As a subscriber to the NFA's "Fibromyalgia Aware" magazine, I read Matallana's column regularly and had followed the development of the "central sensitization" theory of fibromyalgia by Dr. Yunus, so I'm no novice, but even I found information in this book that was news to me.

Even if you've had fibromyalgia for a long time, it never hurts to learn the latest research and treatment. For instance, did you know that fibromyalgia can now be classified as a disease? I didn't. As of 2004, fibromyalgia is now defined as disordered sensory processing at a central level. In other words, physiological abnormalities in the brain. Fibromyalgia is just one of several central sensitivity syndromes, and many of these syndromes will overlap in the same person. For instance, someone with fibromyalgia may also have chronic myofascial pain, chronic fatigue, periodic limb movement disorder, TMJ pain, and migraines. This is an important reason why fibromyalgia is so difficult to treat; there are usually several medical problems to address at once.

Also new to me was the data on cognitive impairment, more commonly known as fibro fog. I've been complaining of cognitive dysfunction for years, and most of my doctors either ignored my complaints or told me I must be exaggerating. But now research studies show that fibromyalgia patients have cognitive performance equivalent to someone 20 years their senior. Both working memory (such as doing math in your head) and episodic memory (memory for specific events) are affected in fibromyalgia. Contrary to popular belief, these deficits are generally NOT caused by depression in a person with fibromyalgia.

The "Idiot's Guide" has an entire chapter devoted to the future of research and treatments for fibromyalgia, including studies on Milnacipran, Pregabalin and Duloxtetine. The hope is that there will soon be medications targeted specifically for fibromyalgia rather devising off-label uses for medications originally created to treat other ailments.

Fibromyalgia is a systemic illness, meaning it affects most sufferers from head to toe. There is a lot of variation from patient to patient, so the best approach to treatment usually requires a great deal of trial and error. Therefore a book like this one devoting chapters to conventional, alternative and integrative therapies can be quite valuable. The authors have also chosen to address lifestyle changes, behavioral therapy, and self-management skills that are equally necessary tools in taming the fibromyalgia monster.

This book is most ideally suited for the newly diagnosed or family members/friends of those with fibromyalgia. It is written in short, easy to read segments that even those with fibro fog can follow. It helps the newly diagnosed figure out where to start on the complicated path to management and acceptance of the disease. It then assists the reader in seeking help from the medical community and family and friends. It outlines a wide variety of treatment options as well as what the reader can do on their own to feel better. Finally, it offers a short guide to the disability process for those who find they need to go that route.

All in all, I found the "Idiot's Guide" to be a smart buy.