Product Description

Fibromyalgia, or Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS for short) is a condition characterised by widespread pain in the muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. It's often confused with other conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and candida, but the defining symptom is widespread pain in the soft tissues. The pain may be felt as achiness or tenderness, especially around the joints, or as tingling or even burning sensations, and a characteristic feature is that it may migrate around the body. Other symptoms include fatigue, sleep problems, allergies, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, morning stiffness and problems with difficulties with short term memory and concentration. Fibromyalgia is liable to flare-ups, and symptoms may be exacerbated by factors such as cold or stress. It affects mainly women.This book looks at how to reduce pain, boost energy levels and help with regular sleep patterns. It covers: fibromyalgia and immune dysfunction; the links with hypothyroidism; and fibromyalgia as a variant of thyroid disorder; antidepressant medication; psychotherapy; the vital importance of low-impact aerobic exercise such as walking, cycling or swimming; diet; posture; and, complementary therapies.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21236 in Books
• Published on: 2000-03-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 148 pages

From the Author
An easy-to-read book tackling every aspect of fibromyalgia
Living with Fibromyalgia is the first British-written book to tackle this complex condition. I suffer from fibromyalgia myself, and was at one time so debilitated I was almost permanently bed-bound. My husband had to feed me, wash me, brush my hair etc. However, now I am able to work at my computer for an hour and a half a day, I go for short walks, and my husband and I visit the pub on Saturday nights! The very fact that I have managed to write this book is testament to my self-help approach, for, as yet, improvement depends largely upon the individual's own efforts. The book, then, carries the very latest research findings and considers the possible causes of the condition. The style and format ensures that readers will not only have a better understanding of fibromyalgia, but they will also learn how best to manage the condition. Areas covered are the conditions commonly associated with fibromyalgia, medication, diet and the digestive system (including how chronic candida infections in the gut can cause many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia), posture and exercise, benefits information, complementary therapies known to be useful in treating the condition, pain management techniques, and finally a detailed chapter which addresses the emotional consequences of fibromyalgia and how best to deal with them. The book has undergone detailed examination by Pain Consultant Dr J. Raphael, who has a special interest in fibromyalgia. He has also written the Foreword. Bob Stewart, chairman of the FMS Association UK has also written, "This book contains well-researched medical information, and also considers the everyday problems facing fibromyalgia sufferers and carers, such as coping around the house, benefits, and where to get further help. The Fibromyalgia Association are delighted to endorse this book.'

About the Author
Christine Craggs-Hinton is an established Sheldon author with several books to her credit.

Customer Reviews

An excellent and comprehensive read
As a sufferer of fibromyalgia syndrome who has fought it alone the holistic way (with considerable success) for over four years, I was intrigued when I spotted this book. Initially, I was somewhat put off by the title, as I did not want to have to 'live with' fibromyalgia - I wanted to get rid of it... However, I soon revised my opinion, as I found it to be a truly excellent and comprehensive read for anyone with any interest at all in this debilitating, painful and miserable syndrome - especially those who are prepared to help themselves)for there is no magic answer to it. I have always maintained that any chronic disease (fibromyalgia included) represents a breakdown of health, Christine Craggs-Hinton explains just what is known about this syndrome, and then takes the reader through the various forms of treatment available - including (most importantly) a range of self-help measures to help rebuild the health - before going on to give sensitive tips on how to cope physically, mentally and emotionally with this invisible disease, in a fluent, positive and immensely readable way. 'Living with Fibromyalgia' - and fighting back too, in fact. I was particularly pleased to find a chapter on 'complementary therapies', and also one on diet - the foundation to fighting any disease, in my opinion. A really 'holistic' and informative book, which I cannot recommend too highly. Thankyou, Christine!

A must for all Fibromyalgia sufferers and their families
If you have recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia this book is a must have. The descriptions of the syndrome are spot on and also there is a great deal of practical help with the disease itself and also help with claiming benefits etc. It will help the sufferer and their families get to grips with this disease and for them to understand all the day to day problems that are associated with it. I have recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia after years of suffering and this book has helped me and my family to deal with the disease.

This great book has helped turn my life around!!!
This book was me. It described my symptoms exactly, explaining the intricacies of the condition in an easy-to-understand, down-to-earth way. At last I knew what was going on inside my body, and at last I could begin to take positive action, for, as well as factual information and useful resource data, this book is full of great suggestions and advice. There is even a chapter giving benefits information. The chapter on pain and stress management has been particularly useful, and is explained in such a comforting, caring way that it had me riveted. I am now in much less pain because of this book. Not only that, I have the confidence to deal with different situations and recently even went on my first holiday abroad for ten years! Thankyou for turning my life around, Christine!