Dawn A. Marcus M.D. - The Womans Fibromyalgia Toolkit: Manage Your Symptoms and Take Control of Your Life

... a practical toolkit for managing fibromyalgia that distills the wealth of current recommendations into a manageable individualized program. It will be useful to all fibromyalgia patients who feel overwhelmed by the barrage of recommendations that emanate from their friends and the media and the press.

Robert M. Bennett, MD, Professor of Medicine and Nursing,
Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR

... Finally we have a book that tells us that fibro is a real biological condition. I dont know about you, but those words are music to my ears! Ive been to many health care professionals over the years who have said that I need to learn to live with it. Whatever it is! Well, this book gives lots of techniques so that we can take charge of our lives and tell fibro that we are in the drivers seat! And you know what? That gives me lots of hope that today I will be able to feel better than I did yesterday and tomorrow will be even better....

Patricia Tirrell, CRA, CPDT-KA,
Tellington TTouch Companion Animal Practitioner

From pre-diagnosis to support groups, how to talk with your doctor or what supplements might be useful, this book provides you with the tools to be an active participant in your own health care. As a medical professional I found the content to be current, well-researched, and documented in a way that was not too difficult for the average person to comprehend. As a patient diagnosed with fibromyalgia for more than 20 years, I found the information to be both practical and sensitive. I am sure that readers will reach for this book time and again to find just the resource or advice to help them live life to the fullest despite fibromyalgia.

Sue Ann Bland, RN

... provides a solid scientific and clinical outline for understanding the management of this consuming malady. Fibromyalgia is more than just widespread pain, and its effective management requires an educated patient. This book provides that education and allows the patient to look beyond the false promises of quick fixes of promised cures. It highlights the treatments that will improve their function and quality of life.

Michael Duren Ready, MD,
Scott and White Clinic, Temple, TX

I am absolutely amazed at how much my life will be changed for the better just by reading this book. The readability was outstanding.... very informative and thorough, covering everything anyone with this disease should know. I thought fibromyalgia is just a pain disease and that any other symptoms or problems I am having were just in my head. I am so relieved to know that the other problems I am having are part of having fibromyalgia. And now, with the knowledge I have gained from the book I can manage and even conquer these symptoms.

... a must-read book for anyone who has fibromyalgia....

Kerri Stomas

(I feel) elated that such a useful, down-to-earth, easily understandable, and balanced resource exists for my patients and the many thousands of patients, families, and health care practitioners who struggle with this common condition. They have truly listened to their patients, know the research on fibromyalgia and its treatment, have had their own deep practical experience with it, and have an earnest interest in empowering patients... teaches the reader what we know about the disease process, its physical and emotional impact, and the journey of diagnosis and treatment; practical physical therapy and exercise approaches, complete with photographs; the issue of sleep; how to cope during pregnancy; medications, diet, and supplements; and practical aspects of putting a self-management plan in place....

Philip Mease MD, Director, Rheumatology Research,
Swedish Medical Center; Clinical Professor,
University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, OR

A fibromyalgia diagnosis doesnt have to be a bewildering journey through chronic pain, medical visits, medicines, and other treatment plans, especially with a helpful resource like The Womans Fibromyalgia Toolkit. This book offers invaluable information for patients and practitioners alike.... so the practical summaries and comprehensive tracking logs are great tools for measuring the impact of symptoms, exercise, and relaxation.... Drs. Marcus and Deodhar offer hope, understanding, and a useful plan of action for millions who suffer from fibromyalgia75 to 90 percent of whom are women.

Sheryl Lynn Sochoka,
Marywood Magazine, Marywood University

... Throughout my 15+ years of working with fellow fibromyalgia patients, my goal has been to educate, encourage, and empower them. This book accomplishes all three.

EducationWho gets fibromyalgia? What causes it? Questions every fibromyalgia patient asks are tackled head on. The multiple symptoms that accompany fibromyalgia are broken down and their biological underpinnings explained in an easy-to-understand format. Then the most effective treatment options available, both traditional and alternative, are discussed indepth....

EncouragementAfter reading this book, I felt understood and encouraged. Not only is fibromyalgia validated as a real physical illness with multiple biological abnormalities, but the medical explanations are backed up by solid research that should impress even the most hardened skeptic. Also encouraging is the assurance that fibromyalgia symptoms can be brought under control.

EmpowermentKnowledge is power and this book provides a wealth of knowledge about fibromyalgia. In addition, the tips for communicating effectively with your doctor and the logs for tracking symptoms and treatments are essential tools that empower women to take an active role in managing their fibromyalgia.

... a must read for every woman with fibromyalgia....

Karen Lee Richards, Co-founder,
National Fibromyalgia Association;
Chronic Pain Expert, The HealthCentral Network

The Womans
Fibromyalgia Toolkit

Manage Your Symptoms
and Take Control of Your Life

Dawn A. Marcus, MD

Professor

Department of Anesthesiology

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Atul Deodhar, MD

Professor

Division of Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, Oregon

DiaMedica Publishing, 150 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065

Visit our website at www.diamedicapub.com

Copyright 2012 by Dawn A. Marcus, MD and Atul Deodhar, MD.

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, except for brief quotations embodied in articles or reviews.

ISBN: 978-1-936832-19-4(e-book)

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available from the publisher.

DiaMedica titles are available for bulk purchase, special promotions, and premiums. For more information please contact the publisher through the publishers website: www.diamedicapub.com.

Disclaimer:
The content in this book is not intended as a substitute for medical or professional counseling and advice. The reader is encouraged to consult his or her physicians and therapists on all health matters, especially symptoms that may require professional diagnosis and/or medical attention.

Book design: TypeWriting
Cover design: Gopa & Ted2
Editors: Jessica Bryan and Joann Woy

Part I
The Basics

Part II
Fibromyalgia Symptoms and The Science Behind the Disease