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HomeShop at BookSurgeHealth & FitnessWomen's HealthThe H Word: The diagnostic studies to evaluate symptoms, alternatives in treatment, and coping with the aftereffects of hysterectomy. |
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3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Strongly recommended reading for the woman who wants to know all she can before making a decision Feb 08, 2010
It's a major change in a woman's life to lose the ability to give birth. "The H Word" discusses the hysterectomy and the details surrounding it. Nora W. Coffey & Rich Schweikert seek to arm women with knowledge about the procedure and encourage them to understand when it is truly necessary by discussing symptoms, viable alternatives to the procedure, and giving solid advice in understanding the after-effects. "The H Word" is strongly recommended reading for the woman who wants to know all she can before making a decision.
 Informative about the risks of hysterectomy Dec 22, 2009
Reviewed by Kam Aures for [...](12/09)
"The H Word" by Nora W. Coffey and Rick Schweikert opens with the following paragraph: "This is a book about the uterus and the ovaries. What they are, where they are located, and their many important life-long functions. The common reasons women are told they need treatment, including surgery, as well as alternatives in treatment and the ways that hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries, castration) impacts a woman's body her health, and every aspect of her life." (p.1)
The HERS foundation (Hysterectomy Educational Resources and Services) exists to provide information on the topic to those who are told that they need a hysterectomy and/or those who are considering one. According to the book, many hysterectomies are done unnecessarily, some without consent, and may have dire outcomes and impact an individual for the rest of her life.
Prior to reading "The H Word" I was unfamiliar with all of the complications that can take place from a hysterectomy and/or an oophorectomy. One of the most disturbing side effects for me to read about was that of femoral neuropathy which can be a result of damage done to the femoral nerves during surgery. This can have long term damage resulting in difficulty walking and numbness in your legs. The letters from people and the visuals of women's legs giving out while walking was very disturbing to me.
It is obvious that the authors are very passionate about the topic of which they write. While the book provides a plethora of useful information in some instances it seemed as if there was a lot of harshness and bitterness which kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. Everyone is entitled to their point-of-view and opinion on the matter but some of the anger that comes across in the form of name-calling, etc. could potentially turn people off. An example of one instance is when referring to the Johns Hopkins, it is said that "they win the Gold for being the most arrogant, ignorant, disrespectful, and angry hospital staff and faculty" that HERS encountered. (p. 83).
Sometimes the tone of the writing makes it come across that if someone doesn't completely agree with everything that HERS teaches and promotes then their opinion is incorrect. I believe that it is important to get information from both sides and then make an educated decision that best suits you on your own. I think that if you are considering or told that you need a hysterectomy then "The H Word" would be a good book to educate yourself on the potential risks and complications, but it is also important to seek out other information and do what is best for your particular health situation. I do feel that I learned a lot from reading the book and it definitely will make me think twice if I am ever told that I need the procedure performed.
3 of 5 found the following review helpful:
An absolute "must" read! Jul 02, 2009
I know this isn't a blog, but I'm stunned by "Cheri" who is miffed when she contacts Coffey's HERS Foundation about her hysterectomy, and gets "unsolicited advice" (?) This review also contradicts herself throughout, and refers to the information as "scare tactics" and radicalism. The blatant butchery and bullying that women have experienced for centuries is what's "scary," and perhaps this reviewer is confusing the two. If you find the TRUTH scary - then don't read this book. I find it refreshing to see someone swimming against the medical tsunami and providing us with information. I gave this book to a dear friend who eventually found out that she did NOT need a hysterectomy. I am so grateful that words cannot explain my emotion for my friend. Ms. Coffey's HERS Foundation has assisted almost 1 million women and made them question the sacrosanct "medical clergy." This book may well have saved my friend's life. Thank you, thank you, thank you to author Nora Coffey.
4 of 5 found the following review helpful:
The H Word May 23, 2009
Absolutely essential reading for any woman contemplating the surgical amputation of her female organs. I wish I had read it before I was manipulated into consenting to an unnecessary hysterectomy and unilateral castration.
5 of 7 found the following review helpful:
An astounding look at hysterectomy & castration May 02, 2009
The combination of Coffey's and Schweikert's experiences through 51 cities is incredible...The female and male perspective is essential to understanding the impact of hysterectomy and castration... As a nurse, I am grateful to have this book as the first complete resource for my patients, friends and family...It offers answers to questions that women and men don't even realize they need to ask... The H Word provides a thoroughly encompassing and intimate view of this surgery and the aftereffects that have been shrouded in secrecy... It is the most honest book available on the subject...
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