Book Review: First Year Fibromyalgia: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed
Author: Mari Florence
This was the first book I ever read on fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed with it in November of 2004, then later with lupus SLE in 2005. I had never heard of fibromyalgia before and when my rhuematologist told me it was causing all my symptoms, I didn’t know what to think. I googled a search for some helpful books and came across this one- First Year Fibromyalgia.
I began to look at this book and although it was to be read in the course of a year, I devoured the book in two days, longing to know what exactly this illness was all about. I cannot recommend this book enough. Reading it was like an eye opener- it’s written by a doctor who has fibromyalgia herself. She breaks up everything you need to know about fibromyalgia in the course of a year- the illness, symptoms, recognizing it in your children at an early age, etc. This helped me to see that I probably had this illness from a young age, since I often complained about feeling tired and achy, but it was always chalked up to growing pains. This is definitely a must read for anyone with fibromyalgia- the information in this book is pure gold. The author provides a whole section on resources books, websites, institutions, numbers of foundations, etc. It’s wonderful to finally know what you’re dealing with and have someone spell out how to go about handling it.
The first month takes you though what the illness is and finding a good doctor who believes that fibromyalgia is a real sickness. Then she gives valuable advice throughout the year, including tips to manage the fatigue, pain, and sleeplessness. She goes into how to and what to eat, recommending a hypoglycemic diet for people who suffer with fibromyalgia, since we seem to be more carbohydrate intolerant. The author gives clear consist facts and figures to back up all her findings and provides along with the knowledge, an understanding that comes from someone who has also suffered with this illness. There are helpful tips on how to deal with the illness while going to work, or school and info on applying for disability with fibromyalgia.
It even talks about men and fibromyalgia, a population who are often undiagnosed, but more than we think also suffer from this chronic illness. This is a must read for anyone who suffers with this chronic illness.
This is just one book in the first year series. They have many other titles dealing with other diseases.
Title: First Year Fibromyalgia: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed
Author: Mari Florence
Publisher: MARLOWE & COMPANY
ISBN: 1569245215
Review written by: Stefanie Leale, Butyoudontlooksick.com ©2006