Fibroids: The Complete Guide to Taking Charge of Your Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Well-Being [Paperback]

Johanna Skilling (Author), Eileen Hoffman (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2000

The Complete Guide to Taking Charge of Your Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Well-Being When Johanna Skilling was diagnosed with fibroid tumours, she was confused by treatment recommendations that ranged from "watch and wait" to total hysterectomy. Even more frustrated by the lack of data about fibroids, she set out to close the information gap. Skilling explores the medical, emotional, and sexual implications of a fibroid diagnosis simply and thoroughly; explains what fibroids are, what influences their growth, what to expect after a diagnosis, and how to live with fibroids if surgery isn't chosen; and discusses traditional and alternative treatments and the mind-body connection.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Fibroids are "solid lumps of muscle and connective tissue" that grow in and around the uterus and are almost always benign. They are the result of "a single cell gone wild," but why this happens is a mystery. They affect from 20 to 80 percent of women. Although some women have no symptoms, others experience abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pain or pressure. Fibroids can trigger miscarriage, preterm labor, and sometimes infertility. Author Johanna Skilling sees fibroids as "an interruption" of your uterus, blood flow, physical well-being, and lifestyle, as well as a disruption of your self-image and self-esteem, which may leave you feeling shamed, damaged, and helpless.

Skilling is not a doctor; she is a woman with fibroids. When she was diagnosed, she read everything she could find, interviewed medical experts, and compiled stories from other women. She presents information about conventional medical treatments, alternative therapies, and diet, along with tips, anecdotes, and humor (for example, the "top 10 things you resemble while taking an MRI" includes "one of those pretzels with cheese filling" and "a lime wedge in the neck of a beer bottle"). Skilling's aim in writing this book is to provide both a source of information about fibroids and a "support group in a book" for women with fibroids to find comfort and sharing. She succeeds. --Joan Price

From the Author

I interviewed leaders in fibroid surgery and research, read dozens of books, and scanned hundreds of articles and Web sites. I also spoke with women who've been where you are and who are willing to share what they've learned...This book is a product of our collected wisdom.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 277 pages
• Publisher: Marlowe & Co; 1 edition (January 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569246203
• ISBN-13: 978-1569246207
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,063,908 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If You Have Fibroids, Get This Book., January 6, 2001

By 

Nicole Flowers (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fibroids: The Complete Guide to Taking Charge of Your Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Well-Being (Paperback)

For any woman who has been given the diagnosis of fibroid tumors, `Fibroids' is a must read. Ms. Skilling has compiled a wealth of information that is easy for the layperson to assimilate, and will help the woman who is in the unfortunate position of having to suddenly make a decision regarding her fibroids. Thankfully, this book is written without judging anyone because of their choice; it is chock full of testimonials from woman who have had every kind of fibroid and every kind of procedure. Inevitably, you will hear your own voice on one of the pages.

Since there are currently so many options available to women, the best decision is an informed one. A good doctor will spend time with you to discuss your options, but a doctor is limited as to what he/she can tell you during an office visit. If you get this book and read it cover to cover, you will then be able to discuss your fibroids with your doctor as a very well informed patient. I read with earnest the section entitled "The Fifth Path -- Hysterectomy". Although this procedure is clearly a clear all for fibroids, it is not the answer for everyone; once you read this book, you will realize that you do indeed have other options -- many other options. However, if you feel that a hysterectomy is the decision that is right for you, there is also a section on what to expect during your procedure, and your recovery, as well as testimonials from woman who have gone through the surgery and what they experienced.

As soon as I was diagnosed with a sub-mucous fibroid, I searched the web for information and Amazon for any book I could find on the subject. This book appealed to me more than others; primarily because of the title as well as the wonderful reviews it received. There is another book with a title that is less appealing (I shall refrain from naming it) that turned me off because of the blanket statement that it implied. I personally did not opt for a hysterectomy to treat my fibroids, however if I was of a different age and place in my life, I may well have. Thankfully I ordered this book, which gave me all of the options in a sound and positive way.

It's your choice; just be informed before you make it. Get this book and you will be.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fibroids de-mystified!, March 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Fibroids: The Complete Guide to Taking Charge of Your Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Well-Being (Paperback)

This book answers every question one could have about Fibroids, and does it in a way that anyone can understand. This is a scary diagnosis, at first, especially if you're told you have one option--hysterectomy! This book is long overdue--it gives the fibroids sufferer options, hope, and comfort. I am giving a copy to my gynecologist and recommending it to all my friends! Thanks, Ms. Skilling!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable, March 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Fibroids: The Complete Guide to Taking Charge of Your Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Well-Being (Paperback)

This book provided me with invaluable information while I was searching for a way to deal with problematic fibroids. It explores all the option available, both surgical and non-surgical, and provides solid medical information in a clear and easily absorbed manner. It's so good that my gynecologist swiped my copy. I have to order another :-)