The Fibromyalgia Handbook

by Harris H.;Bruce McIlwain, Debra Fulghum Bruce

Breakthrough traditional and alternative treatments that will change the way you feel.

More than 10 million Americans, mostly women, suffer the debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia. Since this book was first published in l996, awareness of fibromyalgia has increased dramatically, as has the need for reliable, up-to-date information on the many breakthrough medications and treatments. In this revised edition, Dr. McIlwain includes a full discussion of the much touted guaifenesin and other new and experimental medications, explaining what is hype and what is hope. He also gives the latest unconventional alternative therapies such as Aryuveda and Bodywork that are safe to supplement his own treatment plan, as well as expanding sections of complementary treatments such as chiropractic, herbal therapy, and homeopathy that work to relieve symptoms. With Dr. McIlwain's seven-step program, sufferers will learn how to manage this disease and even reverse its progression in most cases.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

194 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