Christine Adamec & Roland Staud 
Fibromyalgia For Dummies [EPUB ebook] 

Your easy-to-follow guide to the latest research, treatments, and medications!

The pain you suffer from fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is not in your imagination. FMS is a real medical problem that can be as debilitating and demoralizing as it is mysterious. Fibromyalgia For Dummies, Second Edition, brings you the latest scientific findings on the symptoms and causes of this disease and guides you toward proven, practical steps you can take reduce or eliminate FMS-related pain.

This plain-English guide is fully updated with the latest fibromyalgia treatment options, and evaluations of new medications that have shown great promise in reducing pain. You’ll discover how to spot an array of symptoms and their possible causes, work with your physician to develop a treatment plan, and manage your pain at home and in the office. You’ll learn how to:

* Identify your FMS trigger points

* Cope with chronic pain and sleep problems

* Find medications that work for you

* Locate a physician who can really help you

* Make healing lifestyle changes

* Use hands-on therapies to alleviate pain

* Find effective over-the-counter and prescription medications

* Choose among alternative therapies and treatments

* Reduce the emotional distress caused by FMS

* Help a child with FMS

Featuring moving and inspiring stories from fellow FMS sufferers who share their stories and offer invaluable tips on working your way back to wellness, Fibromyalgia for Dummies, Second Edition offers serious and sensitive guidance to help you overcome FMS and start being yourself again.

Зміст

Introduction 1

Part I: The What, When, and Why of Fibromyalgia 7

Chapter 1: Yes, Fibromyalgia Is Real 9

Chapter 2: Recognizing Key Symptoms of Fibromyalgia 21

Chapter 3: Understanding Possible Causes of Fibromyalgia 37

Chapter 4: Understanding Fibromyalgia Pain 57

Part II: Finding Out Whether You Have Fibromyalgia 67

Chapter 5: Who Gets Picked to Have Fibromyalgia? 69

Chapter 6: Identifying Diseases Often Confused with Fibromyalgia 75

Chapter 7: Working with a Good Fibromyalgia Doc: You Need a True Believer 93

Chapter 8: Getting Physical: Your Initial Exam and Diagnosis 105

Part III: Looking At All Your Treatment Options 119

Chapter 9: Medicating the Problem: Over-the-Counter Drugs May Help 121

Chapter 10: Prescribing Health with Medications 131

Chapter 11: Using Hands-On Therapies 147

Chapter 12: Considering Alternative Remedies and Treatments 161

Part IV: Modifying Your Lifestyle: Small Changes, Big Results 175

Chapter 13: Depressurizing Yourself: Controlling the Stress-Eyed Monster 177

Chapter 14: Sweet Dreams! Combating Sleep Disorders 189

Chapter 15: Exercising, Losing Weight, and Avoiding Trigger Foods and Drinks 203

Chapter 16: Coping with Emotions: Your Own 217

Part V: Managing Fibromyalgia at Work and at Home 227

Chapter 17: Working with Fibromyalgia — Or Going on Disability 229

Chapter 18: Helping Loved Ones Deal with Your Fibromyalgia 243

Chapter 19: Helping Someone You Care About Who’s Hurting 257

Chapter 20: Parenting a Child or Adolescent with Fibromyalgia 267

Part VI: The Part of Tens 279

Chapter 21: Ten Alternative Remedies That Help People with Fibromyalgia 281

Chapter 22: Ten Mistakes to Avoid When You Have Fibromyalgia 287

Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Beat the Effects of Brain Fog 293

Chapter 24: Ten Myths about Fibromyalgia 297

Part VII: Appendixes 301

Appendix A: Glossary 303

Appendix B: Fibromyalgia Medications 307

Appendix C: Resources and Support 315

Index 321

Про автора

Roland Staud, MD, an experienced rheumatologist, is a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Rheumatology. Christine Adamec has been a freelance medical writer for over 20 years.