeletal pain and fatigue syndrome that afflicts approximately 3 to 6 million Americans. Fibromyalgia: The Complete Guide from Medical Experts and Patients is a compilation of a diverse group of health care practitioners and a comprehensive guide for patients and families. The book provides authoritative, practical advice and answers to common questions about this condition to help patients and families achieve a greater understanding of all aspects of dealing with fibromyalgia. Physicians incorporate newest research on fibromyalgia. This resource offers material never presented in any other fibromyalgia book. the research presented by an experienced psychiatrist on ADHD, concurrent with fibromyalgia and chronic pain, Is innovative offering a piece of the puzzle that has been previously ignored and may offer new hope and insight to those with chronic pain. Patients give first hand accounts of how they have effectively improved their functionality and pain levels by incorporating suggestions outlined in the book. This valuable resource breaks down complex medical issues into understandable terms, and focuses on the most important things readers need to know to understand and manage fibromyalgia.

Looks at the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for fibromyalgia, along with a diet therapy program, menu plans, and recipes.