Recommended Reading:
       Daily Coping

"Hypnotize Yourself Out of Pain Now!", by Bruce Eimer PhD, ABPP  

Chronic pain can lead you down the path of helplessness.  The daily grind can wear and tear at the edges of your soul.  Self-hypnosis has the ability to modify and harmonize neuromodulators and other biochemicals that influence the sensations that contribute to chronic pain.  This book is written by a doctor who understands both fibromyalgia and myofascial pain.  It will empower chronic pain patients who have not found pain control with other methods, and will give them a new measure of control over pain. It's also an important tool for patients who desire a greater return of function and less reliance on medication and other therapies.

Do you get "stressed out"?  John Iams has discovered a way to interrupt the stress cycle.  His booklet can show you an easy (and free) way for you and those around you to help break up the physiological "fight or flight" response.  My local support groups have tried his method and they found it very helpful.  Contact John Iams for more information.

This is an incredible book.  No matter what your religion or belief system, it can mesh with your spirituality, lift your heart, give you hope, and lighten the burdens of the world.  I highly recommend it.  This book can be ordered through Dr. Teitelbaum's website. 

This book is an informative, well-written, easy-to-read guide for coping with anxiety.  We live in a world of stress, and that world can seem overwhelming at times.  This guide can be helpful for anyone struggling to cope.

In spite of the use of words like "sins" to describe memory dysfunctions, this book has a lot of good information.  It helps to understand that the common memory deficits — transience, absent-mindedness, blocking, misattribution, suggestibility, bias, and persistence — are different, and each of them can be remedied.

This book is an easy to understand guide to help you manage your own medical care.

This comprehensive coverage (including the what, where, why and how of the tests and questions such as insurance coverage and possible meaning of results) of over 150 common medical tests may be very helpful for people who undergo frequent medical tests or deal with patients or clients who deal with testing.  It would be useful as a guide for those who prepare handouts.

It may be true that the children of functional families make up the smallest support group in the world.  This is a book written for the rest of us.  Do you find your life eaten up by tasks that you feel obliged to do, but don’t want?  Do you ever feel manipulated by others, or feel guilty when you try to have your own needs filled?  This book explains why this may be happening, and what you need to do to start living life with enlightened self-interest.

Living Well with a Hidden Disability, by Stacy Taylor with Robert Epstein

This book is a treasure which will help those of us with hidden disabilities cope with a world that often refuses to acknowledge or validate our conditions.  There are sections emotional issues, physical issues, health care provider issues, love and sex, parenting, the workplace, and dealing with the public.  The workbook sections are also very helpful.

Why Children Misbehave and What to Do About It (The Illustrated Parent's Guide), by Christine Adams, Ernest Druge

Although this is not specifically for parents or children with fibromyalgia, it can be a big help for parents who have to deal with children who misbehave at the same time dealing with chronic pain.

Mark Pellegrino is a wonderful and witty doctor.  I just wish he would learn the difference between fibromyalgia and myofascial pain.  That notwithstanding, this is an excellent book for supporters and companions of people with fibromyalgia.

Disrupted: Finding God in Illness and Loss, by Virgil M. Fry

This book is a collection of prayers, essays and stories that can be very helpful for those who struggle with the concept of a loving God while dealing with pain and loss, "trying to make sense of the chaos".  I have found it very helpful. Suitable for Christian and non-Christian readers.

Disappointment with God, by Philip Yancy  

This book explores the questions that many of us with chronic pain may ask.  Is God Unfair?  Is God Silent?  Is God hidden?  This book is written from a Christian viewpoint but is suitable for the non-Christian as well.

Where is God When It Hurts?, by Philip Yancy

This book holds stories of those who have faced pain and suffering, and explores what we can learn from pain and what possibilities open up with what we have learned.  This book is written from a Christian viewpoint but is suitable for the non-Christian as well.

Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain: Spiritual Conflict Management, by Gary Simmons (Reader)

Of all the audio tapes I reviewed for the 2^nd edition of the Survival Manual, I thought this one was one of the best.  It blends Judeo-Christian philosophy with the Tao and does it well.  The author and narrator is both a Unity minister and a martial arts instructor.  It is a guide for dealing with conflict and fear in the journey of life.  I will listen to this tape many times.

Poetry of Pain, by Linda Martinson, Simply Books, Lynnwood, WA, 1996.

People with FMS and CMP may resonate with these poems.  When you feel like "nobody understands", read them.  Somebody does.

Healing Ancient Wounds The Renegade’s Wisdom by John F. Barnes, PT, Rehabilitation Services, Inc., T/A MFR Treatment Centers & Seminars, Paoli, PA, 2000.

This is a special book about myofascial release and the myofascial connection.  It contains excerpts from myofascial therapists and patients, as well as John Barnes’ well-written, insightful comments.  If you need to get in touch with your myofascia, and we all do, this is an important book for your library.

Illness and the Art of Creative Self-Expression, by John Graham-Pole, forward by Patch Adams

Wake the creative soul that lies hidden inside. Learn about the healing that can come from the use of painting, drama, writing (prose and poetry), creative imagery, music and laughter. This is an enjoyable and informative book.  Dr. Pole has a writing style and joyful heart that will grab you.  Includes serious lessons in the art of playful silliness :-}.

Recovering from Depression: A Workbook for Teens, by Mary Ellen Copeland and Stuart Copans

Caught in-between childhood and adulthood, teens live in a special world.  Teens with chronic illness are even more at risk for depression.  This book can give them the helping hand they need to bring them out of that valley of confusion and turmoil.

Postpartum Survival Guide, by Ann Dunnewold, Diane G. Sanford, 1994

This is a special book for women dealing with a challenging time of life.  Mothers-to-be, I suggest you read this book while waiting for your child to enter the world.  Don’t wait until after the birth.  You need to have this information now.

The Loneliness Workbook: A Guide to Developing and Maintaining Lasting Connections, by Mary Ellen Copeland, 2000

This is an important book, especially for those of us further isolated by chronic illness.  Studies show that our connections to others are vital to help us cope with the obstacles in life.  This is an important tool for anyone who has ever felt lonely.

Healing the Trauma of Abuse: A Woman’s Workbook, by Mary Ellen Copeland, Maxine Harris, 2000

If you are a woman who has survived abuse, this book may be what you need to help gain control over the demons of the past.  If you still feel victimized, you CAN overcome it.  This book gives you help.

Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, by Mari Skelly and Andrea Helm

This book is a gem.  There are patient stories as well as sections written by different varieties of care providers, including an osteopath, an acupuncturist, varieties of body workers and mind workers, and a lawyer.  This book also explores narcotics and marijuana use for chronic pain.  It is put together very well.  I am very pleased to have a section in it.

The Depression Workbook: A Guide to Living with Depression and Manic Depression, by Mary Ellen Copeland, MA, 1992

Mary Ellen Copeland's books so impressed me that I knew she would be a valuable resource person for anyone involved in the life struggle of chronic depression.  These books are in workbook form, which makes it easy for the reader to perform self-assessment.  Wellness Recovery Action Plan by Mary Ellen Copeland, MS, MA. P.O. Box 6237, Brattleboro, VT 05301 $10 + $2 S&H

Beyond Chaos: One Man’s Journey Alongside His Chronically Ill Wife, by Gregg Piburn, 1999

The Arthritis Foundation has done a favor for us all by publishing this book.  This is one of the best books I have ever read about the main supporter of someone with a chronic illness.  In this case, Gregg’s wife has fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.  They were young and athletic, with young children, facing the severe challenges of a life far different than one they expected to live.  I recommend this highly, not only for the supporter but for the person with illness, as we all have a lot to learn from this honest and articulate author.  

Living Without Depression and Manic
Depression, by Mary Ellen Copeland, MA, 1994

This book is in workbook format, often very helpful to those of us with fibrofog.  It teaches a variety of mind work mentioned in my first book, such as breathing, progressive relaxation, meditation, visualization, self-hypnosis and biofeedback, as well as job stress management.

Dr. Cat’s Helping Handbook by Cat Saunders, PhD, Heartwing Foundation, 2000

Dr. Cat has written a marvelous book with short chapters that are easy and fun to read.  Her writing style is friendly and warm.  She deals with such topics as "soul massage", handling anger and self respect.  She includes personal rituals that may help you get in touch with your inner being.

If you want to understand the mechanics behind sleep, dreams and biological clocks, read this one.  Lack of restorative sleep is a major perpetuator of both fibromyalgia and chronic myofascial pain.  This is the best book I found that both explains sleep and sleep disorders and then helps you identify the factors that are affecting your quality of sleep.

The Promise of Sleep, by William C. Dement, MD, PhD, and Christopher Vaughan

If you want to lean more about sleep in great but enjoyable detail, this book is for you.  It is a BIG book, written by one of the greatest pioneers in the field of sleep research.  If you have periodic limb movements, myoclonus, or other sleep problems, or need your sleep habits changed, you should at least suggest that your library purchase this book.

The Tao of Conversation: How to Talk About Things that Really Matter, in Ways that Encourage New Ideas, Deepen Intimacy, and Build Effective and Creative Working Relationships, by Michael D. Kahn, 199

Communication is our most important skill.  We can't get what we need without it.  This book explains how to get your point across in the most positive manner, without ruffling feathers.

Thoughts & Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life, by Martha Davis, PhD, Patrick Fanning, Matthew McKay, PhD

Matthew McKay is not only a PhD psychologist, he is my publisher.  I'm very proud of the books he's written.  Thoughts and Feelings is an easy to understand book about minimizing the effects stress has upon your life.  Lack of self-esteem can be a major perpetuator in fibromyalgia.  These books taught me a great deal.

Self Esteem, by Matthew McKay, PhD, and Patrick Fanning, 1997

Click here for the paperback.

Traveling....Like Everybody Else: A Practical Guide for Disabled Travelers, by Jacqueline and Susan Gersten. Freedman, 1987

This book gives helpful hints for those of us who would like to travel but have remained close to home due to the logistics involved in traveling with a chronic pain condition.  You need a vacation.

Mainstay: For the Well Spouse of the Chronically Ill, by Maggie Strong

For the well spouse.  This book validates and supports those spouses and partners who support us, and covers some of their special needs.

Coping with College: A Guide for Academic Success, by Alice L. Hamachek

(section on learning disabilities)

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