Finally--real answers!
Thank god for this book. It saved my sanity. I had been running from doctor to doctor--none of whom could give a straight answer--and all of whom thought I should just cut out and dispose of my uterus!! I thought I was in a nightmare! I learned that there is clearly no consenus in the field of medicine--on anything--and yes, that should concern you all.
My other concern was that the doctors knew so little and were so unable to answer my questions on the subject. I was scared to death--I had about a 2 pound fibroid in my uterus and still wanted to have a baby--and a frightening major surgery seemed to be the only option.
This book helped arm me to speak with my doctors and convinced me to see a specialist (which was the best move I could have made.) The book helped me understand all of my options and exactly what was happening to my body and why--and how to possibly prevent future fibroids. This really allayed my fears.
It is written in an easy to understand and unbiased style that gives me credit for being able to make my own intelligent decisions--unlike the multitude of male doctors I saw who treated me like an idiot (which I most assuredly am not). It is written by doctors who are experts on this condition. It is refreshing to see men take an interest in women's health conditions, and who clearly understand the serious effects they can have on quality of life. I have read others and think this is the best book on the subject.
Very Informative
For years hysterectomies have been the "solution" for fibroids preferred by most doctors but that is changing and "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibroids" examines new techniques and therapies to treat fibroids including alternatives to hysterectomy. The book covers what fibroids are; how they are diagnosed; managing symptoms; watchful waiting; diet; exercise; stress; alternative medicines; drug treatment; options such as uterine fibroid embolization, myomectomy, and hysterectomy; and future treatment options. There is also a bibliography, a list of additional resources (books, organizations and websites) and an index.
I wish "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibroids" had been published when I was first diagnosed with fibroids. It is very informative and helps women understand what fibroids are and how to treat them (or in some cases not treat them). There are a lot of charts and lists throughout the book that are very helpful as they explain things such as facts about fibroids; risk factors for fibroids; fibroid sizes; symptoms of fibroids; a list of exercises; and some menu plans. Everything is explaining in layman's terms so nothing is too confusing to read.
One of the things that impressed me about the book is that it was written by a gynecologist and a radiologist, both men, who have an amazing grasp about the effect fibroids can have on a woman's life. I also liked the fact that even though there were some treatments they didn't agree with or recommend, they explained all aspects of treatments evenhandedly, giving the reader a chance to make up her mind. All the chapters in the book are excellent and the chapters on three procedures available (Uterine Fibroid Embolization, Myomectomy, and Hysterectomy) are especially well done. Each chapter describes the pros and cons of each procedure, when it is the best option, and how to prepare for each procedure and what to expect afterwards. I had a UFE in 2002 and I wish I had this book back then to prepare for my hospital stay.
This book was published in 2003 and I was surprised at how up to date it is - the authors even mentioned one of the newest (and still fairly rare) treatments - High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFUS). The authors clearly know their stuff.
"What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibroids" is highly informative and I recommend it for women who are looking for an alternative treatment to fibroids besides a hysterectomy.
Unbiased and Thorough Coverage of Therapies
I was amazed at the vast amount of information in this book and the unbiased way in which it was presented. It covered all types of therapies whether nutritional, medical or alternative and did so indicating which ones were backed up by studies and whether the studies were done in a scientific manner or not. It was very, very helpful.
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibroids: New Techniques and Therapies--Including Breakthrough Alternatives to Hysterect
This is an excellent book with great information for women searching for options in dealing with fibroid tumors. Easy to read and understand.
The best book on fibroids I have read
This is the most comprehensive book on fibroids that I have read. It explains the different types, enumerates other conditions that may be confused for fibroids, details diagnosis techniques. It then thoroughly explores each treatment option currently available--and it is up-to-date, as opposed to another book I purchased which was so out of date it didn't even mention Uterine Artery Embolization. It gives statistics on the successes and complications from each treatment, and also suggests questions to ask your doctor and qualifications he/she should have. It assumes that you are intelligent enough to make up your own mind about what treatment you want and does not "sell" one over any other. It is just so refreshing!
I recommend it to anyone who is trying to get through the maze of confusing information about fibroids.
