Book Review - Practical Living with Fibromyalgia

Practical Living with Fibromyalgia by Maurice S Clarke

Maurice Clarke has put together this useful book about how to live with fibromyalgia based on both his experience as a carer and his partner, Mary's, experience as a sufferer of FM. Maurice and Mary started the Rugby FM support group in 2008 which has gone from strength to strength, and Maurice has written many articles on different aspects of fibromyalgia.

His book covers a wide range of useful topics looking at how fibromyalgia can impact on your life and how you can respond positively. It looks at coping at work and dealing with possible changes in income; how to tell your family and friends about fibromyalgia and how to deal with their varying responses; offers practical ideas for dealing with depression and emphasises the importance of maintaining a sense of humour.

The book is full of practical suggestions that you can apply immediately or ponder on to consider which actions are right for you to help you move forward and take more control of your life again. One of the phrases people with FM come across regularly is: "you don't look ill" which can be hurtful and imply a sense of disbelief. Maurice dedicates a whole chapter to the invisibility of FM and how to deal with people's reactions.

Another aspect which is often not touched upon in books on fibromyalgia is the role of the carer. Maurice looks at how men and women respond differently to the role of carer when their partner has fibromyalgia and the different issues that can result. He emphasises the importance of communication on both sides so that suitable solutions can be found sooner rather than later.

This is not a medical book about FM, although it does offer the basics about symptoms and diagnosis, but if you want to know about how to live with fibromyalgia then you can truly benefit from this couple's vast experience. As the author says: “Reading this book can change your awareness and knowledge of Fibromyalgia hopefully enabling you to live a better and happier live despite having Fibromyalgia in it.”

To download a free copy of this book go to: http://www.fibromyalgia-support.net/book/index.htm

By Kathy Longley

Last Updated on Sunday, 11 December 2011 14:26 Created: Monday, 31 October 2011 16:12