Table of Contents
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
