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The H Word

Nora W. Coffey and Rick Schweikert
BookSurge (2009)
ISBN 9781439220658
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebeccasreads.com (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


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