Endometriosis used to be thought of as an uncommon condition of women in their 30s and 40s. We now know that it is a common problem that usually starts in the teens and twenties.
Even if it is common, that doesn’t make it simple. It’s hard being a woman with endometriosis. Illness is much easier to explain when everyone can see the problem (like a broken leg), when it will reliably get better over time (like the ‘flu), or it affects men too (like asthma or diabetes). You may find it difficult or embarrassing to explain to your friends or workmates that you have a ‘woman’s problem’ that just isn’t getting better.
Your family and friends care for you and want you to be well, but may feel frustrated and powerless to help a pain they don't understand.
This book is for women just like you. To explain your pain, help you manage your pain, and live well. It is also for your family so they can understand. There is so much you can do, both with your doctor and for yourself to become well again. Some women with endometriosis have period pain but others have pain on most days. The pain may have started as bad period pain, but at some stage things changed. Now there may be sharp or stabbing pains, bladder or bowel troubles, pain with intercourse, bloating, a depressed mood, headaches, or pain when you move. These are part of the 'bigger picture of endometriosis'. The best treatment usually involves a mix of surgery, special medications, diet and lifestyle changes.
But won't all my pain go away if I have an operation, or even a hysterectomy?
It is true that for many women, excellent surgery through a telescope (called a laparoscope) can remove all the endometriosis, and make a big difference to their pain. It is an important part of modern endometriosis treatment. However there are many pains you can’t see at a laparoscopy. Surgery won't help pain from the bladder, pelvic muscles, migraines, sharp pains, or most bowel problems. We can help you with all aspects of your pain.
This book fills in the gaps. It explains about surgery, but also covers those other problems that women with endometriosis suffer. We want you to be as well as possible
Susan Evans
Deborah Bush
What other have said about 'Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain'
"The most easy-to-read and practical guide for women with endometriosis."
www.endometriosis.org
Dr Susan Evans, a recognised specialist in the treatment of endometriosis, has written an easy-to-read comprehensive summary of the up-to-date management of 'endo'.
President International Society Gynecologic Endoscopy
"A 'must read' book for anyone whose life is influenced by endometriosis."
President, Endometriosis Association (QLD)Inc
"I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any person wanting to understand endometriosis."
Past President Australian Medical Association
"The display of appreciation and empathy of this enigmatic condition is evident on every page and surpasses any other effort to date.
Dr Evans’ follow-up on her first endeavour makes for a truly remarkable read. Although meant for patients intent on medical advice, they would not be the only ones to gain from the experience.
Good sense, comprehensiveness and clarity are the essence of a good read. This, I would say, is a good read."
Gynaecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lumut, Malaysia
"Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain" is the definitive guide to living well with - and in spite of – a confusing and painful disease. Women of all ages, their loved ones - and their physicians - simply must get this book.
Written by leaders in the care and treatment of the disease, “Endometriosis and pelvic pain” is a literal handbook of empowerment that will enable patients to finally understand their pain and take charge of their care and treatment. Patients reading this book will finally feel validated, and physicians reading it will finally understand that endometriosis is more than just killer cramps which can be “cured" by hysterectomy or hormone therapy.
This remarkable book should be given to every single gynecologist and their patients – it would drastically improve the current standard of care experienced by those with pelvic pain. "
Executive Board Member, International Endometriosis Research Center, Florida, USA.
"To be an effective clinician one has to be a good communicator, but good communication isn't simply about answering questions asked. It is also about putting oneself in the shoes of the sufferer and answering questions that haven't been asked. This book achieves such in bucket loads and I therefore recommend it to those who suffer and to those who comfort."
Gynaecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Christchurch, New Zealand