From Library Journal
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.


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


Book Description
When Johanna Skilling was diagnosed with fibroids in 1995, she found little information, advice, and support for her condition. Fibroids—though an estimated eight in ten women will be affected in their lifetime—has remained a little talked about condition in the medical world. In an effort to be proactive in the management and treatment of her condition, Skilling became a "patient-expert" on fibroids—by reading medical and scientific books and journals, talking with doctors, and networking with other people who have fibroids. Now she shares her experience and knowledge with everyone who has been newly diagnosed. With great sensitivity, Skilling walks the newly diagnosed step-by-step through everything one needs to do and learn each day of the first week after diagnosis, each subsequent week of the first month, and the following eleven months of the crucial first year. In clear, concise, accessible language, Skilling covers a wide range of practical, medical, and lifestyle issues, beginning with coming to terms with the diagnosis and then moving on to subjects 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 By providing reliable, useful, empathetic, and up-to-date information you need to know when you most need to know it, is an indispensable guide for every woman coming to terms with a fibroids diagnosis.


From the Publisher
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.


From the Author
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


From the Inside Flap
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


About the Author
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.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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, 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.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal