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.
A letter from JohannaWhy did I write a book about fibroids? It started with a simple problem... when I found out I had fibroids, I couldn’t find enough information to help me make an informed decision about what to do.
I talked to five different doctors... and got five different opinions. I read the few books that were out there already... and couldn't find some of the information I really wanted. I need to know how different options felt, what to expect, what I could do that didn’t involve surgery, what kind of alternative treatments were available. I wanted to know if my fibroids would affect my sex life, or my ability to have kids.
So I started asking my friends if they knew anything. And I found out that lots of my friends have fibroids... or knew someone who did... but it wasn’t exactly a topic for conversation. It was kind of embarrassing. It was kind of private. So I decided to see if I could help bring fibroids "out of the closet," making them a safe topic for conversation, shared information and support.
To research the book, I spoke with doctors from around the country who specialize in fibroid-related treatment, activists, and dozens of women, either in person or via phone or e-mail. Many of the stories of individual women are in the book, in their own words.
And I read... and read and read. The book incorporates information from more than four hundred separate sources, from magazines and newsletters to scientific journal articles, websites, books and conferences.
I’m proud of the result. FIBROIDS is the only book I know of that talks about fibroids from a woman’s point of view: an owner’s manual, if you will. It’s the only one that brings together the opinions and viewpoints of dozens of medical professionals. It’s the only one that covers newer treatments, like Uterine Artery Embolization (worth considering) and Endometrial Ablation (not an option, despite the hype). It’s also the only book I know of that talks openly about how different treatments are marketed, and how this can affect our choices.
Writing this book was one of the most satisfying experiences I’ve ever had. I learned a lot. I grew a lot. I hope reading it will help you learn and grow as well.
If you'd like to share your comments or personal story, perhaps for future editions of the book, please write to me at FibroidGde@aol.com. Wishing you the best of happiness and good health,
Johanna
