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Summary: Healing Syndrome O: A Strategic Guide...
Review: Although I have not been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, I have experienced dealing with issues of infertility. I think there is much to recommend this wonderful resource for any woman or couple interested in maximizing their fertility. I was very interested in the fact that you don't have to be overweight or show any of the more typical symptoms to be suffering from this metabolic imbalance, and that in fact, PCOS, or Syndrome O, as Dr. Feinberg calls it, is responsible for so many cases of unexplained infertility. I also thought the book was unique in offering as much scientific explanation as it did. I appreciated being able to go into as much or as little detail as I wanted to on any of the covered topics, however, I found myself able to follow and understand more than I ever have in the past due to the author's clear explanations and writing style. The motivational aspects of the book were not only very encouraging and empathetic to women, but empowering as well! That's never to suggest that there aren't women with intractable infertility issues - there are. I think the author is particularly sensitive in addressing that. I really loved this book and feel that it has made a difference in how I see myself in relationship to my body and health. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in starting a family or undergoing fertility treatments as well as the population of women who have or suspect they may have PCOS.
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Summary: With the help of this book, I healed my Syndrome O
Review: Being a patient of Dr. Feinberg's and participating in the Syndrome O Strategies program has changed my life. In 2001, after trying to conceive for quite some time, I discovered that I had PCOS. I began looking for a doctor to "fix me." In February of 2003, after seeing many doctors, I decided to seek the help of a fertility specialist, Dr. Feinberg. After meeting him, I realized that pregnancy was not my only goal; I wanted to live a healthier life. To do this, it occurred to me that I had to be accountable for my actions. I needed to make some changes. I began following Dr. Feinberg's program and sought the help of Syndrome O Coaching Services. Within a few months, I lost 15% of my body weight and my cycles became regular. I am proud to say that I am a success story. In December of 2003, without the use of fertility drugs, my husband and I discovered that we were expecting. Our first child is due to arrive in August.
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Summary: Healing My Syndrome O
Review: Being a patient of Dr. Feinberg's and participating in the Syndrome O Strategies program has changed my life. In 2001, after trying to conceive for quite some time, I discovered that I had PCOS. I began looking for a doctor to "fix me." In February of 2003, after seeing many doctors, I decided to seek the help of a fertility specialist, Dr. Feinberg. After meeting him, I realized that pregnancy was not my only goal; I wanted to live a healthier life. To do this, it occurred to me that I had to be accountable for my actions. I needed to make some changes. I began following Dr. Feinberg's program and sought the help of Syndrome O Coaching Services. Within a few months, I lost 15% of my body weight and my cycles became regular. I am proud to say that I am a success story. In December of 2003, without the use of fertility drugs, my husband and I discovered that we were expecting. Our first child is due to arrive in August.
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Summary: A Vital Lesson in Motivation: Author, Heal Thyself!
Review: From author, Dr. Ron Feinberg---It almost didn't happen. My dream of publishing a hot new strategic book for women with polycystic ovaries and Syndrome O was about to dissolve into thin air following one down-trodden e-mail from a senior editor at Avery/Penguin. After suffering with two dreaded maladies hampering even experienced authors, writer's block and procrastination, I left the publisher will little choice but to cancel my book's publication. Excuses like "I'm a busy doctor" and "My patients take all my time" just weren't going to cut it in the fast-paced high-pressure publishing world. Avery/Penguin expected a completed manuscript on time. If I wasn't going to provide it, they would cross me of their list, and move on to thousands of other wannabe authors waiting in the wings. Luckily, I had a second chance. After appealing to the head of the Avery division, I was given a deadline extension and a firm warning: "Send us a polished manuscript by May 1 (2003); no ifs, ands, or buts!" For 3 months I spent every spare waking moment thinking, writing, and contemplating Healing Syndrome O. At the urging of my agent, I hired a wonderful and experienced editor, Pam Liflander, who was both encouraging to me and offered numerous substantive suggestions. Lesa Childers (the heroine of Chapter 12) coached me to keep going as she read each chapter hot off the press; having one Syndrome O fan on my side was motivating. One year later, I am now beaming with pride at the finished product. And I am thankful for the will and determination I was able to muster to get the job done. There are certainly other books that people can buy to learn about polycystic ovaries and associated metabolic problems, but Healing Syndrome O offers a different way of looking at things. Through Healing Syndrome O I was able to muster my own inner force and diligence in the Strategies of Organization, Optimization, and Offering. Author, heal thyself! Women with Syndrome O, heal thyself! There are some second chances in life, and once you find your passion, will, and a game plan, no one will get in your way.
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Summary: Biased, misdirected view of PCOS
Review: I was extremely disappointed in Dr. Feinberg's book. And am offended in his notion that women with PCOS are McDonald's-eating couch-potatoes. If that were the cause, 80% of the American population would have PCOS. Also, encouraging women with PCOS to reach an ideal BMI can be extremely dangerous. Leading to an eating disorder and compromise nutrition. Having a healthy lifestyle is an important management tool and obesity worsens symptoms/ morbidity, however, that's true for everyone. Furthermore, he downplays the role genetics has on PCOS. Could it be the use of fertility treatments, not lifestyle, contributes to the increase of PCOS suffers or are physicians finally diagnosing and treating the "syndrome?" If you are interested in reading a comprehensive analysis of PCOS from a physician who clearly understands it's complexity, with compassion and a great sense of humor, I strongly recommend Dr. Thatcher's, "PCOS: the hidden epidemic." PS Isn't it a bit tacky to write your own book review?
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Summary: New, fresh approach to PCOS
Review: I was mesmerized from the Introduction onward, as the author described a woman who suffered with the same symptoms as me--irregular periods, 'overnourishment', and infertility. This book will help me move down a better path for overcoming my PCOS. The different chapters are fresh and honest, as they describe guidelines for how women with PCOS should devote attention to their nutrition, activity, and -- most importantly -- to themselves. I loved the chapter on Syndrome O Survival Strategies. This is a must-read for any woman with PCOS.
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Summary: AN ABSOLUTE MUST-READ for all hopeful mothers...
Review: It saddens me beyond belief that previous reviewers could misinterpret Dr. Feinberg's message in writing this book. Any brief 'googling' of Feinberg's record will show a life-long dedication to women's health and hope in this country. As a woman who has struggled with PCOS for years, I found this book so refreshing for my body and my future. A perceptive reader will see that Dr. Feinberg empathizes with the nightmare and heartbreak millions of couples face on a daily basis; and the thousands of money laid out all for the prayers of having one child to call their own.
After seeing over a dozen specialists, Dr. Feinberg seems to be the first of his kind to offer women a constructive answer to their problems before simply asking for their checkbooks. Sure, all of my doctors have been very helpful, while making a pretty penny at the same time. We all know that many men and women have difficulties with infertility as a result of their genetic history, and Dr. Feinberg is not denying that fact. It is also a fact that a significant percentage of these couples suffering are under/over weight. By no means are his experiences patronizing or misguided; they offer an affordable, different perspective on infertility that seems to have healed a number of his patients. And let's be honest now; if the majority of the books' audience are struggling couples, do we really think they would be INSULTED to learn of how Dr. Feinberg's patients were able to change their diet, become pregnant, and still actually be able to AFFORD a child once it was all said and done?
What a risk this physician takes by offering a solution that does not necessarily benefit him monetarily, but benefits his utmost goal of improving the fertility of couples around the world that may or may not be able to afford treatment. I truly wish there were more honest doctors in this country like Dr. Feinberg.
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Summary: Healing Syndrome O
Review: This book was wonderful!! Having read at least a dozen books on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, I found this book to be the most empowering! It is loaded with much useful as well as scientific data. It gives hope to those who struggle with PCOS and gives positive encouragement that PCOS sufferers can have much control over this condition. I thoroughly appreciated Dr. Feinberg's viewpoint regarding the genetics of this syndrome. The fact that there are not "faulty" genes as all other books state, but a "faulty" environment and lifestyle that do not adequately work well with the genetic make-up of PCOS sensitive individuals. I found the other books that I have read on this topic to be rather doom and gloom at times. They left me with a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness for my daughters. However, Dr. Feinberg's book gave me hope and help to empower my daughters to take control of their bodies and their lives!
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Summary: PCOS SUFFERERS LOOK FOR SOMETHING ELSE
Review: This may be 'impowering' to women with infertility problems but it is INSULTING to women SUFFERING with PCOS. Again as another review shows, his theory is that there is no problems with our genes if there was we wouldnt be here because our mothers would be infertile. I found his manner arrogant and condescending to women especially the overweight, he even opened with a story about an overweight woman crying in his office, but in the afterward he states that she was ficticious. Please do not buy this book, it will only depress you. If women caused this by diet then millions would be suffering. We can make things worse by our food but it is not the cause. I had hormonal problems first, the weight came later. I dont eat fast food, i eat a balanced diet, I was looking for more information to work against my symptoms, this is not it! I was so disappointed, I threw it away, something i never do with a book. I did not want another PCOS woman to read that and believe that they caused the problem. I know I can help myself by changing things that I do but I do not need to be scolded for doing this to myself, I did not. Keep looking on Amazon there are some amazing books on PCOS on here, just not this one!
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Summary: Informative & Empowering
Review: Though I have already read quite a bit about Syndrome O (PCOS) and felt I was well informed, I was able to gain even more understanding from this book. It provided a large amount of information about what happens on the cellular level in our bodies to fuel Syndrome O (PCOS)symptoms and complications. Understanding the science of it all helped reframe my thinking about this disorder and provided the extra push I needed to take back control of my body. I would definitely recommend this book to others dealing with a Syndrome O (PCOS) diagnosis.
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