Hysterectomy

A useful book. Contains information about what to expect from hysterectomy surgery. Especially useful if you have never been hospitalized or had any procedure. It is a bit dated in that it doesn't cover some newer techniques such as all-laproscopic hysterectomy. The book discusses alternatives to hysterectomy only lightly. Before making the decision, it would be helpful to read "Do You Really Need Surgery?: A Sensible Guide to Hysterectomy and Other Procedures for Women" by Michele C. Moore and Caroline M. De Costa; and "A Gynecologist's Second Opinion: The Questions & Answers You Need to Take Charge of Your Health" (Second Edition, Revised) by Parker.

When I received this book my first thought was, "It's a large phamphlet!" Well it is only 101 pages, including the index, but its packed with info and wonderful detailed anatomy drawings! The author walks you thru the different hysterectomy procedures step by step, from your initial doctor visit before your surgery to your post-op follow up visit and a bit beyond. She also answers questions you didn't even know you had. It is written in UK language, which just means when you get to the part about the hospital staff, the names will sound strange, example: "The sister, staff nurse, junior sister, charge nurse, consultant, junior doctors..etc." and their health insurance system is not the same as ours. But everything else translates the same. There are even diagrams and instructions for post-op exercises. It's an easy read, and I loved the comments from the women (who had been there and done that) at the beginning of each chapter!