Book Description
Whether you're a newly diagnosed patient or a loved one of someone with Chrohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, this book offers help. The only text to provide both the doctor's and patient's views, this book provides authoritative, practical answers to the most common questions asked by patients and their loved ones, including questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

100 Questions and Answers about Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
This book has most of the answers to the questions about these horrible diseases.Dr. Warner is our doctor and is very dedicated and knowledgeable.
The book gives information in a concise and informative manner.I have given copies to people I know who have these diseases in the hope that they will become informed health consumers. Everyone has been very thankful for the information.

wow im so happy with this book
diognosed a month ago with chrones i had no idea what is was this book has just been full of all the awnsers to my qustions i have orderd so many books on chrones and colitis and have sent them all back exept this one and eating right for a bad gut wich tells you all you need to know on the diet. ... Read more

Book Description
At the age of nineteen, author Tracie Dalessandro was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and eventually Crohn's disease. After years of trying to heal, Dalessandro realized the power of using diet in conjunction with traditional medicine to control her inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rather than allowing it to control her. Nutrition became the link between feeling sick and feeling well.

Customer Reviews (16)

book review
This book is definitively the best book on the subject of IBD and I have read several.The reason I gave this book 5 stars is because it explains everything you need to know in plain english and in a smooth order. I especially like the part on foods that hurt and foods that heal.How easy can it get.The recepies are outstanding and in keeping with ingredients that IBD sufferers need to stick to.An excellent read, not too lengthy on useless information like other books.If you just want to know what to eat with IBD then read this book. Highly recommended.

Very informative, helpful
This book is very helpful and can give good information even if you have IBS, suggesting foods to eat, foods to avoid and giving information that doctors aren't helpful about.My personal non-medical opinion:if you have been checked out by doctors and they think you have IBD or IBS or even don't know the answer to your problems, try this book.The nutritional information is helpful.

Good Book
I am a physician and found this book to be very educational, relevent and easy read. Recipes are very flavorful and easy to follow. I have found it to be a good resource for myself and would highly recommend it.

Great resource for IBD patients and families
I just received this book yesterday, it's a great resource.As a nutritionist, I've done a great deal of research on what my son can eat since he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis three years ago.This book is right-on with my own research and something I will be sending to college with him next year, where he will have to cook his own meals.I am ordering another copy for my mother who "never knows what I can feed him"--now she'll have a place to start.

What to Eat with IBD: A Comprehensive Nutrition and Recipe Guide for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
This book was extremely informative.It has a wealth of information on gastrointestinal problems along with wonderful recipes to try. Before this book, I was eating foods that only irritated my condition and didn't even know it. But not anymore.I highly recommend this book to someone looking to find a better understanding and maybe even some relief from bowel problems. ... Read more

Book Description

Includes the most recent medical research.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes two chronic conditions known as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This has remained for too long the secret illness that no one wants to discuss. Although up to 1,000 per 100,000 North Americans have IBD, no one is completely sure what causes it, and there is no known cure.

Dr. Fred Saibil, a renowned expert on IBD, provides concise, up-to-date information on common conditions. He describes the normal gastrointestinal system, and then explains what goes wrong when someone has IBD.

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis also covers:

• Signs and symptoms
• How the gastrointestinal system works normally and how IBD affects it
• Procedures and instruments used to diagnose IBD
• Effects of diet
• Drugs available and how they work
• Children and IBD
• Cancer and IBD
• Pros and cons of various surgical options
• Living with IBD
• Effects on sexual activity and child-bearing

Dr. Saibil provides travel tips and other useful self-help strategies for coping with IBD, explains possible complications of the disease, and describes the special problems of children with IBD.

Along with detailed tables, sidebars and diagrams, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis features the plain facts about a disease that affects the daily lives of thousands.

Customer Reviews (27)

very informative
I believe that this is a wonderful book for anyone newly diagnosed with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.Easy to understand.

Understanding the mass of information about Crohn's
A very good book to help one understand about why there is no cure and what options are available.

GREAT BOOK FOR THE NEWLY DIAGNOSED!
GREAT BOOK FOR THE NEWLY DIAGNOSED!Very easy to read and truly helps you to gain a full understanding of the disease and its treatments.

clear and comprehensive Crohn's or UC reference...
Having Crohn's disease or UC means life can be an unwanted roller coaster of doctors, medications and tests.After almost 20 years of Crohn's disease, I've found it's important to have a reliable and comprehensive reference on the bookshelf.

Dr. Saibil's book is just that...it offers great sections on how to minimize disease effects on daily life,basic explanations (with lots of helpful pics) for family/friends, and drug and surgery info.As symptoms (unfortunately) may crop up and your treatments may change, it's important to have a book like this to refer back to.

An excellent review for patients
Physician-author starts the book by reviewing the normal anatomy/physiology of gastrointestinal system. He then discusses what IBD (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis) is, what are the common signs and symptoms, and what is the role of diet and drugs as well as surgery.There are separate chapters on IBD in children as well on the high risk of cancer faced by these patients. Finally, the author ends by reviewing what the scientific future holds for the patients. ... Read more

Product Description
Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine. The inflammation usually occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon, but it may affect the entire colon. The inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, causing diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis occurs most often in people ages 15 to 40, although children and older people sometimes develop the disease. Ulcerative colitis affects men and women equally and appears to run in some families. There are 90,000 sufferers in the UK and 400,000 in the United States. This book covers:CausesDiagnosisTreatmentsSurgeryLiving with an ileostomy or a pouchLiving with ulcerative colitis, including emotional issues and effects on the familyDietUlcerative Colitis in young peopleFertility and pregnancyProbioticsFuture developmentsSources of help ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great guide
This book explains an unpredictable, complicated disease in really plain, practical language, even the very scientific parts. The section on probiotics is very enlightening and helpful - makes a lot of sense. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (17)

Very thorough, informative, but needs more information on diet and nutrition
I really liked the author's straightforward style, and I found in it a wealth of information about IBD.I thought though, that the chapter on
diet and nutrition was lacking.I thought the author did a better job of
explaining the role of nutrition than my doctor did, but he said that Ulcerative Colitis has nothing to do with diet, which seems to be the prevailing attitude with many doctors (GI or otherwise) I was surprised that the author did not mention more about special diets, esp. The Specific Carbohydrate diet or at least a gluten-free diet. When I was diagnosed, I had to research and pour over books and the Internet to find
answers to my questions.The author states to use caution with info. on the internet, and of course you need to use common sense, but the internet
was the place I found The Specific Carbohydrate Diet by Elaine Gottschalk,
and after trying everything the doctor ordered (and not getting much relief)I tried the Specific Carbohydrate Diet out of desperation, and
it has been SO great, I got my energy back, and have been steadily and
consistently improving to the point where I have been relapsing less often ( it used to be all the time) and I feel like my life was given back to me!So, this long story of mine is to let you newly diagnosed out there know-yes, this is a very thorough book, but it doesn't have everything in it, I would highly recommend buying "Breaking the Vicious Cycle" by Elaine Gottschall, to go with it-it will be more than worth it.

Very informative
I bought this book when diagnosed with UC and it really helped to take the fear out of the situation. When you suffer from an incurable disease you can at first feel overwhelmed but this book answers pretty much all the questions you might ask. My only reservation is that it doesn't mention the Specific Carbohydrate Diet which some people, including myself, have found extremely useful for treating IBD. Mention of the SCD would be a useful addition for any later edition.

I liked it
I thought the book has some good info in it but It was not what I was looking for.I wanted to know the basics ,what is this what can I expect and what to do.I didn't find that.

1st year Crohn's Disease review
I thought this book was very interesting and a very good read.It was real easy to understand and the first person perspective kept me reading page after page.

What happens when you are told you have Crohn's
Doctors cannot tell it all in a few meetings, there is just too much to take in with this very sad disorder which has no cure. This book will make sense, well organized, a day and month at a time. What treatment modalities are available, included are the side effects of treatment. This book also give you hope, but there is no cure.

Excellent book. ... Read more

Book Description
You believe fiber is a health food. Fiber Menace tellsyou otherwise. And here is why:

Fiber has zero nutritional value. It contains no vitamins, minerals,or microelements, and it's indigestible to boot. All of fiber'smake-believe health benefits are related to five of its prominentqualities: "water absorbency," "bulk," "roughage," "fermentation," and"laxative" effect. All five are behind fiber's primary goal in humannutrition: the prevention and treatment of constipation. In reality, hereis what actually takes place:

Water absorbency causes fiber to expand. While the whole point andpurpose of chewing and digestion is to reduce food particles to the barestminimum and liquefy them for easy passage through the digestive tract,fiber does the complete opposite-it balloons four to five times itsoriginal size and weight, and congregates into large lumps. Can that be anygood for you? Well, it's just as good as swallowing food withoutchewing.

Bulk means that fiber makes stools large and heavy. How heavy? Aboutfour to five times as heavy, or as much as the amount of water it canabsorb and retain. Can that be any good for you? It's just about as good asswallowing apples whole. Large objects tend to get stuck insidepassageways, be it an apple inside the mouth, or bulky stools inside thecolon. That's why so many children and adults suffer from chronicconstipation.

Roughage means that fiber makes stools rough. Rough enough to causediverticular and hemorrhoidal diseases, anal tears, and crimson bloodstreaks on passing stools. So rough, in fact, that many toddlers fedhigh-fiber diets refuse to move their bowels because of pain, andeventually have to be "manually disimpacted" (meaning the impacted stoolsmust be removed by hand, under anesthesia, by a surgeon orspecially-trained nurse).

Excessive fermentation causes pain and suffering. Gases and acid arethe byproducts of fiber's bacterial fermentation, which causes bloating,flatulence, and abdominal pain, and are the "driving forces" behind IBS,diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. That's whydoctors prescribe antibiotics to wipe out bacteria. Unfortunately, once thebacteria are gone, constipation becomes even worse, and doctors recommendeven more fiber.

The laxative effect is particular to soluble fiber, also known as"mucilage." It's based on the fact that once inside the intestines, solublefiber blocks water absorption (along with essential nutrients, vitamins,and minerals, of course), and this causes diarrhea. Of course, consumingfoods that have laxative effects can't be good for either irritable bowelsyndrome or colitis, because diarrhea is one of its main outcomes.

If you still doubt that dietary fiber is a menace, just note the followingdescription of the side effects associated with fiber laxatives, which are,of course, 100% pure, unadulterated fiber:

"Bloating, gas, and a feeling of fullness may occur. If these effectscontinue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor ifyou experience: stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding,unrelieved constipation."

The more fiber you consume either with food or laxatives, the more severeits impact, and the older you are, the more obvious and menacing these sideeffects. It's even worse for toddlers whose digestive organs are much morevulnerable than adults' because of their tiny size. That's why this book iscalled Fiber Menace.

At the end of the day, the damage from fiber adds up to unfortunate medicalstatistics: indigestion, heartburn (GERD), gastritis, ulcers, hernias,gallstones, constipation, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome,diverticular disease, precancerous polyps, chronic diarrhea, ulcerativecolitis, and Crohn's disease. Ironically, fiber is recommended to treat andprevent all of these disorders with a predictable outcome: they get worse,and some transform into deadly cancers.

It's best to read Fiber Menace while you digestive organs are stillintact. By the time you'll hear from medical establishment that fiber is amenace, it may be too late to prevent and reverse the damage. It's nevertoo late, though, to stop the on-going carnage.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

This book will change your life - just be patient
It took you some time to gain the weight and acquire deseases or syndromes that come with it. Now you have to be patient, and follow Konstantin's instructions religiously, especially during transition phase. Please be patient and this book will change your entire life, not just appearance and how you feel.

A must...if you really care for your health...it will change your life
Well is hard to even put in words how incredible my life turned around after I really applied all the knowledge I got from reading this book.
My health is great, I am an active female, 35 years old, mother of a little girl...but I had one part of my body in complete distress...my Gastro-Intestinal System (GI)...I suffered from constipation for all my adult life and the more I went to MD's the more they would recommend fiber in all forms...but never had any improvement, to the contrary it always got worst the more I would add fiber to my diet, being from food or supplements.

Well, from this stage I went to try the very high fat diet with zero carbs (Atkins style) and of course eventhough the high amount of fat did help initially the high amount of protein and lack of carbohydrate to feed the good bacteria definetely didn't help the root of my GI problems...the constipation.

Then, researching I discovered what has change my life:a website that would introduce me to Konstantin Monastyrsky --[...]-- ...the rest is history.

I strongly recommend that you read every word in the book (including footnotes -there is no waste- and maybe not only once) because it will open your eyes regarding why so many digestive problems nowdays...it will also open your eyes regarding low carb diets, and like in most things there is a right way to do them and a wrong one, and he will walk you through the steps to do them right and not suffer, like I have for years, the perils of low carb lifestyle.Applyong his recommendationswill also ive you lots of energy since your body won't be overworking to digest all the wrong combination of foods.

You will find lots of information that, even if you don't suffer (or think you don't) from any digestive system dysfunction, you will find this book a necessary book in your library since you can incorporate many of his suggestions to your lifestyle to prevent and cure many ailments, or you may just want to learn more about the functioning and the physiology of the digestive system and help love ones that do have GI disturbances.

There are many other things I could try to explain here on why this book is a must for anybody concern with their well being (I only wished I could read russian because he also has excellent books in russian language).

The author has obviously put endless hours of work to compile so much information in a book, and I appreciate the effort he has done to get the reasoning of his theory through, eventhough he is going against all the brainwashing we are expose to everyday regarding fiber (and wrong ways to approach a low carb way of eating)

Thank God for this book !
After following a national weight loss program that promoted high fiber/low-fat and high water intake I found myself thin, constipated and miserable with daily gas and bloating.My physician recommended increasing the fiber and water even further to combat my physical complaints and offhandedly said I probably suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.My physician's advice only compounded the problem.To say I was miserable was an understatement.

After a lengthy search for information I discovered this book on amazon.I ordered it and read it cover to cover in one day.Since I knew that increased fiber and water were making things worse I was willing to put to use the ideas contained in Fiber Menace to see what would happen. I figured that I had nothing to lose by trying.To say that this book changed my life would be a massive understatement.I immediately reduced my daily water intake from over 100 oz daily to 16 oz (I also drink coffee daily) and reduced my daily fiber intake from 45-60 grams daily to a minimal amount. I stopped eating high-fiber cereals and filling up on raw vegetables. Within 24 hours I was completely comfortable, with my system running as God intended it to.That was 1 year ago and I only have problems when I eat raw, high-fiber vegetables.At 42 I am thin, fit and in the best shape and health of my life.Additionally, I have shared this information with my friends.They have found much better health through reducing their high fiber/high water intake diets and eating smaller, less fibrous meals.

The author deserves many thanks for writing this book and sharing his thoughts.This book was a true treasure for me !

Thinking out of the box - This book is priceless...
I would love to tell you how this book has helped me with my daughter.She is 20 years old and has severe cerebral palsy, full care, and in a wheel chair.Among many other problems that occur as a result of this condition she has always had severe bowel problems and constipation.I have been to the hospital, probably, atleast 20 times over the years for being in alot of pain, pain with fevers, pain and fever with seizures, constipation, impaction, & coming away not knowing much.That didn't count all the times I didn't take her to the hospital. The doctors didn't know what to do except give her tranquilizedrs, enemas, suppositories, medicines galore, and no hope because it is all blamed on CP. In July 2007, I spent nine hours in the emergency room with her screaming in pain. Fevers, excruciating pain, constipation, tons of mucus, malabsorption, undigested food, toxic bowel, you name it she had it. She had tons of testing, drugs for tranquilizing, stuff to drink for the C/T scan, anti-nausea drugs, ibuprofen, enema, and more. The upshot was that she was impacted and they suggested 4 doses of Miralax, 5 days of 10mg. of Ducolax, and the big question: Would I consider a colonectomy?I went home and basically cried again. She shouldn't be suffering like this just because she has cerebral palsy.

This summer I fortunately and coincidentally received a new russian speaking aide for my daughter and she was reading one of Mr. Monastyrsky's books in Russian. I was interested, but, didn't quite understand what she was trying to tell me.All I knew was that it was so different from all of the things I have been reading and trying. I looked up the name and found that he just published it in English and I bought it.At the time I was trying enzymes & probiotics again along with a new nutritionist who helped me get her away from fruit juice and drinking water by adding stevia and a little organic black cherry or blueberry fruit juice to color it. Once again we got into trouble with all the symptoms I told you about.After reading the book and using one round of the suggested protocol of L-Glutamine, Ascorbic acid powder and the excellent probiotics,I stopped all grains and legumes which consisted of oatmeal, brown rice, lentils, black eyed peas etc. (I already was not giving her wheat). Now, it has been four months and I only give her one dose of Miralax only because I am afraid to stop but I will try ending even that now. What has happened was TRULY A MIRACLE.SHE IS BASICALLY FREE FROM ALL THE HORRIBLE SYMPTOMS except for very occasional constipation which is not a nightmare anymore.SHE IS SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 20 YEARS.She is alert, happy, and so improved that I see her finally gaining strength and weight and who knows what she can accomplish.I could go on and on. It is so hard for people to make changes when you always hear the opposite of the answer, ie:Fiber, Fiber, Fiber...My suggestion would be to read this book and think out of the box.That last herendous nine hour hospital visit costed my insurance company something like $7000.00. This initial FIBER MENACE remedy for my daughter was the cost of the book and the recommended protocol the author suggested, maybe $120.00.

Fiber Menace
The author is proposing a low fiber diet to help all digestive disorders.
However,he did not provide enough evidence to convince me that the low fiber diet is a healthy way to live. ... Read more

Book Description
Narrative of an individual's successful recovery from inflammatory bowel disease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

comforting for those with IBD.
This book provides a good resource for those suffering from IBD. It was a great comfort to know that someone else had gone through something so similar to my own experience. It was a little disappointing that the writer did not detail his experience with the SCD diet further (ie, problems he may have encountered etc.) However despite this I often reach for this book on bad days for some much needed motivation.

Theis story at times feels like its actually about me...
This story will make you feel uplifted and hopeful. It also goes to show that no doctor knows your body better than you do and that one should trust their instincts. You are not alone in your battle and I felt so relieved to learn I am not the only one with colitis who is searching everyday for answers. It is a personal adventure which highlights the shortcomings of the 'system' and empowers the individual to fight back.

A helpful, moving read--beautifully written, too
This book is not only a moving portrait of a young man's struggle with--and ultimate control over--colitis; it is also, as importantly, a helpful lens through which others can view and address this serious health problem.I would recommend this book for anyone battling this oft-misunderstood disease, especially those who think they've exhausted their treatment options.Colitis & Me may offer fresh insight and management techniques.It will most certainly offer hope.

A unique and inspirational book!
Not only is this an excellent book for those suffering from bowel disorders, but I feel that anyone with health issues can benefit from the text.The author shares his battle with a debilitating bowel diasese (Ulcerative Colitis). He shares the most personal of experiences as he hits the lowest of lows but continues to fight back and take control of his health...and his life again. Very inspirational! The author has a unique writing style that captivates the reader and makes one hang onto his every written word. The artwork is outstanding, as well.It is unique in its own right, and fits in very nicely with the text. Those with bowel issues will most certainly relate and find this book helpful, but I think anyone who has ever faced an "uphill battle" in life (who hasn't?)will benefit from reading how the author found the inner strength to continue to fight his battle with illness despite a lack of insight from the medical community, a lack of support, at times, from loved ones and a deminishing state of health. Great book!!!!!!!

Engaging story for anyone
I will start off by saying that I don't have colitis. I borrowed this book from a friend for a long bus trip, and I read it straight through. IBD must be a nasty affliction to have, to be sure, but that's not what kept me turning page after page. Prasad's narrative is so thoroughly engaging and intelligent that he could have been writing about someone's battle with a splinter received from a chopstick and still I would have kept reading.

Both the nature of IBD and its associated medical consequences are obviously complex and not well understood, and Prasad explains them clearly and doesn't let the explanations muddy the overall narrative. This, coupled with the wonderful design and layout of the book makes for a enjoyable read.I look forward to his next publication. ... Read more

Book Description
100 easily prepared low-fiber, non-dairy recipes for those with IBD, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Not worth the money if you know how to cook
This book was not worthwhile for anyone who is an everyday cook.they are easy, simple recipes--no new ideas for me.

Great product
Item arrived incondition stated.PLeased with transaction as well as content of item.

WARNING--NIce Covers but Nothing Inside
Suffering a severe flareup of ulcerative colitis makes one a desperate person. There's enough conflicting diet information on the internet and from the medical machine to completely confuse anyone. When I encountered this book's promotions, I immediately ordered it from Amazon and waited anxiously for it's arrival. At the same time I began to look at the "low residue diet". Information on low residue diets is very limited and searching the web is the best way to find it. I applied the princicples of this diet to my food intake while awaiting the arrival of my new cookbook. I began to feel better withina day. When my order arrived, I looked through the book, closed it, put it back in the box and returned it.
The book contains no information on any of it's recipes' nutritional or fiber content. Information on fiber content and nutrition are some of the most important things that a sufferer or ulcerative colitis needs. Some of the recipes far excede the recommended fiber content and could make things much worse.
If you are having problems with ulcerative colitis, buy some rice, apple juice, herbal tea and canned chicken or fish. Do your research and go from there.

ok
The recepies were not geared towards a diet good for ulcerative colitis. It was more like a regular cook book.

Very disappointed with quality & quantity
I expected more from two people who claimed they went to a culinary school and one of them had colitis.The recipes seemed like they just substituted rice or soy milk for regular milk.

I will try a few of the recipes but most were so basic that I was sad to have spent the money on the 'little' book. ... Read more

Book Description
Approximately one million teens and adults in the United States live with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis-- two forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These chronic conditions can dramatically impact quality of life. Difficult-to-discuss symptoms like uncontrollable diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stool, and others can make employment and everyday life difficult. Knowing about the diseases, state-of-the-art treatments, and ways to manage symptoms enable people with IBD to advocate for the care they need. Straight From the Gut charts the territory of successfully living with IBD:

• Finding the right diagnosis
• Getting state-of-the-art treatment
• Coping with prednisone
• Living with an ostomy
• Dealing with insurance and employment
• Managing relationships and fertility concerns
• Finding emotional support
• Identifying resources

Customer Reviews (10)

Straight from the Gut: Just what the doctor ordered (or should!)
Samantha Lucier, a mom of a daughter with Crohn's
July 14th 2006
Just What The Doctor Ordered (Or Should)!
Cliff Kalibjian's book, 'Straight from the Gut: Living with Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis' was just what the doctor ordered (or should)! It is an invaluable tool for people living with Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis. Dozens of people share their personal stories about coping from day to day with these devastating illnesses, and I found these stories to be moving, sometimes even funny, and always helpful and insightful. Cliff has touched on every aspect of living with IBD, from caring for an ostomy, to dealing with insurance companies. The book is written in lay terms and is clear and concise. I would highly recommend this book, not only to families like my own, who have been personally touched by one of these diseases, but to gastroenterologists, nurses and others who care for patients with Crohn's or Colitis. It is truly an educational read for all.
Also recommended: 'Ask Audrey' by Audrey Kron

The book is an introduction with missing content
First, I wish nobody to need the information about IBD. But, for one who needs it, the current book is not a best place to look for.
Obviously, the author's attempts to explain little bit of everything worked, and almost every reader would find inthe book something related to his or her case. The problem is that it is so little of information in each topic, thatalmost nobody would find it really helpful.
The author did a pretty good job by collecting people's letters, which could help ones who need to know that they are not alone. Still, news groups, which could be easily found in the web would work much better.
And the last, most important: the author is a typical example of conventional medicine approach. If you trust in convention medicine and your doctor, you don't need any book at all - your case is going to make to your doctor so much money, that he or she would be happy to provide you the details (unless of course you'll ask for the cure of the disease). And, if you want to try alternative ways, you would not find any help here, just a couple of standard words, which every conventional doctor would say to you in case you would ask.

A Comprehensive Guide to IBD
This is a great overview of the current management and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.It covers medication, surgery, diet, insurance, and more.All in all, a great starting point for the newly diagnosed and their friends and family.I've bought a number of books on Crohn's disease, and this is by far the best general overview I've found.

The second book you should buy if you have IBD
When you're diagnosed with IBD, you have no idea what's ahead.You've been having problems and now you finally have a cause... but no cure.It's a sobering moment.

I went to the major websites and found a book at the library (Jill Skylar's First Year book -- a great starter).I was beginning to learn what life with this disease was going to mean, but I still felt lost.I saw this book online and ordered it.I honestly wasn't expecting much as I've spent the last year reading books on Crohn's that were either total medicalese or the basics I already knew.Cliff's book turned out to be the book I was looking for...it's beyond the basics (What is this strange disease?) and yet suitable for the layman.Additionally, it lets you hear the voices of many other sufferers.With this disease, it's easy to feel like no one understands especially because many of us don't "look sick".Cliff covers all the major topics and does so with humor, compassion and hope.Read it if you're newly diagnosed, have been suffering or want to understand someone that has been -- I consider it the most valuable book in my Crohn's library.

Thank you, Cliff.

Straight from the Gut: Living with Crohn's Disease and Ulcer
This book was the best one I have read on the subject of UC & Crohn's Disease.I have done lots of research, on the Internet, the Library, talking to Doctors, and this one book answered all my questions.Whether you are looking for advice about drugs, surgery, food, working, insurance, or much more, this book has it all!!!I would strongly recommend adding it to your library. ... Read more

Product Description
This new 3rd edition is a compact and compelling review of inflammatory disorders involving the mucosa and submucosa of the colon, including Crohn's disease, colitis, pouchitis, pancolitis, megacolon, and colon cancer. The text provides useful explanations for all available treatment options. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

not bad
Good info.Not much new info that I hadn't already found online.A lot of medical terminology that would have gone right over my head w/o already having a biology background. ... Read more

Book Description

"It is estimated that as many as one million Americans have IBD [inflammatory bowel disease] -- with that number evenly split between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis"
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America

Crohn's and Colitis: Understanding the Facts About IBD is written by a leading expert in the field and provides the most current and significant information on these conditions. The book answers important questions and covers topics such as:

• What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
• What are the symptoms?
• How do you get Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?
• What to expect when you have IBD?
• Dietary treatment
• Drug therapy
• Surgery
• Psychological factors
• Children with IBD, and
• Alternative medicinal therapies.

Learning as much as possible about the condition is an important step toward taking charge and alleviating the negative effects of IBD on daily life. With this book, patients will gain a better understanding of diagnosis and treatment and begin to lead useful and productive lives. While there is no cure at this time for either condition, Dr. Steinhart's expertise and realistic advice will go a long way to improving a patient's health and quality of life and providing reassurance to their loved ones.

Customer Reviews (1)

Look elsewhere - ambitious efforts falls short, shallow and without helpful information
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic diseases which vary widely between patients and over time in the same patient -- so writing a helpful book about understanding and managing these two related disorders is an ambitious undertaking.Unfortunately, Dr. Steinhart's book falls well short of the goal, as the book does not have enough information to be helpful to a patient.

The text is too superficial and general.For example, the text devotes only 15 pages to discussing the causes of these two, distinct chronic illnesses -- which is surprising since the causes are not scientifically known and substantial lay controversy exists regarding potential causes like the bacteria that causes Johne's disease in cattle.Those pages include almost no details regarding the scientific bases for the consideration of the potential causes nor the learned rejection or ambivalence regarding some of those potential causes.

The discussion of dietary strategies is equally frustrating.Diet and medication are likely to be the two areas that most patients are interested in as well as the two areas that patient knowledge will be most helpful for (i.e., the patient can do little with knowledge of the cause but quite a lot with knowledge of dietary strategies).As Dr. Steinhart notes, no one diet is accepted as efficacious.However, the doctor devotes little time to the exploration of the many diets popular with the lay experts that patients are likely to be curious about - and a terse rejection is unlikely to be helpful to a curious patient.The one exception appears to be lactose-intolerance issues - if the text was devoted to other dietary concerns in the same way it addressed lactose intolerance, the book would have been much better

Additionally, much of the advice is frustratingly fruitless.Dr. Steinhart counsels repeatedly (and not surprisingly) that patients should seek advice from their doctors and not from Internet sources.However, any dutiful investigator will quickly find that the most fruitful source of detailed information is the Internet.Obviously, credibility issues abound, but doctors are not beyond mistake either.Dr. Steinhart does not provide a useful way to evaluate credibility or a listing of Internet sources likely (or unlikely) to be useful.

Also, perhaps things are different in Canada, but in the United States it is not likely to be very productive to seek to learn everything from your doctor.Most doctors meetings are quick, and the doctor has a list of things she'd like to accomplish.The time available for general inquiry is usually short, and appointments are often infrequent.The doctor can answer some questions or point the patient down the right research path, but the good patient will conduct a great deal of outside research - indeed, that is the point of books like this.

Similarly, the reader is advised that it is generally the case (hence, presumably not always) that denial, avoiding any response, and acting out of anger are "less successful" ways of coping.Although there may well be cases where denial, avoidance, and anger are successful, most of us would generally assume otherwise, and don't need to be advised as much.If, indeed, there are times when these "strategies" care called for, Dr. Steinhart provides no suggestion of what criteria to look for or what questions to ask.

In sum, Dr. Steinhart's book is an extensive exercise in "Ask your doctor," not particularly useful advice for the sufferers of these two chronic illnesses - 2 stars. ... Read more

Book Description
Ulcerative colitis is a disease characterized by its chronic nature, exacerbation, and remissions. The disease is of unknown etiology and has stimulated a substantial amount of research into the condition and its cause. This book provides a comprehensive review of the subject, covering topics such as the immunological, infective, psychological and dietary factors of its etiology; clinical presentation; extraintestinal manifestations; histopathology; mediators of inflammation; medical treatment, including dealing with the acute attack, maintenance of remission, and a review of new treatment; surgical methods; and the social toll and prognosis for the future. Ulcerative Colitis is a useful reference resource for internists, gastroenterologists, gastrointestinal surgeons, gastrointestinal researchers, nutritionists, dieticians, the pharmaceutical industry, and medical undergraduates. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A good IBD overview for the newly diagnosed
This is a short yet informative overview of inflammatory bowel disease.The possible causes, research developments, available treatments and surgical options are discussed.It is by no means a definitive text.However, it is a good place to start if you or a loved one have just been diagnosed with IBD.It explains IBD's vocabulary in easy-to-understand terms.It discusses the different forms of IBD and the various courses these diseases can take.I definitely needed this book to supplement the information I gleaned from my doctors.I had a much clearer idea of what to expect after reading it.This book also focuses on coping skills, alternative medicine and dietary advice.An appendix contains recommended titles for more detailed reading and provides contact information for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.

Good Thing in a Small Package
This slim volume by co-authors Zonderman (a writer with Crohns Disease) and his gastroenterologist Vender packs a lot of punch in a brief amount of time.Very up to date in terms of medication information and surgery, theauthors also do an excellent job of describing the symptoms of inflammatorybowel disease and WHY you are feeling this way (something I've yet to comeacross in any other book on IBD).I was disappointed in the primitive linedrawings used to illustrate the book and in the negative attitude towardsome alternative medical treatments discussed in the "mind/body"chapter (although I was pleased to see its inclusion).The authors shouldbe commended for approaching the emotional aspects of IBD in a forthrightmanner and the book would be an appropriate addition to any IBD library. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Internal Medicine News, published by International Medical News Group on December 15, 2001. The length of the article is 886 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Managing flares of ulcerative colitis. (Mindful Practice).
Author: Rendell W. Ashton
Publication: Internal Medicine News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 15, 2001
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 34Issue: 24Page: 12(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Download Description
This book has been created for patients who have decided to make education and research an integral part of the treatment process. Although it also gives information useful to doctors, caregivers and other health professionals, it tells patients where and how to look for information covering virtually all topics related to ulcerative colitis (also Chronic Non-Specific Ulcerative Colitis; Colitis Gravis; Idiopathic Non-Specific Ulcerative Colitis; Idiopathic proctocolitis; Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); Nonspecific ulcerative colitis), from the essentials to the most advanced areas of research. The title of this book includes the word official. This reflects the fact that the sourcebook draws from public, academic, government, and peer-reviewed research. Selected readings from various agencies are reproduced to give you some of the latest official information available to date on ulcerative colitis. Given patients' increasing sophistication in using the Internet, abundant references to reliable Internet-based resources are provided throughout this sourcebook. Where possible, guidance is provided on how to obtain free-of-charge, primary research results as well as more detailed information via the Internet. E-book and electronic versions of this sourcebook are fully interactive with each of the Internet sites mentioned (clicking on a hyperlink automatically opens your browser to the site indicated). Hard-copy users of this sourcebook can type cited Web addresses directly into their browsers to obtain access to the corresponding sites. In addition to extensive references accessible via the Internet, chapters include glossaries of technical or uncommon terms. ... Read more

Book Description
Advance praise for The Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Fact Book: "Crohn's disease nearly took my life and dream of running in the Olympics. This book is helping me control my disease and stay in training." —Rene Felton, Track and Field National Record Holder "A much needed and valuable resource for IBD patients, their families, and physicians towards understanding IBD." —Kurt J. Isselbacher, M.D., Mallinckrodt Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Chief, Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital "Since IBD has touched my family I can well understand how this book can offer understanding and hope to all of us." —Gary Collins, Host, Hour Magazine "An invaluable book not only for patients but for doctors as well. Anyone connected with IBD will profit from reading it." —Henry D. Janowitz, M.D., Clinical Professor of Medicine and Director of IBD Unit, Mount Sinai School of Medicine "This text gave me a better insight into my illness. I have found that knowing what to expect makes coping with the disease easier." —Rolf Benirschke, Placekicker, San Diego Chargers ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

!
A good resource for the newly diagnosed but if you are an old hat at this stuff, read something else.It is nice to have on hand though when OTHER people start having problems and they come to you for info. because they know you have problems.You can hand them this to borrow.

Good overview, if a bit outdated
This is a very good general introduction to the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis, for the family, friends, or patient that has been recently diagnosed with one of these diseases.It covers the details of the disease and also current treatment IBD (circa 1983).However, please understand that this book has not been updated since 1983.There have been many, many developments in the treatment of these diseases and the prognosis is much better than when this book was written.(They essentially only had Prednisone and Sulfasalizine for treatment at the time).They now have Remicade and other drugs used to treat IBD that are not addressed.

Overall not a bad book, but you can probably find all of this information, plus information on newer developments, in some of the other books on IBD.Needless to say, if you buy this book, don't make it your only book on IBD.

Great information on Crohn's Disease
As a Crohn's Disease patient, I used this book as a source for a research project.Although, currently there are more up-to-date sources, this book provided me with a vast amount of background information regarding the disease.

A must have book for anyone suffering from these diseases
Six months ago I was faced with the reality that I had Crohn's Disease.At that point I wanted to get my hands on as much reading material as I could on the subject (because when you are sick about all you can do is sit and read anyway).Outof all the books I have read on the subject I can honestly say that this book is one of the best overall books on the subject.

This book is devided in three major sections.The first part is about The Nature of the disease.In this section the book discusses basic definitions, who gets the diseases, what causes them, how it is diagnosed, and systemic manifestations.

The next section is about Treating the Diseases.This section covers medications and their side effects, nutritional complications, surgery, and the threat of cancer.

The last section covers Living with the Diseases.This talks about diseases in children, pregnancy, older people, emotions, hospitalization, life insurance and medical insurance, what to do if you become disabled.

I recommend this book for anyone who suffers with either of these diseases.This book is a fantastic handbook/reference book for people who are sick with these illnesses.It has helped me unterstand my Crohn's disease better then I ever thought possible.I wish you all the best!!

If you have IBD you need this book.
It used to be that this was the only 'laypersons' book out there for people suffering from IBD. Newly diagnosed with ulcerative colitis 10 years ago, I found this book to be enlightening and informative. It helped me to get a handle on things when I felt my life spiraling out of control due to a disease I had never even heard of before. Today those suffering from ulcerative colitis and Chrohn's Disease have more reading material at their disposal, but this book remains as the staple for any person suffering from IBD. It can also serve as an invaluable resource to friends and family of IBD survivors who also feel confused and helpless. Anyone who has ever taken prednisone for IBD knows the symptoms and treatments for these diseases can make articulate and unemotional explanations almost impossible to formulate. Handing over a copy of this to your siblings, parents, spouse, or even your roommate is the best thing you can do for them, and for yourself. ... Read more

Book Description
This straightforward guide fully explains these chronic disorders that affect the intestinal tract and frequently have impact on childrens growth.The psychological and practical aspects of the illness can sometimes be as difficult as the medical condition. Up to date info so that parents and children can learn how to nadle these inflammatory bowel diseases. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

No other book on Crohn's or UC can even compare-INFORMATIVE
This is truly the book to have if your child has Crohn's.I wish that this book would have available when this whole ordeal started with my daughter (then 10 years old).It truly explains soooooo many things, In anut shell this is the book to have, initially it may even give you moreinformation then you are prepared to handle, but when you're ready, theinformation is there for your reading and using.A MUST HAVE BOOK!!

Excellent Guide to Crohn's and colitis for Parents
Every parent of a child with Crohn's or UC should have a copy of this indispensible guide. This book,recently published in coordination with the CCFA, is the first dedicated solely to the needs ofchildren and teenswith IBD and their families. It isseparated into three sections: diagnosis, treatment, and living with thedisorder. Itcontains a glossary of medical terms, aresources section, and a number of positive statements from children with IBD. Highly recommended for parents!

This book was exactly what our family needed at diagnosis.
This book was given to us when our daughter,age 10, was diagnosed with Crohns summer of '98.Her Doctor gave it to us on our first visit.I strongly suggest any parent in this similar situation needs this book.Myhead was spinning I had questions, at least I thought I did, I wasconfussed.This book helped me get a handle on what was going on, whattreatments were presently available,and how we would survive and move on. I just can't say enough about this book.It is really reader friendly andthat is important when you are in a new situation like this. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Internal Medicine News, published by Thomson Gale on January 1, 2006. The length of the article is 669 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Colectomy not a final cure for ulcerative colitis, data show.(Gastroenterology)
Author: Bruce Jancin
Publication: Internal Medicine News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 39Issue: 1Page: 51(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more