Sunday, August 29, 2010

Thank you...

Thank you to each and every woman who took the time to complete the online survey for our book project.

I realize how valuable your time is, and how difficult your journey may have been - or currently be.

Thank you for your willingness to share your experience, openly and honestly.

Please continue to pass this page, and the survey, along to the women you know.

My hope is that, together, we can make a difference for our daughters' generation.

In good health,
Jessica

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Endometriosis Survey Now Live

The online survey has been completed and is now accepting responses.

Please click here to begin the survey.

Should you experience any problems entering your responses to this survey, please contact the author directly.

Again, thank you for your time and honesty.

Together, we can make a difference for future generations.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Survey Nears Completion!

The online survey is nearly complete! We're in the final round of revisions, we're waiting on some legal stuff (blah) to clear us, and then we can go live!

Some things you should know:

1. You must have been surgically diagnosed with endometriosis in order to participate in this study.

2. It's a pretty long survey, and all questions must be answered in order for your responses to be included. I ask some pretty intimate stuff, too. But if you are willing to be honest in your responses, you'll be speaking out on behalf of women everywhere.

3. You will be asked for contact information. This is so that I, as an author, may reach you for additional information/interviews (if needed).

4. You will have the option to change your name in order to protect your privacy.

We're anticipating a survey release date of August 2010. If you're following this blog, or our Facebook group, you'll be the first to know when it's available.

Thanks for your support, on behalf of women around the world. Please continue to share this project with the women you know.

Friday, July 23, 2010

An endorsement for 'Endometriosis Stories' project

Support for the “Endometriosis Stories” Project

One emergent theme has always resonated throughout the global endometriosis community: women with this disease want their voices heard. They want to share their stories, perspectives, frustrations and successes. They want to engage in the cathartic process of expressing their intangible - but very real - pain. Above all, they want to connect with others who understand.

While there are many excellent books on the disease available, none give rise to the voice of those who know endometriosis best – the women who live with it every day. Having been involved in the genesis of many publications about endometriosis over the years, it has always been clear to me that this crucial component has never been fully addressed. With the initiation of the ‘Endometriosis Stories’ project, a real and unique opportunity exists as never before for those who persevere - in spite of the disease - to tell the world their experiences, in their own words.

I am delighted to lend my voice to this important endeavor, and I invite others to do the same. Share your experience, tell your story. Your experiences will encourage, motivate and help others. Together, we can learn from one another. Our time has come to speak up, speak out and be heard. Join author Jessica Howell on this journey of hope.

-Heather C. Guidone, AORN Cert.
Surgical Program Director, Center for Endometriosis Care
Executive Board Member, Endometriosis Research Center
Consultant, Endometriosis Foundation of America

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Soliciting Participants for Online Survey NOW

I have some business cards, if you're interested in passing them out, to help solicit participants for our survey. Please comment on this post if you are interested in receiving cards to pass out or provide in your physician's waiting room, etc.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

An Introduction

My name is Jessica, and I am a 30-year old mother who also suffers from endometriosis.

There's a lot more to me than that, but let's just start there.

If you're looking for information about this endeavor, be sure to join the Facebook group Endometriosis Stories.

I'll be issuing an online survey in August 2010 and am actively soliciting participants. All participants must have been surgically diagnosed with endometriosis in order to participate.

This survey will be the foundation for a book about endometriosis.

WHAT? You ask. THERE ARE DOZENS OF BOOKS OUT THERE ON THIS TOPIC.

There are lots of books out there on pregnancy, too. But what suits one does not suit all -- and this book is going to be REAL TALK about endometriosis. The information you need to know and that others are afraid to discuss.

If you're interested in sharing your personal experience with endometriosis, please let me know. And please share this information with the women in your life.