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

Skilling, Johanna

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1569246203 ISBN 13: 9781569246207

Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2000

Synopsis

When Johanna Skilling was diagnosed with fibroid tumors, 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.

About this title

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1569246203
• ISBN 13: 9781569246207
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272