TV & Screenwriter Gives a Voice to Fibromyalgia Patient in New Book

Television series screenwriter Suzanne Fitzpatrick has come down from "7th Heaven"-the longest-running family drama in television history-and shares a down-to-earth, yet remarkably inspiring, true story of Patricia Jacobson, a woman plagued with Fibromyalgia. Fitzpatrick helps Jacobson raise awareness and understanding about the real plight of patients, and reechoes Jacobson's plea for the medical community "to do the research, spend the money, and find a cure." This two-fold mission is embodied in Fitzpatrick's newly published book, If She Only Knew...

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common and chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, diffuse tenderness, and a number of other symptoms. Fibromyalgia can cause significant pain and fatigue, and it can interfere with a person's ability to carry on daily activities.

"A somewhat normal life can change overnight. People with fibromyalgia need to know they're not alone in their fight. Doctors never seem to believe us when we say we can't take it anymore. This disease can be so overpowering that it can completely take over your life," shares Jacobson.

As Fibromyalgia affects millions of people throughout the world, and people look toward the medical community to help those who suffer from it, what happens at home? If there are so many unanswered questions at the doctor's office, how are patients supposed to explain it to their loved ones?

Eye-opening, evocative, and empowering, If She Only Knew... is Jacobson's journey and how her whole family was along for the ride, whether they wanted to be or not. As she still battles with her pain, she recalls all the pivotal moments in her life that made her realize Fibromyalgia is much bigger than people ever imagined.