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Patient Stories & Testimonials

Grace

I am so grateful for the care I received at vital health. Dr. Cook and his staff have given me my life back. I have had several surgeries and Dr. Cook was by far the best surgeon I have seen. He was able to safely remove all my Endo, even from areas other surgeons told me was not possible. I also love the integrative approach of his practice. Nutrition and post-op physical therapy were key to completing my healing. I never expected to be this health and pain-free so quickly :). I feel like a new person. Also can not say enough good things about support staff at Vital Health. Thanks, Vital Health for helping me when no one else would and giving me my life back! 🙂

Lin

I came to Dr. Cook with a diagnosis of endometriosis in 2006. After years of chronic pelvic pain, half a dozen doctors, and two surgeries, I finally had a diagnosis, but I was still lacking a doctor I trusted. From my first meeting with Dr. Cook and his staff, they expressed an understanding and caring not only for my personal situation but for that all women in pain who are left unsatisfied and frustrated by the medical profession. My own knowledge of my body was validated, and Dr. Cook helped me design lifestyle changes to help my condition. In 2010, after doing all I could noninvasively, I finally had Dr. Cook perform a laparoscopy to remove the endo and other adhesions that had been causing me pain and affecting my quality of life since I was nineteen. Only three weeks post-op, I am happy to report that many of my symptoms have yet to reoccur. Though I have yet to tackle my recent diagnosis of interstitial cystitis, I am confident that Dr. Cook and his staff will help me through that journey with the same kindness, caring, professionalism and integrity with which they have helped me through my trial with endometriosis. I absolutely recommend Vital Health Endometriosis Center to all women who are experiencing pelvic pain and are searching for a doctor who will understand and take the time to find a solution tailored to her as an individual; though he is not a miracle worker with a magic wand to cure all that ails us, I can say unequivocally that Dr. Cook will exhaust all known options for treatment, leaving no stone unturned in his quest to understand and treat the myriad conditions causing so much pain to so many women around the world.

Thanks to Dr. Cook and Staff, from the bottom of my heart. I am so optimistic about the future!

Cassie

So, I am writing this as a testimonial, as a year has passed and I feel like a new woman! Gone are the days when I would have pain limiting my activities or preventing me from enjoying my life. I urge women who have endometriosis and struggle with pain, bleeding and other symptoms related to this disease to seek the knowledge, compassion and keen surgical skills that Dr. Cook possesses. You will not regret it and it will be money well spent… on your health and ultimately your quality of life!

Nadia

By the end of two months I was experiencing a whole new comfort level in my body. Sex is better than ever! I am also deighted that I forget for hours at a time when I am out in the world about the possible need to find a place to pee. I used to know within minutes of arriving at a place where the bathroom was, because of my constant feeling of urgency. I also can sleep through an entire night without waking up to use the restroom which was unheard of for many years prior to this surgery. AND, I was able to sit for a cross country flight at a window seat, and only had to use the restroom once.

So thank you, Dr. Cook, for giving me a chance to experience my body in a whole new way, with freedom from pelvic pain. I am still learning all the time about what this surgery has given me. I know I made the right choice.

Leslie

When I was just 12 years old I started having what I assumed were contractions that were mind-numbingly painful. Everyone basically told me that I was not supposed to be in pain… but I was. The gynecologists I saw would simply tell me that their periods were just like that too, we just all have to go through it. That’s what being a woman is. Suck it up. Deal with it. We all do it. You can do it too. And I just thought… there is something wrong with me. Why can’t I handle this pain that everyone else seems to think is normal? Why my pain returned after my first surgery my doctor told me to look into fighting the “pain medication addiction” that he thought I had. It literally felt like he’d turned on me.

Now, after my surgery with Dr. Cook it almost feels like I woke up from this nightmare I had for so long. I feel like I’ve gotten this huge piece of my life back. I feel free.

Find out more about Leslie’s courageous battle against endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain on CBS news LA.

Mandi

Dr. Cook and Staff are amazing providers and wonderful listeners. I have been fortunate to be under their care since the birth of my child 7 years ago where my body went out of whack. I had abdominal adhesions and pelvic prolapse/pain post a long labor and C-section. My thyroid condition was out of whack and weight gain occurred. With the help of Dr. Cook I was able to undergo a laparoscopic surgery to remove adhesions all over my bladder and re-do my scar that was a non-healing wound post C-section. He assisted in my uterine prolapse surgery and performed his own unique diastasis repair (spread of my lower abdominal wall) technique that has helped me return to sports. I saw his nutritionist who identified food sensitivities and lost the baby weight and moreover I feel energized! I am forever grateful!

Julia

Dr. Cook and Vital Health have given me my life back! Less than 4 weeks ago, I came in complaining about chronic pain I’ve been suffering from for 5 years. The pain interfered with every aspect of my life. I went to numerous physicians and underwent several surgeries that accomplished little. Dr. Cook was able to identify my issues, LISTEN (really listen) to my complaints, and fix my problem. He makes something so complex as the human body, sound so simple. But his straight forward and caring approach solved my problem. I have NONE of my previous pain! He found what others couldn’t by believing his patients and exploring their pain. The team at Vital Health also had a great impact on my experience here. I never had to worry about anything because it was taken care of.

Chelsea

After spending far too much time with doctors who just did not know how to handle my aggressive case of endo, I made the smartest decision of my life when I forwarded my records on to Dr. Cook. The level of care I received from everyone at Vital Health was absolutely amazing, and I can’t thank any of them enough. My quality of life has improved so much since traveling to California to see Dr. Cook for surgery, and I only wish I had found him sooner.

Christina

Coming to Vital Health was an amazing experience. After twelve years of pain and a boatload of doctors, I actually have hope and a greater understanding of what is going on. Dr. Cook took the time to explain my options, give me his expert opinion and help me to make an informed decision. His staff has been amazing from scheduling my appointment, providing me advice to help me navigate the difficult world that is insurance and everyone has been so incredibly kind, understanding and caring. My only complaint is that I didn’t find them earlier. I’m actually looking forward to treatment and the possibility of actually being pain-free for the first time in my adult life.

Bethany's story about Endo

Bethany

It’s been almost 9 weeks since my laparoscopic surgery and hysterectomy with Dr. Andrew Cook. Compared to the hellish daily nightmare I was living prior to surgery, I now feel like I have a “new” body! The first few weeks after surgery which were meant to be spent recovering (i.e. lots of rest), were actually some of the best weeks I had in a LONG time because I was no longer in agonizing pain since Dr. Cook was able to remove the endometriosis that was at the root of some of the specific pains that were making life unenjoyable. Two weeks post-op, I had more energy than ever before and kept making progress. Some of the most noticeable and miraculous changes I experienced (and still do) were the ability to once again have regular bowel movements and ability to urinate normally, no more excruciating leg pain that used to last 24/7, no more deep hip pain, less headaches/migraines, happier mood, no more lower-back pain, no more endo-belly:), less abdominal pain, a lot less fatigue, and obviously no more menstrual pain. There’s more but these were the big ones that have literally given me my life back!! After over two decades of fighting different ailments and illnesses, I will unequivocally state that having Dr. Andrew Cook perform surgery to aid me to get past the debilitating symptoms of endometriosis has undoubtedly been one of the BEST decisions of my life! I simply thank my lucky stars that such a good-hearted and intelligent man has devoted his career and life to helping women suffering from this under diagnosed condition. While I still suffer from chronic Lyme disease and other ailments, having this surgery has allowed my body to strengthen. I now have hope for the first time in a long time that I will be able to put Lyme into remission and live a life worth living. No one can possibly comprehend the struggles women with endometriosis face as it is a different experience for every woman, nonetheless incredibly difficult to explain. All I can say is that after years of researching for the best doctor, Dr. Cook became my saving grace and I have him to thank for my new lease on life! For anyone considering going through with laparoscopic surgery to heal from endometriosis, I would advise you to go see Dr. Andrew Cook. Not only will his amazing staff be with you every step of the way, but Dr. Cook will treat you as a human being and not just another number. He has patients travel from all over the world and there’s good reason for such— Believe me, this is one decision you will not regret! The scary truth is that MANY doctors who operate on patients with endometriosis have very little knowledge on the disease and end up quite literally “butchering” their patients because they lack the skill and finesse that takes years to study and master— Dr. Cook has done his due diligence in becoming an expert in his field! To anyone reading this and who’s feeling despair, know that by finding Dr. Cook you are on your way to a better and brighter life. Hang in there and know that your search has finally ended. Insurance can be a nightmare as Dr. Cook’s practice is out-of-network, but know that the cost of the surgery is nothing compared to the cost of living a miserable and painful life. Another important aspect of Dr. Cook’s practice is that he goes beyond traditional medicine and strongly believes that health encompasses a healthy mind and spirit, including a healthy diet! For any of you who need guidance, please read his books… they are well thought out and to the point. I hope this review helps anyone having doubts about going through with surgery. When you have a highly trained, skilled and caring surgeon on your side, it makes all the difference! I will never be able to properly express how much Dr. Cook has enriched my life. He is undoubtedly a selfless man and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for helping me wake up with a smile on my face again!

Emma

I am 4 months post op after having had surgery with Dr. Cook. I recently went to a fertility specialist to get another transvaginal ultrasound to check to status of my ovaries and to check for mature follicles. Well the fertility doctor was shocked that my anatomy was in such great shape after surgery and commented that I must have had an excellent surgeon (which I did). Dr. Cook removed cysts from both my ovaries as well as adhesions on my sigmoid colon, bladder, diaphragm and peritoneum. He even provided the video taped surgery for me to watch after the fact (how cool! Who does that?!). He is also an all around great guy and made me feel very comfortable throughout the whole process, including the follow up. Yes it is expensive to have surgery, but you are investing in your health. I had to travel across the country to get to him and for that reason I almost went with someone closer to home, but I’m so happy that I trusted my gut. Dr. Cook changed my life.

Emma's story about Endo

Some patient names and photos have been changed for privacy purposes.

Is it time to get your life back?

Every year for over 25 years, women have been writing to let us know about their joys of discovering a life free from endometriosis thanks to Vital Health. Dr. Cook is willing to review your case and conduct a virtual consult with you to determine if you are a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery where your endometriosis can be completely removed.

Yes! I want my life back
or read: How to Properly Treat Endometriosis
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Patient Stories & Testimonials
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Read real patient stories & testimonials from Vital Health Endometriosis Center. If you suffer from endometriosis then this is where you need to be.