A review by mercurialreading
Ask Me About My Uterus: A Quest to Make Doctors Believe in Women's Pain by Abby Norman

3.0

I was drawn to this book because I had a feeling I would be able to relate strongly to the subject. Though I don't have endometriosis, I do have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which based on how the author spoke about endometriosis, there are many similarities to how the diagnosis is acknowledged and treated, or in many cases not diagnosed and treated. For years I had symptoms that were explained away as either in my head or a side effect/symptom of something else, usually something that "could be prevented by doing X." Essentially, the PCOS was put back (even though I was never tested for anything) and it was always assumptions about how I took care of myself. So, with that personal story, I can appreciate Norman's work and her bringing attention to this very important subject/issue. It is nice to relate to Norman, which when I read a book, whether fiction or nonfiction, that is always an enjoyable reading experience for me. But too, even though I was reading Norman's story, it felt like I was being heard, if that makes sense.

The only real “issue” I had with the book is that I do feel like the book could have gone through another round of editing (which I see many people have said in their reviews). It feels like some of the stories are either incomplete or, in some cases, more information is given than needed. That is not to invalidate Norman’s experiences and her stories, but some sections could have been shortened, more tightly written.

Overall though, I am taking a lot away from the book and really appreciate Norman sharing her story and bringing light to not only her struggles, but the struggles of others.