Women and Fibromyalgia
Living with an Invisible Dis-ease
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
This book on fibromyalgia is unique as it presents a theory based upon a view that differs from the bio-medical model of disease. Rather than a focus on viral, bacterial, endocrine or other possible causes, the intent is to present a perspective on the role of highly sensitive persons in society who develop a hyper-aroused nervous system. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that affects primarily women and the ways in which girls in societies are socialized to be the primary care givers, to the exclusion of taking care of themselves as adult women, is considered to be the main reason why it is so predominant in females.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
"Dr. Keddy captures the patient's experience of living and coping with suffering in the poignant interviews with twenty women who have fibromyalgia, herself included."
-Dr. Jock Murray, medical humanities and neurology professor, Dalhousie University Medical School
Fibromyalgia, a musculoskeletal condition characterized by widespread chronic pain and fatigue, specific tender points, and sleep disturbance, is a major medical and social concern for physicians, employers, workers' compensation boards, and the insurance industry. But what about those who suffer from the condition?
Drawing on her own experiences as well as the stories of twenty other women living with the challenges of fibromyalgia, Barbara A. Keddy, RN, PhD, discusses current theories of causes and types of treatments. She also speculates about why this condition is more prominent among women than men. By sharing these stories, Keddy highlights the invisibility of the daily difficulties fibromyalgia sufferers face.
With its uniquely personal perspective, Women and Fibromyalgia validates Keddy's experience and offers hope for her and others that they will someday take back control of their bodies.
About the Author
Barbara A. Keddy has been a nurse, medical sociologist, university teacher and researcher, and is currently a professor emeritus. Her research over the past ten years, in addition to living with fibromyalgia, has given insight into this mysterious condition. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Please visit www.womenandfibromyalgia.com.