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

FMS sufferers share their stories and tips The fun and easy way to stop hurting and start healing Are you fed up with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)? Want to find relief? This plain-English guide outlines the latest treatments and highlights new research. You'll see how to spot the various symptoms and their possible causes, work with your physician to develop a plan of care, and manage your pain at home or the office. Discover how to: Identify your trigger pointsCope with chronic pain and sleep problemsEvaluate the new medicationsMake healing lifestyle changesHelp a child with FMS Get Smart! @www.dummies.com Find listings of all our booksChoose from many different subject categoriesSign up for eTips at etips.dummies.com