Anybody read this book??

Hi, has anybody read this book?? I haven't, but just wondered if anybody had, if so, was it any help at all??


Saving the Whole Woman : Natural Alternatives to Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Christine Kent

Millions of women suffer from a weak and damaged pelvic floor, which the medical establishment often treats with unnecessary surgery. Women frequently end up requiring multiple major surgeries, losing control over their bodies, and suffering from chronic pain and emotional devastation. Impeccably researched and beautifully written, this riveting book not only exposes the medical mistreatment of women, but also offers hope, information, and support for all women as they take back control of their own bodies.

Unfortunately for me, surgery was my only option. Once you uterus is falling out - they can either take it out or put it back and that surgery has a lot more risks of pain than the hysterectomy. Also it is said to last an average of 5 years. There are a lot of web sites claiming to have alternatives too - but sometimes there is just no other choice. Each woman has to make up her own mind and do what she feels is in her best interest.

Sounds like something I should have read 17 years ago after the birth of my first child. I might have taken those suggested kegel exercizes a bit more seriously. But now that EVERYTHING has prolapsed to the point it looked like I was giving birth to an alien I am just as happy to have it removed. No regrets-yet-its been 5 weeks. Carol

I have had major bleeding for at least 5 years. I had made up may mind to have a hysterectomy ASAP so that surgery and recovery would not impact my daughter's wedding in November. Since my OB/GYN appointment (she only performs abdominal), I followed up with a highly recommended Gyno-Oncologist (he perfoms laproscopic assist). During his exam I heard for the first time that I have a cyctocele, and was referred to a urologist. During the urology exam I heard for the first time that I need a SPARC sling and an anterior wall repair.

Researching the sling has been huge, as real data has only been available for about three years. The Urologist I saw claims to do ~3-4 /week, and ~100 total. He claims he has never had a patient suffer from erosion and says I will be completely 100% with no lifting restrictions after only 4 weeks of recovery. This is contra to some websites that indicate physical restiction should be longer. I also found some studies that indicate that erosion may resolve itself (tissue may grow over the exposed mesh) with enough time (conservative approach for us, not for DHs!).

A phone call to the gyno reveals that he does not perform those repairs, and yet another gyno would be performing this part of the surgery. Now I'm getting freaked out because there seem to be good and bad ways to do this repair, and I don't even seem to be choosing the surgeon or the procedure!

Remember that I came into this to STOP THE BLEEDING! The bladder issues are an annoyance, but are not impacting my quality of life at this time. Therefore, I feel I must now cancel my surgery (April 18) and re-evaluate my options again, (hormones, DNC, ablation). I'm just angry that I have put so much effort into this (essentially I have wasted 2 months obsessing and researching) and still get new information every time I talk to a different Dr.

Needless to say, I may try to find this book.

Hello Hootnholler!

I know that finding the right doctor is frustrating and I think you are wise to cancel your April 18th surgery. Too much conflicting advice. May I suggest that your next stop be a URO/GYN? They are gyns who have had additional education and training in WOMENS pelvic/incontinence issues. My uro/gyn told me that he does not use mesh .. he used Prolene stitches. I needed 3 "cele" repairs and a vault suspension about 3 years after my hyster. The gyn who did my hyster was an arrogant, nasty, insecure little putz so he was fired and I went on to find this knowledgable, highly skilled, caring uro/gyn...he is a keeper and my treasure. Please keep looking for the doctor that is right for you...and trust me, you'll know him when you find him...it will make all the difference in the world for your recovery and outcome.
Take care and keep us posted!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I just felt in my gut that I was being rushed and pushed into accepting what the doctors are interested in. I thank God that I do not have cancer at this time, and have the luxury of making the decision to postpone the entire thing. I'll tell you, that none of the proceedures (hysterectomy, trans-vaginal tape, anterior repairs) sound as simple as the doctors and product manufacturers want to make it sound. One website actually uses "30 Minutes To End Urine Loss" as its catch-phrase. Just drive thru McDonald's and pick up a cup of coffee (Caution: HOT!), and a little vaginal sling, and you are good to go! (consumer warning: don't spill your hot coffee, squat too long, exercise vigorously, lift heavy flowerpots, sit too long, stand too long, have sex, refrain from sex, smile at a butterfly, dance at weddings or pet your dog.)

Hi Hopesy...I read the book and watched the video. Are you still looking for information about it? Let me know and I'll be happy to speak on the subject!

Brewsterbabe, ok, just wondering is there any helpful information in that book. Is it worth reading. My status is..........I've had absolutely nothing done yet, I'm just "living with it" for now (almost one year). It just seems like starting any kind of procedure will "open a can of worms" with more surgeries, more procedures, more problems, correct this, redo that. My prolapse is the bladder into the vagina, all the way to the end, I can feel it, sometimes, I gently push it back a little. It's so depressing as so many women have stated. So, what can you say about the book/video??

Hopesy,
I didn't understand your original post. I too decided to live with my bladder hanging out and I was having urine retention and frequency. I couldn't even go on a car drive. I finally gave up and scheduled surgery, while waiting, my uterus fell too so that made the decision easier to live with. Somethings I have read, say that eventually your bladder can cause your urethra to move and cause leakage - that never happened to me after living with it for over 5 years. If you do decide to have surgery have the urodynamic testing to make sure they are addressing all your problems. Good Luck and Hugs.

Hi Hopesy,

Saving The Whole Woman by Christine Kent promotes living with your prolapse and strongly rejects surgery of any kind. She suggests natural alternatives that MAY alleviate your problem symptoms in the short term and MAY lead to an improvement of your prolapse in the long term. There is a website devoted to her cause and her teachings at www.wholewoman.com. I suggest you visit it if you haven't already. It too has an active forum with it's members strongly rejecting surgery.

The author's own story is of her uterine prolapse. Which can correct itself, if you wait long enough. After menopause, the uterus shrinks naturally...therefore, pulling back up inside of the abdominal cavity and out of the vagina. The same can not be said for bladder or rectal prolapse.

The book explains why pelvic floor muscles can weaken and a lot of reasons/testamonials against surgical correction of any kind. She goes on to describe in graphic detail various types of surgery that will scare the pants off you. I found most of these described procedures to not be current with what an experienced uro/gyn might perform now.

The book then goes on to guide you thru multiple lifestyle changes to help your prolapse. Diet, clothing, posture, exercise being the most important, I guess. Posture is a big one and so would be the pelvic floor exercises. The video is just more of the same but you get a visual of how to do the posture and exercises.

Now, all of that said...I found the book and video to be a whole lot of nothing and not very useful. If your prolapse is beyond a stage 1 and involves your bladder or rectum or vagina ,I believe that no amount of exercise and standing/walking a certain way is going to change it. I am a fit, healthy 43 year old. I eat lots of fruits and veggies and mostly whole grains and exercise daily. I naturally walk and stand the way the book recommends and have done so pretty much my whole life. None of this prevented my own stage 2 or 3 bladder prolapse.

I would suggest that you be fitted for a pessary. The book actually recomends this for some woman and it will take away the uncomfortable feeling in your vagina. A proper fitting one will be totally unnoticed by you. It requires some care and cleaning, but that's it. With certain pessarys you may even be able to have intercourse.

If you are leaning towards a surgical correction of your prolapse, go see the best urogynocologist in your area. One that can and has performed many varried and successful procedures that will address your specific needs.

I think that covers it! I wish you well in your journey. Peace, Brewsterbabe