Pelvic Organ Prolapse: The Silent Epidemic

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AWARDS AND ARTICLES

AWARD-WINNING FINALIST in the Women's Health category of the 2010 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS.

AWARD-WINNING FINALIST in the Women's Issues category of the 2010 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS.

http://www.internationalbookawards.com/2010awardannoucement.html

2009 NATIONAL BEST BOOK LOS ANGELES – USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced the winners and finalists of THE NATIONAL “BEST BOOKS” 2009 AWARDS (NBBA) on October 20, 2009.

WINNER

HEALTH: WOMEN'S HEALTH

http://www.usabooknews.com/health.html

REVIEWS

Journal Women's Health Physical Therapy Volume 34, number 1, 2010, pg 32

By ElainePomerantzPT,MSPH SouthOrange, NJ

Pelvic Organ Prolapse- The Silent Epidemic, by Sherrie Palm. Eloquent books, New York, NY, 2009, $23.50, 148pages.

Sherrie Palm begins her introduction with a theme that is evident throughout her book: “Knowledge is Always the Key.” Her book is intended to open dialogue among women about pelvic organ prolapse (POP). She also wishes to bring information about POP to young women during routine gynecological examinations so that POP can be prevented or minimized.

As a lay person writing about a very difficult medical condition, Ms. Palm does an admirable job. She has had surgical intervention for several POPs and writes candidly about her experience and offers some wonderful, practical tips on how to cope with the post-operative experience. The book is easy reading and starts with information about the causes and types of POP . She describes the various symptoms that might indicate a POP . She discusses when to seek medical evaluation, what to expect during an evaluation, and various treatment options. Ms. Palm writes very briefly about how physical therapy may help with POP and also discusses the use of pessaries.

One of the most important chapters is preventing POP . For women who do need surgical intervention, she lists possible questions to ask the physician and what to expect in POP surgery; suggestions from pre-operative meal preparation to comfort measures after, especially since hospital stays are usually kept to a minimum. Ms Palm provides a list of websites for further information, mentions 4 articles, includes a brief (too brief) glossary and product information.

This is a patient education book and is not referenced. There is also usage of incorrect terminology (“electric stimulus” instead of electric stimulation). This book does not explain the physical therapy for POP well.

This book should be mandatory reading for childbirth educators. For therapists who are working with patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, it would be a good reference for the practical tips that may help clients with other pelvic floor problems. Physical therapists may also recommend this book for selected patients who may be dealing with POP problems.

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Gaynor Morgan CEO C&G Medicare LTD

It was by coincidence that I came across Sherrie Palm’s book Pelvic Organ Prolapse The silent epidemic. (Now I am starting to think there is no such thing as coincidence!!) My interest in women’s health started years ago whilst trying to help my own mother who suffered stress incontinence and cervical cancer. Through my own research I was lucky enough to stumble upon Sherrie’s book.

I like to get right into a book and usually don’t take the time to read the forward, but this time I was taken by the wonderful acknowledgement of her work by Dr Debra Muth.After reading this I realised what a remarkable women Sherrie is and that she is the voice for all women who suffer in silence.

According to the World Health Organisation incontinence is a ‘growing concern, but Sherrie’s book not only highlights the immense scale Pelvic Organ has reached and how people don’t or can’t come to terms with this condition, which is treatable.

This book screams out “Let me help YOU”. It not only allays any fears you may have but also answers any questions. It is an education reading Pelvic Organ Prolapse The silent Epidemic which has been written right from the heart of a woman who can share the experience with you.

I love the way the book is written in such a manner that it isn’t just another book – Sherrie is actually talking to you throughout the book, and on a level we can all understand and relate to.

After reading the book there isn’t much you will not understand about your own body and about what Pelvic Organ Prolapse is all about. The graphics are brilliant. I would challenged any woman who says after reading this book it has not helped them know their own body. As someone with a medical background I certainly have learned a thing or two from reading this.

I refer you to page xii in the beginning of the book where symptoms become very clear. Loss of PC muscle strength, inability to keep a tampon in, inability to start the urine stream, a feeling of “fullness” in the abdominal area, the “lump” in the vagina, were all symptoms that if recognized, may have led me to an earlier, less aggressive treatment”. If you are already reading this and saying yes to any of these symptoms I urge you to read the book to help you.

Once I started reading this book, I was unable to put it down as the more I read, the more I learnt about myself and the more I wanted to learn.

Part of the book Sherrie speaks about the pessary, surgical options, what to expect with Pelvic Organ Prolapse surgery, these that chapters written in depth which doctors only skim over a couple of the points. If you are opting for surgery, read this book first. My favourite chapter is “My personal experience” This just sums up everything that if you are experiencing symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse you are not a freak of nature you are part of millions of women who have a condition which is not spoken about and that it can be treated.

Sherrie Palm in my opinion is one of the leaders in this area and through her passion and tenacity will find the answers to the questions. It is a self help, resource and educational book. As you read the book questions pop into your head and before you try to figure out an answer, the answer is there on the next page.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it. I fully endorse Pelvic Organ Prolapse The Silent Epidemic and wish it all the success it deserves.

Gaynor Morgan CEO C&G Medicare Ltd Welsh Woman of the Year –Science and Technology Innovator of the Year – British Female Innovators and Inventors Network Innovator of the Year – MediWales

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