The Fibromyalgia Handbook: A 7-Step Program to Halt and Even Reverse Fibromyalgia

by Harris H. McIlwain, Debra Fulghum Bruce

A new edition of the bestselling book for fibromyalgia sufferers-with information on the latest medications and alternative and complementary therapies
Fibromyalgia, with its constant severe muscle pain, relentless fatigue, disturbed sleep, and feelings of depression, is regularly misdiagnosed and misunderstood, yet it is the most common arthritis-related disease next to osteoarthritis. While some feel these symptoms are part of growing older, fibromyalgia is not a sign of aging.

In this newly revised edition of his popular handbook, Dr. Harris H. McIlwain offers hope to millions of sufferers. His proven seven-step treatment program includes the very latest in such medications as Cox-2 Inhibitors, the breakthrough drugs that reduce pain and inflammation without stomach upset, and guaifenesin, a common ingredient in cough and cold medications that may lessen the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The program also has specific exercises to reduce deep muscle pain, to increase strength and energy, and to alleviate stress and anxiety. McIlwain tells what alternative approaches are safe to supplement his own treatment program, and offers an expanded discussion of complementary therapies that may be of benefit, such as homeopathy, chiropractic, aromatherapy, nutritional therapy, and herbal therapy. With McIlwain's program, fibromyalgia sufferers can manage the symptoms of the disease, reverse its progression in most cases, and improve the quality of their lives.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Aliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most informative books I've ever read on fibromyalgia, whether you just got diagnosed or have been battling it for years, this is a must-read!!!!! Written in an easy to digest format, it delivers a wealth of information and possibilities for how to regain one's quality of life.

[Melinda Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book extremely helpful. First, the author, a rheumatologist, gives the common symptoms of fibromyalgia: pain, fatigue, stiffness, trigger points, sleep problems, difficulty in concentration, irritable bowl syndrome, and restless leg syndrome, to name a few. Pain and fatigue are the most common symptoms. He then discusses getting a diagnosis, medications used (in great detail), goes on to recommend daily exercise, therapies to reduce stress, and nutrition. After reading the book, I felt I had the ammunition I needed to begin to address the symptoms of fibromyalgia. I would recommend this book to anyone who has the symptoms listed above.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hmm, some info. was good... but as for halting and reversing the disease. It goes into remission, you have flare-ups. Don't buy the snake oil or you are just hurting yourself by not accepting it.

[Megan Holl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this mostly out of curiosity about how medical views of fibromyalgia have changed over the past 26 years. Unsurprisingly, this book didn’t age well (I.e. diagnostic criteria have changed drastically and fibro is now widely considered to be a neurological condition, not rheumatological)… but 90% of the recommendations in this book are pretty basic (exercise, eat healthily). I doubt I would have learnt much even if I was reading this two decades ago.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book with information on the condition and steps that can be followed to relieve the condition. Helpful to those of us who suffer