Rating: 
Summary: One of the best.
Review: This book was one of the most helpful I've found in my years of dealing with my fibroids. Johanna Skilling also wrote a similar book in the First Year series, also excellent. I found the information was well-researched, based on my own years of scouring the internet and libraries for clues to this under-researched health issue. While fibroids aren't a huge problem for some women, for others their lives ARE permanently altered. This book presents the best information available to date, in a manner that is easily accessible to the lay person. I especially like that the author has herself gone through the process of choosing the best treatment option for her own case of fibroids. I came to the same conclusion that she did, and chose the same option for treatment. It was helpful to read someone else's decision-making process.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best.
Review: This book was one of the most helpful I've found in my years of dealing with my fibroids. Johanna Skilling also wrote a similar book in the First Year series, also excellent. I found the information was well-researched, based on my own years of scouring the internet and libraries for clues to this under-researched health issue. While fibroids aren't a huge problem for some women, for others their lives ARE permanently altered. This book presents the best information available to date, in a manner that is easily accessible to the lay person. I especially like that the author has herself gone through the process of choosing the best treatment option for her own case of fibroids. I came to the same conclusion that she did, and chose the same option for treatment. It was helpful to read someone else's decision-making process.
Rating:
Summary: Pick this up when you're first diagnosed
Review: This is a great book to calm you down when you first get the scary news. It explains it all very well. Then pick up Allan Warshowsky's (I think that's how it's spelled)"Guide to a Natural Cure." Both are excellent. My symptoms are going away and the last time I saw my doctor she said they had not grown any more.
Rating:
Summary: Pick this up when you're first diagnosed
Review: This is a great book to calm you down when you first get the scary news. It explains it all very well. Then pick up Allan Warshowsky's (I think that's how it's spelled)"Guide to a Natural Cure." Both are excellent. My symptoms are going away and the last time I saw my doctor she said they had not grown any more.
Rating:
Summary: Objective and Helpful
Review: This is one of the best consumer medical books I have read. I was skeptical at first because the author is a patient, not a doctor. I found this to be an advantage. The book doesn't attempt to sell a specific treatment or viewpoint. Rather it presents a wide spectrum of information, opinions and experiences. It assisted me in looking at my condition in an individual way. I feel comfortable and informed as I begin to explore the different treatment options. As an added plus, I found it to be enjoyable reading rather than something I had to force myself to finish.
Rating:
Summary: This book is my "bible"!
Review: When I first found out I had a fibroid, of course I immidiately searched the internet. I am only 22 years old and on every web site I checked, every other word was hysterectomy! I was petrified. This book helped my come to terms with my fibroids and understand what treatment was right for me and why. It helped to hear what so many women had to say about all the subjects covered. It has been my "bible" through my diagnosis, treatment and recovery. THANK YOU Johanna!!
Rating:
Summary: Help sort through medical mumbo jumbo
Review: When I got diagnosed with fibroids, I went to Ms. Skilling's book. She breaks down medical terminology into lay language. She brings a sense of humor, warmth and practicality to this book (e.g. wear a two piece outfit when you go for your pelvic sonogram!). She offers guidance and resources, both online and off. I was so glad I had the book as a resource during that period.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Fantastic Research and a Great Read
Review: Whether one has fibroids or not, I think all women should read this book, for the sake of getting educated and aware of what's out there and what isn't! I have cried and also laughed through every chapter and I feel a bond now with all those women who have poured their hearts into this lovely book. Ms Skilling, Keep up the Extra-Ordinary work and God bless U!
Rating: 
Summary: A letter from Johanna
Review: Why 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. 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. But we all had the same kinds of questions. Like, what are all the treatment options available, what do they involve, and which ones don't require surgery? What kind of alternative treatments seem to work? Is it helpful to change your diet, or try to reduce stress? Can our fibroids affect our sex lives, our ability to have kids, our emotions, even our relationships? So I decided to see if I could help answer these questions, and in the process, help bring fibroids "out of the closet," making them a safe topic for conversation, shared information and support. I made it my goal to bring first-hand information from the front lines to help women who are dealing with their own private questions, fears, and decisions about their fibroids, to sort out some of the confusion, and to address the kinds of questions that weren't discussed anywhere else. I spoke with doctors from around the country who specialize in fibroid-related treatment, experts like Dr. Nelson Stringer, Dr. Stanley West, Dr. Robert Worthington-Kirsch, Dr. Scott Goodwin of UCLA, Dr. David Olive of Yale, Dr. James Spies of Georgetown, Dr. Brian Walsh of Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, and many others. All generously shared information about current and new treatments, the new techniques they are pioneering, and their advice for women considering treatment. I spoke to activists like Nora Coffey of HERS, and researchers like Dr. Cynthia Morton, of the Center for Uterine Fibroids. Most importantly, dozens of women who have fibroids shared their own very personal stories with me: Many of those stories are in the book, told in their own words by women of different ages and backgrounds. The book also draws on information from more than four hundred separate sources, from magazines and newsletters to scientific journal articles, websites, books and conferences. Virtually every source is listed in the book, so you can go to the original studies and articles. There are also dozens of resources listed for more information, treatment and sharing experiences with other women. 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. Reading FIBROIDS won't tell you what you're "supposed" to do about your fibroids. What it will do is give you a broad spectrum of information that will help you make the decision that feels best for your body, your spirit, your life. 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
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