Lauren F. StreicherThe Essential Guide to Hysterectomy: Advice from a Gynecologist on Your Choices Before, During, and After Surgery

This is a great book to read if you are having surgery! Easy to understand and very helpful

A must-read for any woman who finds herself in the midst of having to navigate treatment options for problematic fibroids, ovarian masses or cancer. Read this book first before waisting your time online or money on other resources. I unfortunately did waist time while I was waiting for this 2nd edition to come in, but was very thankful to have it all in one book. Dr. Streichers concise and comprehensive book is written in such a way that she walks you through every aspect of this journey (that you may not have even been confronted with yet or considered) with care and even humor. Her book has clear, understandable medical information and treatment options such as alternatives to hysterectomies; ovary and cervix decisions and implications; various types of surgical hysterectomies available; updated hormonal therapy considerations; and just practical A-to-Z information ranging from preparing for your surgery to life after it including exercises and sex!You will feel empowered with correct medical information to help you ask the right questions, make the right treatment decisions, and care for yourself during and afterwards; thereby, helping to alleviate the normal anxiety of this difficult journey with which some of us are confronted. I strongly recommend this book if you or someone you know are facing these tough issues. And I recommend that other gynecologists refer their patients to this book - I would think it will make your life easier having an informed patient, making informed decisions that she won't later regret and blame you. And it's an easy read in a day or two and a book that you can continue to refer to at various points of your journey.

I have been dealing with pain and difficulties since my early 20's when I had my left ovary removed due to endometriosis. I've been in and out of doctor's offices, been on hormones, sterilization, ablation, fibroid & D&C surgery...you name it.Even after all that, I'd been experiencing worsening pain the last few years, and been passed around from GP to OBGYN gastrointerologist to whoever. It is very hard to find a doctor who listens and cares. I am really lucky that I finally found one, who is also an expert in the Da Vinci robotic surgery as well. She and I had a good talk, she ordered some relevant (!) lab work, and we talked over my options realistically and in depth.I was still frightened and upset, and really didn't understand fully what was going on, and internet searching takes the reader to all kinds of web sites with all sorts of conflicting, confusing information: "You can stop or cure endometriosis through diet and exercise. The only cure for endometriosis is radical hysterectomy. You can never cure endometriosis, even if you do have radical hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is bad, you'll get osteoporosis and cancer and die. Hysterectomy is good, you will be less likely to get cancer and die. Hysterectomy will make you into an old woman overnight. HRT is bad, HRT is good, HRT will give you cancer and then you'll die..." All very upsetting and confusing to someone who just wants the best most current information.So, I finally gave up on internet research and bought this book, and here I am, having read through the chapters on what hysterectomy is, what to expect before during and after surgery, etc. The author takes a very straightforward tone, with a bit of humor that I appreciated. Medical terminology is explained so that the reader understands. There are even some illustrations which are quite helpful in picturing what will be done.I have a much better understanding of the surgical procedure, and what steps will be taken throughout to ensure the best possible physical outcome the patient. I understand what my doctor's priorities will be and I am better able to explain my thoughts and concerns to her in medical terms.I am still slowly reading through the section of the book that contains stories from individuals. I now understand that hysterectomy is different for different women. There are a lot of different factors at play--a woman's age, general health, her emotional state, her thoughts about herself and what being a woman means to each individual. I am hoping that with knowledge of the surgical side and what exactly is being done, the emotional part of things can fall into place more readily.I asked my doctor if she has read it, and she confessed that she has not. She said she will, and that if she finds it to be a good source of correct, current information, she will be thanking me for the recommendation of a book she can suggest to all her patients who are facing this surgery. (I will edit this review when she gets back with me)

I absolutely love this book! The content was extremely relevant and beneficial. I have referred the book to my sisters (several have had hysterectomys), friends in the nursing profession, and anyone who would listen. I am 51 years old and had never had any type of surgery. Hence, I had a lot of apprehension, doubts, concerns, and questions. My doctor provided basic yet generic information. The book proved to provide a plethora of information that I used immediately. I had also purchased two other hysterectomy books from Amazon. The books were short reads. I purchased Dr. Streicher's book a week after my hysterectomy and not a moment too soon! I learned that I should not sleep in the fetal position or with a pillow under my knees as the incision would not heal properly (I could not stand straight up the first week as I was sleeping with a huge pillow under my knees for comfort. The moment I corrected my sleeping position, I could stand up straight). I learned the difference between various incisions and their healing variations. I also learned that my doctor had suggested the best method of fibroid removal for me based on my uterus growth, etc., Finally, I really enjoyed learning about the history of hysterectomys from the second century AD to present (I was a history major in college). Awesome book that I have recommended to at least 10 people! Thank you!

Great book. Really helped me figure out what type of surgery I wanted and how to prepare for post-op. Author did a great job of addressing all aspects of a hysterectomy from a physician's point of view, along with womens personal experiences on having had a hysterectomy. I recommend this book if you're debating a hysterectomy or waiting for the procedure to happen.

The book informs in a comprehensive, critical and well organized manner on the pros and cons of a hysterectomy. The book also describes many medical alternatives to circumvent a potential hysterectomy. Now I feel much better equipped to make a decision about my own health situation.

I bought this book for my mum as she's due a Hysterectomy very soon.I scanned through the book before giving it to her and it included details descriptions about what its like to have a Hysterectomy.The book includes exercises that can be completed after and post-operation which I find is really handy to any women. Stories of women and their journey through the whole operation and process. Their thoughts, fears and their interpretation of a hysterectomy, and what life with like pre-operation and post-operation.All-round a very good read for those thinking or ready to proceed with a Hysterectomy.

Lots of useful advice that is communicated in a frank and often numerous manner. Dispels a lot of myths. I felt like I was getting a long consultation with a great doctor! Highly recommend if you are considering or about to have a hysterectomy.

Decent book with some good tips; however, the chapters discussing hormones and replacement therapy should be skipped entirely since they contain absurdly incorrect information. The author has misinterpreted the findings of the WHI study, and seems to be promoting estrogen therapy and downplaying the risks. She correctly states that the estrogen-only group of the study was discontinued in 2004, but then fails to mention the reason it was discontinued: increased cancer in women. She then goes on to say that estrogen decreases cancer, but that’s a lie. I can’t help wonder how much money in kickbacks she must have received from the drug companies over the years.

Just waiting for this op and covid to be over....It really helped to calm my nerves about what I now need to face. Answered so many questions in an easy to understand format. I now am reassured that I have been offered all the possible alternatives before being told that the big H is my only option.Would absolutely recommend this book if you find yourself in this position. Good for partners too.