Review Copy
If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome, chances are, you know what it’s like to feel “F.I.N.E.” – “Frustrated, Irritated, Nauseated and Exhausted.”
It’s normal to feel frustrated when you suffer from a debilitating illness that is frequently overlooked because you “look” well. It’s easy to get irritated when you’re in constant pain, all of the time. It’s no wonder that you feel exhausted – when is the last time you got a good night’s sleep?
That’s why Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia – From F.I.N.E. To Feeling Better by Nancy Fowler and Lisa Ball is such a great find. Nancy – a registered nurse who retired from her profession due to fibromyalgia – and Lisa, a certified alcohol and drug counselor who provides support groups, counseling, and educational seminars to fibromyalgia and CFS sufferers – have collaborated on a wonderful support tool for those whose lives have been forever changed by “the thief”, as they call these illnesses.
There are a number of things I like about this book:
- The overall tone of this book is positive, upbeat and encouraging. Reading Nancy and Lisa’s book is like receiving a pep talk from two supportive friends.
- The authors present medical information in layman’s terms, making it easy to understand.
- Nancy and Lisa provide tons of helpful coping strategies and survival tips to help you get through your days.
- The book is infused with humor and illustrative stories.
The authors do a great job of raising awareness of the long-standing history of these illnesses. They list a number of high profile people who have lived with these illnesses (everyone from Florence Nightingale to James Garner!).
My main criticism is that the authors treat these diagnoses as one when, in fact, many top researchers, scientists and doctors corroborate that they are two distinct syndromes that just happen to share similar symptoms and frequently co-occur in the same patient (this is true of many other distinct conditions as well.) While the authors believe that “the patient doesn’t care what it’s called”, I think most people recognize the importance of accurately identifying your medical conditions so that you can research and seek the right treatment for it.
If you’re looking for an easy versus encyclopedic book to read on this subject, this book is it. This book contains a lot of practical information that can help you to better understand and fight against these insidious illnesses.
For more information about these books, visit Idyll Arbor and Amazon.
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
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Other Invisible Illnesses – The Comprehensive Guide by Katrina Berne
- The Art Of Getting Well by David Spero
For more great books, visit Create With Joy – Book Reviews!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Idyll Arbor to review. I was not compensated or required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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I really need to read this book. I have Fibromyalgia and have terrible nausea. Thanks for the review.
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
You’re welcome Lisa! Did you know that May 12 is National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day?
I have another great book on fibromyalgia that I also hope to review this week as a result!
Twitter: Myllls
says:
I have not been diagnosed and have read that a lot of doctors have a hard time diagnosing. By reading I found a lot of the symptoms I share with others, one of them is the aches and pains I endure daily in different parts of my back, the headaches and energy loss. I must look further into this book. Thank you for sharing this information, and for stopping by Cinco De Mayo ~ Happy Day!!
Karren
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Hi Karren,
It’s not that Fibro & CFS are so difficult to diagnose, per se, as it is that not all doctors are aware how to do so (or even acknowledge their existence!)
It can often take visits to several doctors before finding the right one who is able to diagnose you for that reason.
If you suspect that you may have either of these illnesses, you may want to seek out doctors in your area who are familiar with them and make an appointment if your current doctor does not take your symptoms seriously.
If you do a little research online, you will be able to find some fairly comprehensive lists of what to look for!
How did I miss that nausea comes with fibro? I thought it was from the diabetes. I need to read this book. Thank you for reviewing it.
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
You know, Pamela, that one was fairly new to me too – fortunately, I don’t deal with nausea that often!
As for the rest of the symptoms though, I have them pretty severe.
Glad you caught the review – there are more to come – National Fibro Awareness day is May 12 (which also happens to be Mother’s Day) so I’ll be posting around that but hoping to work another fibro book review in within the next week as well!
Twitter: xbrookeb28x
says:
Wonderful review. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia as well, and it is so difficult to understand, explain, and live with. I need to check out this book for sure.
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Thanks Brooke! I definitely agree that fibromyalgia is difficult to understand, explain and live with. I hope you enjoy the book!
Thanks for the review! I have CFS/ME and this might be a book that can help me coping better with my days.
Twitter: MikiHope
says:
I know a couple of people who would definitely benefit from this book–I will pass it on!
I have fibromyalgia, too. My mom has a much worse case of it. I’ve been fortunate to have recognized it early enough that I am able to keep it under control, most of the time, with a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Thanks for your recommendation!
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
You’re welcome Sarah! I’m glad to hear that you are able to manage yours. I’m sure having someone like your mom for co-support is a blessing!
I’ve had Fibro for over 15 years… I’ve had my ups and downs with it and this year has been one of the worst. I’m not sure how much longer I will be able to continue working. This is also the first year that I have had nausea with it. I mean serious..must lay down or pass out type nausea. Until two weeks ago I had never connected the nausea to the fibro…. I’m trying to totally revamp my life style and diet to see if that helps and I just pray that Mother Nature gets over her snit and the weather warms up real soon.
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
I’m sorry to hear that your fibro has worsened this year Carol. Like you, I never associated nausea with fibro until I read this book either.
I hope you are able to get things under control soon. See this week’s Inspire Me Monday post for some additional resources!