Endometriosis Books

This book is not medically sound. I posted a while back (March, 2003) when I first read it. Since then I have mentioned the ideas to my reproductive endocrinologist that Jennifer states in her book, and -*JUST* as another reader experienced- I was told "that's not true".

After a four-hour laparotomy for this disease in May of this year & going through my endo library, this is the worst book I have. I'm afraid to sell it online because I don't want to pass on the bad advice. While you may read the first few pages of the book (or even read the sample pages herein), don't be fooled. This book would be better suited as a blog or web diary, rather than an actual published book.

The reasoning? It would have been free. I wouldn't have objected if she actually wrote medical facts, as opposed to opinion (hence: her data is not backed up!), if she would have provided coping information (nope, it's a pity party and you're invited...and in fact, PAID to attend), and if she would have crafted a book that helped.

Instead, when I finished the book, I felt worse off. While I value a woman's experience with a disease, 1- I don't champion the concept of only telling your story (diary?) without helping your readers see the larger picture, 2- writing NON-medically sound opinion without fact, 3- including filler of letters to Jennifer ('oh you are so nice'), and even suggesting that people can write to you, and, for a fee, you will assist.

The woman is not a professional! He*l, she's not even a licensed counselor.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Don't get me wrong-- I understand about having days so bleak and so painful that you can't even see the sky. However, when I read a book about this disease, I don't want to put up a tent and make camp in the lowest depths of my soul (and not to mention, that the tent is made of heresay & opinion, not fact).

Invest in yourself and get Coping With Endometriosis: Sound, Compassionate Advice for Alleviating the Physical and Emotional Symptoms of This Frequently Misunderstood Illenss. It has better coping tools, discusses the entire nature of this disease based in science (but written conversationally), and helps you heal as a whole woman who happens to have endo, instead of a diseased woman. I will not let this disease win. After reading Jennifer's book, I felt beaten--as if there was no sky.

I don't expect a book to sugar coat a disease. But I do expect a book to be scientifically justified/based & seem to come from the premise of support, help and assistance.

Unfortunately, Lewis' book was none of these, but shameless self-promotion. There are better books out there. If you MUST buy this book, buy it on clearance.

Thank you for this wonderful book! My daughter brought it home to have my husband and I read so we could better understand what she was going through and by the time we were finished we were completely informed. It was so easy to make notes and to tell that the author had genuinely gone through the exact same things she describes endo is all about and that made it so much easier to understand and empathize with her. My daughter wants another book for her birthday and I've already ordered a second copy. Good luck Ms. Lewis!

Sarah J.

I am so grateful I read this wonderfully written book by Ms. Lewis! It is the first book on Endometriosis that I've read where the truth was told to me and I felt like I was speaking to a friend, not a doctor. The best part is that the author never makes her story seem fake or anything like that as she tells it like it really is. It's so refreshing to read something so straightforward and honest! I am recommending this to everyone I know with Endometriosis and I recommend this to you too!

Eleanor

I just wanted to start off by saying that I thouroughly enjoyed reading this book and would definately reccomend it to anyone who has or thinks they may have Endometriosis.It was written in a way that we can relate and understand Endometriosis and the trials and trivulations that go along with it.Jennifer helps you to put the whole disease and the heartache as well as suffering that goes along with it into perspective.As well as the women with the disease itself she has also included loved ones which are a big part of this disease as well.Thank-you Jennifer I applaud your courage and compassion in writing this book although I am deeply sorry for your suffering.Best Wishes for a long and healthy life ahead of you!!!!LuvPennie.

This book is horrible. Has errors (such as stating there are FIVE Stages of Endo, when there are only FOUR), is nothing but a "look at me, look at me, aren't I wonderful," type of book. Some of the information is suspiciously familiar from other works, but without the credit being given, such as what happened on her website not terribly long ago.

My advice? Get a book that is well known for TRUE INFORMATION about Endometriosis, and not a book that only wants to depict the author and "how wonderful I am." Glenda Motta has a terrific book. The Endometriosis Sourcebook, while a bit outdated, still has excellent information contained within it.

I am starting to read this book and so far I think it is very full of important information.

This book have helped me a lot to learn about the deasease.
If you know someone who is suffring from it or yourself then i highly recomend you to buy it and read it, you will learn so much about how it is to have it.

I was just diagnosed with severe endo. This was the first book I got that had to do with the subject. It was pretty informative and I learned a lot. The cartoons were really funny too. This book is at least a good starter book for people who were just diagnosed.

I agree with the reviewers who mention the "company line" behind this book. I personally was looking for something that would help me figure out what to do on a personal level to assist my body in fighting endo, but this was more of a conventional medicine read, and hard to get through at that. I recommend "Endometriosis - A Key to Healing with Nutrition", if this is what you're looking for. Did enjoy the cartoons, though!

The Endometriosis Sourcebook is a valuable resource on the subject of endometriosis, providing education about the illness as well as treatment options, while offering insight on coping skills. In addition, anyone who has suffered in excruciating pain will thoroughly enjoy the insert in the book written by Kevin Cowherd: "He suffers from excruciating discomfort."

Mary Lou Ballweg has compiled every ounce of information she could find and placed it into the pages of this book in an effort to help the thousands upon thousands of women who suffer from this disorder. Though I would have liked to have seen more emphasis on the impact of adhesion formation, which almost always accompanies endometriosis, I must take into account the date of publication, along with advances in knowledge in respect to endometriosis and adhesion formation. Moreover, there is so much controversy over endometriosis that to throw adhesion formation into the mix often causes great groans among endometriosis sufferers as well as physicians.

Since endometriosis is repeatedly termed "perplexing, puzzling, baffling," it has learned to wear those terms with enigmatic pride. In turn, countless women have succumbed to this impenetrable cloak, summing up their lives as an endometriosis sufferer. This is an unfortunate position, as this can cause one to lose hope and stop searching for an answer to her pain. There are instances where scar tissue (adhesions) are the true culprit behind debilitating pain in cases that were originally termed solely as endometriosis.
Likewise, there are cases where endometriosis is the ruling factor behind the pain and adhesions are few.

In either case, women must learn to take charge of their health which is only done by research, questioning one's doctor, getting a second opinion, and studying one's symptoms against the gathered research. I highly recommend Mary Lou's book to women who have been told that they are suffering from endometriosis. Karen Steward, author of Doctors: Bound By Secrecy? Victims: Bound By Pain!

Based on the high ratings, I ordered this book as my endo has been getting worse and I wanted to read about any new treatments. This book was a basic level primer in how to deal with any chronic illness--not at all what I was looking for.

Living with this disease is painful. This book gave me more insight than I had before. Each chapter was helpful.

I've done a lot of research on Endo, and this book condensed it to make it easier for one to understand it easier. It helped mentally and physically.

I was diagnosed with Endometriosis in 2001 & had my first surgery that year. Toward the latter part of 2002, I started to be in chronic pain for this disease. I'll make a long story short. (If you want to see the long story, go to my review about Jennifer Lewis' book that I think is medically inaccurate). This book is compelling, thorough and most of all, helpful. It was a book I *SHOULD* have had in 2001. Since dealing with my pain, this book has opened my eyes to therapies I can use, how I can deal with ALL the aspects of this disease, and how it affects my loved ones. This is a great book because it talks to you through a whole person concept--- not just dealing with the reproductive Endometriosis, but it deals with all of the areas surrounding it, too, like emotions, finances, and so on. It doesn't talk down to you, and won't make you feel like you're in a pity party, but gives you tools to try to cope and even recover. Check this book out. You'll be glad you did.

I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 15. At this age I did not even come close to understanding what this disease was, or how it was going to effect my future. After reading this book, not only did I understand the health aspect of this disease, but I also learned how to cope with the emotional part of it as well. I would recommend this book to anyone who truly wants to understand this disease.

I was diagnosed with endometriosis over 10 years ago and have since had 7 major surgeries and countless minor ones. I picked this book up after major surgery #5, desperate for help. This book didn't cut it. Granted, by the time I read this book, my knowledge of endo (from medical and general literature) was better than most gyns (by their own admissions). I bought this book anyway, hoping the "coping" advice would be helpful. I ended up skimming it, finding little of value, and setting it on a bookshelf to gather dust.

Endometriosis left me permanently disabled and in chronic pain, despite "the best" care available at one of the top medical establishments in the world. With especially severe stage IV disease, that sometimes happens despite the type(s) of surgery and treatments tried. I eventually went beyond the endometriosis literature and found what I was looking for in general literature on chronic illness. If that's where you're at, I highly recommend "Celebrate Life: New Attitudes for Living with Chronic Illness," Hartwell's "Chronically Happy: Joyful Living in Spite of Chronic Illness," Wells, "A Delicate Balance: Living Successfully with Chronic Illness, and Cheri Register, "The Chronic Illness Experience: Embracing the Imperfect Life."

These books helped immensely. I learned to live with somewhat of a pardox: acceptance of my condition (as opposed to continuing to fight it) without ever giving up hope of a better future. And, I learned how to make the most out of my life and find value in what I could do, instead of focusing on what I couldn't do. These books helped me grieve my losses and move forward. If you're where I was, I hope this review helps you find these books sooner than I did!

I honestly recommend this book, it is helping me to understand what endometriosis is and how to live with it.

Kerry-Ann is able to take a lot of the mystery out of this disease. She breaks the informaion down into bite size pieces that are easy to understand. Her book is full of "lightbulb moments." Things began to make sense and the "light came on" a number of times as I read the book.

I suggest this book to any person dealing with this horrid disease.

This book is a great resource for anyone suffering with endometriosis. I found it to be easy to read and understand. I like the fact that the book not only contains the medical facts but also contains real life stories from women who have the disease. These real life stories really helped put my own situation into perspective and provided me much comfort-it really helps to know I am not alone.

I recommend this to both women who have been recently diagnosed or long time sufferers of the disease like myself. I so wish this book had been around 12 years ago when I was diagnosed. This book alone has given me more information about the disease than some of the medical professionals I have talked about. Kerry Ann really did her research and the result is wonderful!

Recently diagnosed with endometriosis, I went searching for a book that would help me get a handle on the disease. This is a good reference guide, giving clear, concise and up-to-date information. It's well-balanced, providing information about medical and alternative options; it does not advocate one particular course of action but aims to educate the reader about the options that are out there. I am very pleased with my purchase and recommend the book highly.

I bought this book after being diagnosed with endometriosis. In my case, the diagnosis had been completely unexpected and I was looking for some answers in regards to how this disease would effect my life.

Although there was some useful information in this book (particularly in the first few chapters), in general this book left me feeling as though my whole world was about to end. I have since found out that many women live ordinary lives with only minimal disruption caused by this disease. Reading this book, however, I was given the distinct impression that I would eventually end up in so much pain I would not be able to leave my home and that I had no chance of ever having children.

This book did me absolutely no favours, and I would not recommend it.

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.

I was excited to find a big thick book dedicated to endo. It seemed as if it quite possibly had to have everything that I needed to know about this disease. Wrong.

As noted by a previous reviewer...the book constantly refers back to another book, which after reading this book I can't even say I am tempted to read. Most of the book was dedicated to 'natural' therapies, the dangers of chemicals in our enviorment, and cancer.

I truly feel that there are very few women with endo who are going to benefit from this book. It is a giant list of DON'T's with very few do's. Any worthwhile information it actually provides has probably already been presented by a woman's doctor and/or any woman with this disease probably already knows about through previous research.

If you have endo, I wouldn't recommend this being your first book you pick up about it.

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.

This book bills itself as a "complete reference for taking charge of your health," but much of it reads more like a compendium of personal anecdotes and rants (toxic chemicals are bad! very bad!) than a practical reference work. The information on drug therapies is potentially useful as a starting point, but for more substantial information on commonly used medications it repeatedly refers the reader to Ballweg's earlier "Endometriosis Sourcebook" (presumably to save space -- yet this book devotes 15 pages to reprinting a series of badly drawn cartoons from the earlier volume.) The section on surgery is padded with first-person narratives and fretful digressions about certification of surgeons and the risk of getting accidentally poked with a trocar or poisoned with hidden PVCs. The book is slanted toward alternative treatments and diet modification, with an inordinate amount of space devoted to a diet supposed to cure yeast allergies. While nutrition is obviously important to general health, the evidence presented for the success of this diet in treating endometriosis is anecdotal (and some of the anecdotes themselves are highly dubious or even comical, such as the letter from a woman who claims to have discovered that she is highly allergic to "grains" -- in which category she includes potatoes!). Given that the book is quick to point out the flaws in conventional medical treatment, it seems a bit irresponsible not to give equal time to the damage that desperate women can do to themselves with self-treatment and "natural" remedies. There are as many bad acupuncturists and quack nutritionists out there as there are bad gynecologists. What we really need is more solid, serious medical research, not more miracle diets or personal tales of suffering and empowerment. If you already own previous books by Ballweg and the Endometriosis Association and like their approach, you might be satisfied with this book, but if you're looking for a definitive reference on this agonizing and perplexing disease, you'll likely be disappointed. I certainly was.

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.

I just received my book today, and got a chance to look through it and I am very excited to try it out. This author obviously worked very hard to do her research and worked hard to help the rest of us out when it comes to understanding the good and bad foods. Her explanations are clear, her recipes look delicious. I will be starting this ASAP.

I am a stage 1V Endo patient, and wanted to stop by here to simply say that I bought this book a few years ago and it changed my life. I started to implement the dietary changes and the major ones that changed my life were eliminating wheat and lessening sugar. I went from chronic, horrible fatigue and pain to manageable. It wasn't easy, it took me two years to get a grip on my food addictions and I used Chronium supplement to great effect for controlling cravings. I recommend this book to every woman I meet who has Endo and actually I am mentioning it in an article I just wrote which I hope will be published soon.

The endometriosis book I have been seeking for ages, and this one is an excellent practical book which I keep to hand in my kitchen for every day use. This book provides a clear and simple guide of what you can and cannot eat and why. There are lots of great and simple recipes, which has surprised me greatly considering how many things need to be left out of this tough diet.

I knew the foods I was eating were affecting my symptoms of endometriosis, and I knew roughly which foods I could and could not eat from checking the internet, but I was never sure of the full list. I now have the advice I need with this book and can have a safe but tasty diet. Even my kids like some of the recipes.

This book covers it all, with hot and cold drinks, soups, starters, main meals, sweets, baking ideas, and even has some recipes for parties. I have also been able to adapt some of my favourite recipes so that they are now suitable for this new diet.

And finally, I have to say that the diet does work. I have much less pain with my periods, I don't feel as bloated, I have more energy, and to top it all I am starting to loose the weight I gained while I was on medication for this disease. Oh yes, my skin is much clearer too!!! I feel much better all round and I highly recommend this book to other women with endometriosis. What you eat really does make a difference.

This book is very helpful in providing the recipes you need for the endo diet without having to trawl through loads of dietary information. It has delicious recipes for every day cooking needs.

I must add that the comments of the previous reviewer did not read the title or explanation of the book properly. She should have bought a Key to Healing through Nutrition if she wanted a good bedtime read; and typos! - I think I found 2! I personally was expecting a recipe book and that is what I got.

After 7 years of endometriosis, I have been following the endo diet for a few months and started to come unstuck. But this book has given me lots of tasty new recipes and meal ideas.

I have definitely felt the benefits. As soon as I slip back, like eating wheat or red meat, then I really do pay for it later. I also feel that I am saving money with this new style of cooking - cheaper but healthy ingredients, doing bulk cooking and freezing, and buying food that is in season.

Definitely worth having, and a book you will use every day.

This book only got one star because I was unable to give it 0 stars.

This book doesn't really do what it claims to do. There really aren't any clear explanations as to why certain foods need to be avoided. We all know it's not great to eat a diet of red meat, refined sugar, and overly processed food. But that goes for everyone, not just sufferers of Endometriosis. The book says that in addition to avoiding refined white sugar, we should avoid natural sweeteners such as honey and agave. But maple syrup and date sugar are ok. WHY?!?

Also, the book claims over and over again that we should avoid wheat. Yet there is a recipe in the recipe section that includes couscous! Couscous is wheat!!

The book is also full of typographical errors, which makes it difficult to read.

If I could get my money back, I would. Don't make the same mistake I did and waste almost $30 on this book.

This is the author's experience with dealing with endometriosis. Not alot of back up or reason behind the suggestions. Many of her suggestions are excellent for promoting good health, but it's not made clear why they help with endo.

Wonderful work Tammy, it has helped two ladies I know already!

Very detailed, well thought out, top class advice and IT WORKS!!

All I wnt to know is, when is your next book out and what is it about as I will invest for sure!

Thanks for the effort you put into this.

Gilly

Highly recommended.

I was almost in tears when I found this book - everything this woman writes is something I can relate to or have had direct experience with.

Each section of the book is wonderfully comprehensive, as is the research.

I urge all of you who are suffering with this disease or if you know someone struggling with it, to read this book - you will treasure it.

It has completely changed my life and I am positive it will dramatically alter how you cope and manage your life.

Thank you so much Tammy!

This is a good book to read for endometriosis sufferers and anyone else into yoga because the author talks of her personal experience with the disease. She guides the reader through the body map so that one can have a better understanding of the disease and their body energy through yoga exercises. The introduction explains what the book covers and gives positive reinforcement for inspiration and encouragement. She takes a personal approach and relates this and empathizes with her audience just how she felt before she bagan doing yoga.This is very insightful and motivating. She educates the reader about the different therapies available and why endometriosis may occur. She supports the reader in comforting them with the initial phase of pursuing yoga as a healing modality. She gives the reader inspiration and helps in restructuring their cognition and enlightens their feelings and gives them a more positive outlook. The tools of the trade are explained in detail such as pranayama and meditation. The book has a conscious awareness insight that draws you in to your inner body experience.This subliminal connection decreases fears that actually cause pain.The poses are very well explained so anyone can follow along. She guides you through a diet and just how to monitor this process. I really enjoyed reading this book, it is a wonderful reference guide to have on your shelf. The book is a journey taking one from the beginning of where it all began to a world of possibilities and transformation. The book can teach you to understand your body rhythms, limitations and energy levels.

I got this on a whim and enjoyed it. Good videos with lots of western information regarding the topic and tcm treatments. Show examples, different treatment methods. This one mentions E-stim, herb cakes and moxa while illustrating point locations and functions. I'll be getting more.

Very good book; not a medical person, so re-reading makes it easier to understand.

The information in this book is helpful in understanding that there are treatments available that your medical doctor may not be aware of. Read it along with The Endometriosis Sourcebook and plan to take charge of your body.

i bought this book hoping that it would give me new information about my alternatives. i was specifically interested in avoiding hormonal treatments for endometriosis altogether, through dietary change and acupuncture. i expected to get some solid information from this book. however, much of the information presented by the author contained errors, and aside from a brief description of each type of alternative medicine she said nothing of consequence. most of the book consisted of peoples' personal stories, which would have been fine had they been balanced by some further explanations or had any scientific basis. however, some of the people appeared to be self-diagnosed, some had many different conditions being treated at once, and others were using traditional treatments in addition to their alternative therapies. so all in all i learned nothing i didn't already know, and i regret spending my money on this small volume. i am much more satisfied with _the endometriosis sourcebook_, which i also purchased. the difference in price was negligible but the difference in quality was astounding.

I was diagnosed with endo a year ago. The first source I found was Mary Lou Ballweg and the Endo Association's The Endometriosis Sourcebook. If you don't have it, get it. Alternatives for Women with Endo is a wonderful collection of alternatives most medical doctors are unaware of. Although the first half of the book, the explinations and definitions, is a bit thin, reading other women's actual experiences and SUCCESSES in dealing with this disease has been absoluteley invaluable. Every woman diagnosed should be given a copy of both books on their way out of the hospital.