No More Hysterectomies [Paperback]

Vicki G. Hufnagel (Author), Susan K. Golant (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 1989

A female surgeon discusses the shockingly high number of hysterectomies performed annually, offers information on alternatives, and provides straightforward information on the questions and myths surrounding hysterectomy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Plume; Revised edition (August 30, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452262550
• ISBN-13: 978-0452262553
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,177,750 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First the book, then FRS, changed my life for the better!, December 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: No More Hysterectomies (Paperback)

I found NO MORE HYSTERECTOMIES after having been told by 5 different gynecologists that I needed to have a hysterectomy. Intuitively, I knew this was not the answer for me. My husband found her information booth at a Whole Life Expo. I went the next day and spent a couple of hours reading over the information, viewing video tapes and talking with her advocate. Here, for the first time, was real hope for removing my fibroids -all of them - and being able to keep my uterus. Instead of the dreaded "Hysterectomy" word, I was presented with the phrase "Female Reconstructive Surgery" (FRS) by what appeared to be a talented and gifted surgeon expounding the notion that hysterectomy should be the last option for almost all reproductive problems with the exception of cancer. I called for references and talked to other women who had gone through the procedure. Everything I read and heard pointed to FRS as the solution to this invasion of my body. I went through the thorough process of physical, emotional and psychological evaluations required by Dr. Hufnagel. I then scheduled my operation, in Los Angeles. What followed can only be described as "miraculous" though I know that it was really the simple fact that I was operated on by a highly skilled surgeon masterfully using today's high technology. The skill and technique required to do this is far beyond what it takes to perform a radical hysterectomy. Instead of a quick couple of cuts to remove and discard my uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, Dr. Hufnagel removed a fibroid tumor weighing 2.18 lbs., measuring 5.5 in. x 5.5 in. x 2.75 in., many smaller fibroids and was able to repair the hernias caused by this abnormally large growth expanding outward against tissues not meant to contain such a mass. She also removed a large fluid filled cyst on my left ovary and aspirated out several cysts on my right ovary. Cysts were removed from both fallopian tubes. Additionally, Dr. Hufnagel then re-suspended my uterus and other organs back to their original position, eradicating the possibility of further complications. This reconstruction, as described, means that I will not have to go in at some future date, at additional cost, both financial and as a toll on my body, to have the hernias repaired or to diagnose and repair complications caused by displaced organs. The thoroughness of this operation is providing long term health benefits. My health has improved dramatically. My extreme pelvic and lower back pain is gone, I have regained sexual function, am no longer incontinent, have increased mobility and my skin tone and color have returned to normal. I am once again able to practice Yoga and attend my stretch and tone classes which I had had to give up on. It was a long hard battle to find Dr. Hufnagel. There were many times when I was on the verge of giving up, but just could not, knowing both intuitively and from what I have read, that I faced a 50-50 chance of having ongoing complications from hysterectomy throughout the remainder of my life. While it is true that many women do not suffer long term consequences directly attributable to hysterectomy, I am of a very slight build and really do believe that, more than likely, I would have ended up being one of the women with problems. When I was in Dr. Hufnagel's office, here walls were plastered with testimonials and letters of thank you and sincere, heartfelt appreciation for the incredible work that she has done for them. I have met many women who have had fibroid removal and other types of female reconstructive surgery performed on them by Dr. Hufnagel. We are all awed by her expertise and the incredible return to health that was made possible by her work. Dr. Hufnagel has had the intestinal fortitude and conviction to stand up to the established method of "business as usual", pioneered FRS, championed women's rights issues and sought to expose the corruption of some of her peers. I highly recommend this book for any women undergoing reproductive health problems....

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GRATEFUL EX-PATIENT OF DR.HUFNAGEL, September 6, 2000

By 

M. DaSilva (Mineola, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: No More Hysterectomies (Paperback)

In November of 1997 I was hospitalized for a week with abdominal pain. Hospital tests showed a heterogeneous mass on my left side. Seven doctors from the gynecological group I had always gone to in Mineola, NY, decided exploratory surgery was needed and also most likely a hysterectomy; I REFUSED! I walked out of the hospital in pain, at the threat of death and with surgery scheduled for the next day! I had the courage to walk out - I had Dr. Hufnagel's book inside the drawer of my night table at the hospital and had been in contact with her that week! At 34 years old I wanted to keep ALL MY ORGANS and keeping the option of having children!

I first became aware of Dr. Hufnagel through her legal woes with the NY state medical system. I paid a visit to her NY office. She provided me with the BEST INTERNAL EXAMINATION, the most attention, careful, detailed, empowering and informed consultation I had ever had with any kind of doctor. Unfortunately, she lost that battle with the NY legal system! She wasn't able to do my operation at the time I needed it. But, I am still in contact with her and will be visiting her on my next trip to California.

Before my operation, I was diagnosed with endometriosis, an endometrioma on the left ovary and possibly first-stage ovarian cancer. I ended up having a "laparoscopic operation" by Dr. Harry Reich (570) 674-2256, whom she mentions in the book, and who is SUPERB!

Dr. Hufnagel WAS MY CONNECTION! I STILL HAVE ALL MY ORGANS BECAUSE OF THE KNOWLEDGEABLE OPTIONS AND FACTS SHE PROVIDED ME WITH. SHE HAD THE COURAGE TO STAND AND INFORM WOMEN OF WHAT IS RIGHT, AND, OF COURSE, PAID THE PRICE FOR IT! MY LIFE LONG THANKS TO HER!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Contimplating hysterectomy? Think again!!! I wish I had!, June 7, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: No More Hysterectomies (Paperback)

I wish I had found Dr. Hufnagel's book before I had my hysterectomy when I was 24. I was told I needed a hysterectomy because I had Endometriosis, I later found out that I did not. I have since undergone two surgeries to correct what this female OB did to me. I am now scheduled to have my final operation with Dr. Hufnagel for total reconstructive surgery. She diagnosed me with total prolapse of my bladder, my colon, and most of my internal organs. I thank God, I found No More Hysterectomies. It has changed my life, and Dr Hufnagel's skill and genuine concern for women and their reproductive health has been a true inspiration to me and my family. If you are considering a radical surgery like this please do some serious research first. I wish that I had