First Year Fibroids: An Essential Guide For The Newly Diagnosed [Paperback]

Also called myomas, fibromyomas, or leiomyomas, fibroids develop from a single smooth muscle cell in the uterus and vary in size and shape. They affect as many as 80 percent of women, of whom one in four will have symptoms serious enough to cause her to seek medical advice and treatment. These two practical, easy-to-read guides offer information on the different types of fibroids and the options for treating them. In Healing Fibroids, Warshowsky, a practicing obstetrician/ gynecologist and director of the Women's Program at Beth Israel Hospital's Center for Health and Healing in New York, and Oumano, a certified yoga teacher and bodywork practitioner, combine Western medicine and holistic methods to point the way to optimal health and the avoidance of surgery. After a brief look at surgical procedures and the relationship of hormones and the menstrual cycle to fibroids, they devote chapters to diet, supplements, herbal remedies, exercise, emotional healing, and the effects of environmental toxins, especially xenoestrogens. Skilling, a marketing executive and writer in New York, wrote her first book, Fibroids: The Complete Guide to Taking Charge of Your Physical, Emotional and Sexual Well-Being, when she was first diagnosed with fibroids and could find little information on the subject. She also explores the role of diet, exercise, and emotional well-being in managing fibroids. Arranged by day for the first week after diagnosis, by week for the first month, and by month for the remaining 11 months, the chapters are each divided into two sections, called "Living" and "Learning." The "Living" sections deal with issues and problems, while the "Learning" sections explain the more technical aspects of fibroids. Skilling provides practical tips, such as how to chart the growth of the fibroid and what to wear when you leave the hospital should you need surgery. Readers will find information on current research and medication, the pros and cons of various types of surgery, and hints on diet and lifestyle changes, including exercise and stress management. While both guides are useful, Skilling's arrangement is superior. Her table of contents provides good access points, and the glossary, selected resources, and list of bibliographic references are a definite plus. If you have the budget, get both; but if you have to choose, buy Skilling's. Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Fdn. Lib.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A "must-have" for women who want to know as much as possible about a very misunderstood condition. -- Cheryl Willis, Health Reporter, NY1 News, www.ny1.com, May 6, 2002

A practical, step-by-step guide for the woman who is diagnosed with fibroids: from how to handle a diagnosis to what to wear home from the hospital after surgery (if, in fact, you need surgery). In between, the author takes you through everything you need to do to manage your fibroids successfully, providing advice and information about fibroid-fighting foods, developing an exercise plan, writing a medical history (and why it's important), dealing with insurance. The author also provides the latest information on every treatment available, from acupuncture to Uterine Artery Embolization to myomectomy ... and includes a valuable Q&A to help you understand which treatment is best for you. Full of helpful tips you can use right now -- from how to chart your fibroid growth to selecting herbs that can help control symptoms, The First Year-Fibroids is an indispensable handbook.

Though an estimated eight in ten women in America will be diagnosed with fibroids during their lifetime, it remains one of the most ambiguous conditions a woman can have. In the tradition of the other titles in the First Year series, The First Year—Fibroids uses a unique approach, guiding readers through practical and straightforward steps for the first seven days following diagnosis, then the next three weeks of their first month, and finally the next eleven months of their first year. Throughout, author Johanna Skilling provides answers and advice that will help women newly diagnosed with fibroids come to terms with their condition and the lifestyle changes that accompany it. Skilling provides vital information about the different types of fibroids, treatment options, dietary choices, holistic alternatives, resources for further information, and much more. The First Year-Fibroids will be a wise and educational resource for every woman who wants to take an active role in the management of her fibroids.

In 1998 I wrote my first book about fibroids, entitled "Fibroids: The Complete Guide." "The First Year-Fibroids" is a practical accompaniment to that book, containing step by step information on everything a woman needs to know and do from the first day of her diagnosis. It includes vital information on how to take care of yourself physically, emotionally and financially as you learn more about this disease and decide what your own best course of action is ... whether it's "Watch & Wait", alternative treatments, or any one of a number of medical options. Fibroids are not something to be afraid of -- but they are something you should know as much about as possible. I hope I can help you with that quest. With best wishes for your good health, Johanna

When Johanna Skilling was diagnosed with fibroids in 1995, she found little information, advice and support for her condition. In an effort to be proactive, Skilling became a "patient-expert" on fibroids -- by reading medical and scientific books and journals, talking with doctors, and networking with other women who have fibroids. Now she shares her experience and knowledge with everyone who has been newly diagnosed.

In clear, concise, accessible language, Skilling covers a wide range of practical, medical and lifestyle issues, including:

- Treatment Options

- Current medical research and medications

- Strategies for making necessary lifestyle changes

- Guidelines and tips for modifying your diet

- Stress management and exercise

- Discussing your condition with family, friends and co-workers

- Handling sexual and social issues

- Effective alternative therapies

- Support group resources

JOHANNA SKILLING is a marketing executive and writer in New York. Frustrated by the inconsistent treatment recommendations and information she received after being diagnosed with fibroids, Skilling has devoted much of her time to helping others who share her condition by researching and writing about living with fibroids. This is her second book on the subject.