Such a wide range of common symptoms means this disorder is a very difficult one to diagnose, yet fibromyalgia makes life miserable for thousands of people in Britain and it is greatly on the increase. In this book, patient-expert Claudia Craig Marek, first diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1991, guides you through your first year of learning how to cope, giving you a breakdown of mainstream and complementary treatment, as well as taking an in-depth look at important lifestyle issues. Marek answers all your most pressing concerns, including: How to ensure you get a correct diagnosis; How to best manage muscle pain; How to handle irritable bowel syndrome; Which medications can help and which might harm; How to cope with work, travel and relationships; This is the only comprehensive approach to managing fibromyalgia by someone who has been there, prevailed and now shares her knowledge and experience with you.