Endometriosis : The Complete Reference for Taking Charge of Your Health

This book is the Holy Grail for endometriosis sufferers. I have read many books on this disease, and this one is by far my favorite. I have referred to it so many times, the pages are actually worn from use. It details EVERYTHING you need to know. The fact that the author is the one who really pushed for the initial research for a cure/treatments for endometriosis should tell you that the book is good. I consider it VERY important to have. You will be surprised by all the many aspects that this disease touches. I agree with Mary Lou in that endometriosis should be classified as an autoimmune disease, and do feel that, in time, it will indeed be. I promise you, if you purchase this book, you will NOT be dissapointed. I would even recommend that the important people in your life read it as well, as they will have an eye-opening experience into why/how you suffer and feel. Please purchase this book...it is TRULY essential.

I needed to know more about this disease and found this book the perfect resource. It is difficult to know just what people with this disease have to put up with but it doesn't pay to keep your head in the sand and this book will educate you.

This book is a follow-up to the Endometriosis Sourcebook, and makes more sense if you've read that one first. The first book has more details about causes and treatments. This book focuses on adding information learned in the ten years after the first one was written. I recommend both. If you can only afford one, buy the Sourcebook - even if you think you have found all there is to learn about this disease. I found the Sourcebook to be the most comprehensive of anything I could get my hands on. As a follow-up, this is really good reading, and I find myself looking forward to the next book to see what researchers can do to finally find a cure. I would also like to add to a previous reviewer's comments ("Extremely Helpful Endo Reference Guide") and say that a total hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries is NOT necessarily a cure, either - despite the fact many women desperately seeking relief undergo this drastic measure. Women who have their ovaries removed go through tremendous suffering, only to find out their endo is still there, and they are still in pain. After a laparotomy with one ovary removed, I woke to find myself suffering even more than before the surgery. Finally, years later, I was able to get a copy of the surgery report and found out that despite what I was told, the surgeon did NOT remove ALL the endo - only the active endo. Well, needless to say, I am about to go through yet another surgery with yet another doctor to remove the rest of the endo that is still causing me trouble. The best treatment is TOTAL removal of ALL endo. Read your surgery report. It is likely different and more detailed than what you've been told.

My doctor specializing in endo treatment gave me this book, and I have found it very useful. I also have Mary Lou Ballweg's previous endo book, which is also great. This Complete Reference compassionately discusses the pain, the symptoms, the medical diagnosis and treatments, immunotherapy and nutrition and how they help decrease symptoms, how endo can affect fertility, connections it may have to cancer, how it impacts menopause, how it affects teenagers...It also has motivating chapters on how we can stay strong and continue to be productive through our endo, but with reassuring messages that if the pain and procedures do affect our energy and mental health, what we can do to manage this stress. It also talks about new research and finally, how important it is to share our experience with other women. I've had endo for probably over 10 years now. I've had 4 laparoscopies (need another one soon), and I've tried every procedure available. Women need to KNOW that there IS NO CURE. Pregnancy does NOT CURE endo. Some undereducated doctors that do not specialize in this disease mistakenly persuade hundreds of thousands of women to have a child when they may not be ready in hopes of curing their disease. Also, some of the procedures MAY cause temporarily symptom relief, but they WILL NOT CURE you of endo. I've been treated in a clinical trial by the best endo team in the world in Maryland, and with research, one day we may have a cure. At this time, we only know it is a stubborn and sometimes debilitating disease. But it does NOT define us. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family. If your doctor doesn't take the time you need to answer your many questions satisfactorily, find another. Respect your right to the best-possible healthcare. Do not be afraid of participating in clinical studies: You can help progress our understanding of the disease and possibly find a cure. They saved me tens of thousands of dollars on much-needed endo treatment for several years, and they supported my mental and emotional health as well.

Out of all the Endometriosis books that I have purchased, this is the only one that I refer to over and over again. I have lent it to friends that were in great need. It has dramatically helped them to make correct choices for them that their own doctors either did not mention or tried to undervalue its use because the procedure is too modern and/or they do not know how to do it. It's procedures, prescriptions and other information is very up to date. If you have been to many doctors, and have gotten the "learn to live with the pain or just get a hysterectomy" line, then buy this book and read it thoroughly. It will answer all of your concerns and help you make the right decision for you.