Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection

By Celeste Cooper, R.N., and Jeffrey Miller, Ph.D.

Managing one invisible and often misunderstood chronic illness is a challenge. Functioning well with three of them can seem overwhelming. Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue immunodysfunction, and chronic myofascial pain can wear you down if you aren't prepared. The general support systems that automatically kick in for people who have more obvious or better-known illnesses are absent. Life doesn't end when you get these illnesses, but it does change, and a new life begins. It's up to you to determine the quality of that life. These conditions require many changes to successfully navigate the often-treacherous currents in the river of life. One of the most important changes is that of your own attitude to life and to the illness that complicates it. "Fibromyalgia Pain, Chronic Fatigue Immunodysfunction, and Chronic Myofascial Pain from Trigger Points" is a good guidebook to facilitate this positive change. Devin J. Starlanyl [Author with Mary Ellen Copeland: Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual; The Fibromyalgia Advocate]

Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Chronic Myofascial Pain: is a help book that targets people with any one, two, or all three of our disorders. You will learn to identify all your symptoms and communicate your difficulties effectively. Identifying aggravating factors (including co-existing conditions), deal responsibly with your significant other, healthcare providers, family, co-workers, and friends. Improving self confidence, which is so frequently threatened by chronic pain and fatigue is an important part of coping with pain, in pain. There is extensive discussion on fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue immunodysfunction, chronic myofascial pain, journaling, spirituality, soliciting support, communication, coping, treatment, diet and exercise, depression, dealing with the system, and advocacy. We emphasize the importance of pulling together body, mind, emotions, and spirit, and hope you apply the tools provided for improving your quality of life against the odds.

Here are some of the questions I had. You will find answers in the book:

• How can I be more than a bystander in my own medical care?
• Why is proper documentation in my medical record important?
• How are FM, CFID and CMP different, how do they cross over and why should I know?
• How do I communicate my needs and symptoms successfully?
• Where is that word I had two seconds ago?
• What will help me deal with this brainfog?
• What are the goals for my own personal journal?
• Why do some treatments make me worse when everyone swears they will make me better?
• What do all those initials mean at the end of my caregivers name?
• What should I look for in the "right" doctor?
• What should I look for in the "right" therapist
• Do I have rights as a patient, if so, what are they?
• Are there foods should I avoid?
• Where are the words, and the way?
• Are all herbal remedies and supplements helpful and safe?
• Why can't I sleep, and is there something I can do?
• How do I document treatments, including medications, and how they help or hinder me?
• What are common co-existing conditions? How can they mimic or aggravate FM, CFID & CMP?
• What are the do's and don'ts of exercise?
• How can I help my doctor overcome fear of prescribing the medications I need?
• How big is big brother?
• How do I write my thoughts and feelings down, and why is it important to me?
• Can someone show me how to write an affirmation or a poem?
• How do I apply for the benefits I need, what are they looking for?
• What is an appeals process?
• How do I get my needs met at work?
• Why is nurturing my spiritual side important to coping?
• How can I resist isolation and feel empowered?
• How do I accept what has happened to me and maintain forward momentum?

Coping with what I call the "side effects" will empower you to be the best that you can be and help you understand, you still have purpose.