If you or someone you love has a debilitating illness such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia, you know how challenging it is to find information that is reliable, relevant and readable.
That’s why I’m pleased to introduce you to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Other Invisible Illnesses – The Comprehensive Guide by Katrina Berne. This is the third edition of Katrina’s classic book that was previously published as Running On Empty.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and other Invisible Illnesses – The Comprehensive Guide is divided into three parts:
- In Part One, What These Illnesses Are, Katrina explores the differences and similarities between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and other chronic but invisible illnesses. She discusses the wide constellation of symptoms that occur among those suffering from these illnesses and covers a number of other relevant topics.
- In Part Two, What These Illnesses Do, Katrina looks at how these illnesses impact every aspect of our personal lives. She explores the impact of these illnesses on every major system within our bodies – and discusses how these conditions affect adults and children differently. She also discusses the impact of these illnesses on our relationships, including our spouses and partners, our families, and our friendships.
- In Part Three, What You Can Do, Katrina shifts her attention to helping us receive the best care possible within the traditional medical system, and to taking the best care of ourselves possible outside of the medical system. Some of the topics she addresses in this section include choosing a doctor wisely, treatment options, and self-care recommendations.
Katrina includes a wealth of additional resources at the end of her book, including her popular Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Fibromyalgia Syndrome Symptom Checklist (which can be found online at several sites).
One thing that distinguishes this book from others on the market is that Katrina Berne is familiar, both personally and professionally, with the havoc that these illnesses wreak on the lives of the individuals that have them. Katrina was diagnosed with primary CFS and secondary Fibromyalgia in 1985. In addition, she spent over 22 years of private practice specializing in helping others with these and related disorders. Her knowledge of what is relevant to someone seeking information about these conditions is evident throughout the book.
Whether you are a patient or a health care professional, you will find that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Other Invisible Illnesses – The Comprehensive Guide by Katrina Berne an invaluable resource that deserves a place on your medical reference bookshelf.
More Great Resources
If you like this book, here are a few more books you may enjoy:
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – A Treatment Guide by Erica Verrillo
- Food Allergy and Gluten-Free Weight Loss by Nicolette M. Dumfe
- The Art Of Getting Well by David Spero
For more great books, visit Create With Joy – Book Reviews!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Hunter House Publishers for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Twitter: momsvictories
says:
This does sound like a great resource. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
My husband has suffered with CFS for over 30 years. At that time he was almost asphyxiated and we believe that accident shut down his immune system and CFS developed – – or came forward. Eventually his doctor diagnosed him and he was able to be placed on disability as he could no longer work. We sold everything and moved to a small town and are living peacefully with joy and both are blogging. He writes short continued stories,
Someone with fibro who is managing to remain productive, connected, etc? I think that I’d read this book simply for that knowledge!
It can seem, at times, as though my life is pretty much over because I’ve lost the physical ability to do so many of the things that make life full and rich. Perhaps Katrina’s book contains the information and hope that would show me a path to reconnecting to life and ways to live with less pain…
Thanks so much for sharing this review!
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Dear Cynthia,
I just sent you a personal note but I wanted to let you know that my heart really goes out to you as I read your comment. I also have fibromyalgia so I understand the place you are writing from. We all have days when the pain is overbearing. At the same time, I’d like to encourage you to find new ways to dream and to create a life that you love – even if you have to let go of your former life and create a new vision in the process.
I’m glad you enjoyed this review. I will be reviewing more books like this in the upcoming months, as well as books that inspire us, encourage us, and offer us hope.
Have a beautiful day!
Thanks for sharing, as a suffer myself this will be very useful!
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Hi Susan,
I hope you have a chance to check out the book! Also, stay tuned, as I will be sharing more quality books on fibromyalgia in the near future!
Twitter: RecentBooks
says:
I have a relative with Fibromyalgia. This book sounds like a wonderful resource guide to all those that suffer with these illnesses.
Thanks for sharing.
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Thanks for stopping by Melissa – your relative would definitely benefit from this book!
Wow! So glad I found this. My mom suffers with Fibromyalgia and I think this would be a great read for her. Thank you for sharing it.
Thanks for stopping by my twice as nice blog hop today.
Megan
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
You’re welcome Megan – I will be sharing more resources like this in the future so keep an eye out for them! 🙂
Thank you so much for posting about this book! I have had fibro and Cfs for twenty years. It can be so hard at times. I’m glad you are bringing attention to this often misunderstood illness.
Is there a place on your website where I can contact you? I would love to connect.
Lol! I just found your contact info.
Check out my website to learn about effective therapies for treating chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia syndromes. http://www.fibrofriends.typepad.com I’ve made a lot of progress recovering from these syndromes by exploring some cutting edge treatments that are not generally known about and share information on them and my research and experiences. There is hope out there for recovery.
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 14 years ago after injuring my back. I have been laid off and with each job it kept getting harder to work in a traditional job. This last job they nitpicked and found ways to say I was doing things wrong and the next time they had a layoff they were able to show me the door. That job was debilitating in itself. I ended up with migraines (the one symptom I’d not ever had) and now after 2 years of being laid off I can honestly say this layoff was the best thing to happen to me.
I ended up starting up a tiny daycare and once again I am looking forward to working, playing with the kids and getting up in the morning. Once again I’m active and that is so much better for me. This book sounds wonderful – it will give you the tools to succeed and also know what to expect. Two other books I would highly recommend is: by Devin J. Starlanyl and The Fibromyalgia Advocate and also Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual – both of these books gave me the tools I needed when I was struggling to understand what was going on. Trigger Point Therapy is perfect for Fibromyalgia and will often release painful nerves and muscles when nothing else will.
I am definitely going to check this book out as well. It sounds wonderful!
Tina Peterson
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Thanks for sharing your story Tina! It looks like you and I have been diagnosed with fibro for about the same time!
I consider Devin’s Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual the “bible” of fibro books – both of her books are great recommendations for anyone looking to build their libraries!
Many blessings to you!
I have fibromyalgia so I’d love to read this. Thank you for posting about this book. Sounds like a great resource to read and own.
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Hi Pamela,
I did not know you have fibromyalgia! There are a number of us in this community who are dealing with fibro and other similar illnesses. I will be sharing more health-related resources like this one in the future – I am glad you found this worthwhile! 🙂