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K Clare
Manhattan New York
01/21/2008
I elected to keep my uterus and ovaries albeit the ghastly explanation my life long OBGYN doctor of 17 years presented to me. I was told “my best option was to have a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy to alleviate my back pain; to prevent kidney damage, stop heavy bleeding and future ovarian cancer”. With such presentation any woman would easily comply and say yes to such an option. I was devastated and wept while I was being told and ask about other options such as Embolization since this was the only procedure I was aware of. This was also offered but with an explanation that not all of the fibroids would go away. I was briefly told about Myomectomy but with the understanding that electing this procedure would result my body into menopause immediately with many complications. Once again the best option proposed was a total abdominal hysterectomy even though I’m still at child bearing age.
I was sent for a sonogram to determine whether any kidney damage had occurred since the pain was localized in that area of my back During the sonogram I cried uncontrollable that the technician inquired. After my explanation of my doctor’s proposed option she told me about Dr. Stanley West who had surgically removed her fibroids and kept her uterus and ovaries intact. I made an appointment the next day and had an evaluation. Dr West explained how he would remove the fibroids without performing a hysterectomy. He gave a careful detailed explanation along with illustrations of what the myomectomy procedure consist of, preparing for the surgery, recovery time, and end results. I have never met a doctor who is so detailed, patient and compassionate. In addition I was offered a copy of this book for further reading, understanding and self education on myomectomy and the overall female reproductive anatomy.
I elected to have the myomectomy procedure and it was performed on 11/ 27/2007. Surgery went perfect, no complications, and no blood transfusions were required. During the surgery Dr West identified I had a total of 15 fibroids; large ones, medium ones and small ones. The largest of the fibroids rested on my Bladder which explained my recurrent urinary incontinence. Dr West examined me the day after surgery to ensure all was well. The St Vincent’s Hospital staffs were very professional and kind. I had a 3 days hospital stay, a checkup within one week of surgery followed by two weeks. I recuperated and went back to work I no longer have the back pains while standing and sitting or exercising. My menstrual cycles are normal; I no longer have flood days. As I once referred to my periods as “flood days”. Most exciting event of all was that my menstrual cycle commenced right on target the next month following my surgery, exactly 28 days. Menopause did not procure my body as I was told.
During my recovery time I was visited by several of my friends and was stunned to have learned that several of my friends have had hysterectomy. They revealed this since they all assumed I had a hysterectomy as well. They also expressed the sad changes that occurred in their lives after the hysterectomy. A few had their hysterectomy completed based on the decision from the same physician who several of us utilized since the birth of our children. One would think that a decision coming from someone that you have established such long term relationship, close ties and trust would be trustworthy. This is very evident that women need to communicate more with each other about female issues. Obviously we also need to seek out multiple medical opinions. Additionally, during my recovery I also learned that many women do not know what a myomectomy is. Only the suffix of the word is heard and their interpretation was hysterectomy. This is because hysterectomy is the “Sales Pitch” that doctors use continuously to procure their patient’s uterus and ovaries. Additionally, the Medical Insurance Institutions are more willing to pay full cost at a higher price for Hysterectomies than Myomectomies. Having a hysterectomy for the insurance companies signifies no more women issues to create a plethora of medical expenses. My comments here on the insurance issues are based on first hand experience. Ladies always remember Life is about having options and this is what all women should have. We make decision on child birth so we should have options whether to remove or keep our female reproductive system that is responsible for bearing our children, allowing us to enjoy life pleasures and defining us. Always seek out the best doctor.
Although Myomectomy procedures are becoming more common and more doctors are now performing this surgery, I also learned from a small sampling of female friends who had myomectomies, that they also had some complication during their surgery. Thirty percent [3/10] of the women reported that during their surgery blood transfusion was warranted. This is where lack of experience plays a major role, thus it is also extremely important that you look at the doctor’s history and length of experience. Dr Stanley West is a pioneer who has been performing thousands of myomectomies procedures for several years so his expertise supersedes all. He listens to his patients and makes time for discussions. He always gives detailed explanations along with illustrations. Not only will you be a patient but you will become an informed consumer. His approach fosters an atmosphere where patients are not intimidated by the Doctor, thereby making it very easy for anyone to ask any questions. He is the most patient, modest, compassionate and intelligent medical professional I have ever met [I work in the medical field] you will feel at ease the moment you walk into his office where he and his great staff awaits you. Dr Stanley West is truly a blessing and I thank God for creating such a phenomenal human being.
As for his book [The Hysterectomy Hoax] it is very informative, easy to understand, precise and very empowering. I recommend this book should be an apart of every woman’s library. If you have daughters let them know it’s in your library.
Now the best for last, with the removal of my fibroids I have also lost inches from my stomach area, feel more energize, can exercise without pain and have lost 15 pounds within two months. Of course this took physical work and healthy eating but I have done all this in tandem before but had no success. You see Fibroids also hamper the weight loss process in addition to depraving women of many of life’s pleasures. Having a myomectomy “Resolves” issues while a hysterectomy compounds issues.
Myomectomy is your best treatment option.

Pease feel free to ask me questions khope567@msn.com
Carlene Lawrence
Upstate N.Y.
12/09/2007
Approximately 5 years ago I was diagnosed with fibroids. I spoke with several Doctors who didn't give me much hope and basically told me I needed to have a hysterectomy. I researched fibroids, bought books on the subject so I knew better. I knew there was hope for me I just needed to find the right Dr.
I found Dr West while surfing the net, called his office and spoke with him directly. I made an appontment with him.
Dr West explained everything to me, he took the time for me to ask any questions I needed answered. He was very confident in his skills. He basically guaranteed that I would not lose my uterus, what Dr. does that? He put my mind at such ease, that I didn't have any fears what so ever.
I had my surgery on 10/16/07. Dr West removed 31 fibroids. I was on my feet and walking in the hospital the next day. Sometimes I actually forget that I just had major surgery, because I feel so good. I can not thank Dr. West enough for giving me my life back. If any one has any questions feel free to e-mail me.
Mike S
Queens NY
11/01/2007
My wife Luisa has been ill for quite some time. Her primary doctor diagnosed her with fibroids and told her to go to her OBGYN. He had the bedside manner of a cardboard box and suggested a hysterectomey. We were against this and quickly abandoned him. Her primary doctor referred her to a good GYN, but he prescribed Lupron to shrink the fibroids and put off any surgery for 3 months. What we did not know was that Lupron turned the fibroids into a jelly like state, actually making them harder to remove and again setting us up for a hysterectomy. I had Googled fibroids and found Dr. West's website. After my wife spoke to the staff at the office, Dr.West called her and setup an exam. When we got to the office, I was overwhelmed with the experience. The staff was wonderful, and the patients waiting were a comforting source of what we had walked into. They counseled my wife and I felt an immediate sense of confidence and relief, that we finally found the right place. Dr. West calmly told us he could remove Luisa's fibroids, while leaving her uterus in tact. He told us he would take out all the fibroids, repair anything that needed fixing, and that he promised NO HYSTERECTOMY. Well, Luisa's surgery was today, and he kept that promise. When I left her tonight, she was feeling good, although a bit sore...he took out 10 fibroids, with a few of them larger than I was comfortable with. Dr. West is a kind and compassionte man, and his experience in this procedure is priceless. My woman has been so sick, and already after 12 hours she is feeling relief. If you are a woman and are goig through what mine did, I urge you to see Dr. West as soon as you can. If you are a man and your woman is going through this, get her to Dr. West and don't take NO for an answer. He is the best choice, without question.