Colitis Books

This is a helpful book if you have Irritable Bowel Disease - but what you might not realize from the title is that it is also helpful if you have problems with diarrhea. Maybe you don't have IBD, but you spend enough time in the bathroom to disrupt your life. Tracie Dalessandro, who has experienced the challenges of IBD herself, makes the distinction between insoluble fiber (which could make your GI problems worse) and soluble fiber (which you can tolerate). She does a great job explaining the differences between the two types of fiber and why it matters for people with IBD (or chronic diarrhea). Then she gives lists of what foods work and which don't. If you suffer from Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis or longterm diarrhea - this book could make a big difference in your life.

I thought this book was a helpful resource in light of my diagnosis of Crohns. This is the first book I have read on the subject, and I get the feling my case is much less serious than the case of the author, but the recipes overall sound good and I appreciated the sections on vitamins.

This is a very helpful book for persons with IBD/IBS. It is easy to read and understand and so far the recipies that I have tried are very good too. I would recommend this book as a good place to start in learning how to deal with IBS. It makes a lot of sense and has been helpful for me.

I purchased this book for my 83-year-old mother, recently diagnosed with Crohn's. While the recipes are practical and easy to use, the clear discussion of the symptoms and implications of the diesease, and the tips on how to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and how to improve nutrient absorption, etc. are very helpful. It includes a discussion about the various types of treatments with drugs, diet, and surgery with all of the pros and cons of each. Highly recommended for families of patient as well as for patient.

I've had ulcerative colitis for four years, and a few months ago I set my mind to getting myself off the medication while following proper diet. In the process, I purchased each book I found that dealt with IBD or healing through nutrition and gave their arguments a try. I found that there are many good books out there, but this is not one of them. Yes, it is simple and easy to follow, but is also lacking in so many things. First, the foods that the author recommends for healing include soy and wheat, which are problematic for many patients with IBD. Most people would recommend avoiding soy during an inflammation, period. More importantly, the author does not provide a holistic approach to healing the body as she only focuses her attention on diet. Dietary changes are very important, but so are other things that one can do to reduce stress and rest the body. I'd recommend David Klien's Self-healing Colitis and Crohn's, or even Breaking the Vicious Cycle which has it's own cult-like following.

Being I am not a reader normally. It was very easy to understand. It normally takes me weeks to read a book in this lenght, it took me 3 days. To anyone that is going though the j-pouch surgery, I recommend reading this book!!

As I read Phillip Van Hooser's book, "It Takes More Than Guts," I felt as though Phillip had written about my struggle with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). His description of the disease is so accurate. I have suffered with ulcerative colitis, a form of IBD, for nine years. For the past two years, I have contemplated having my colon removed like Phillip did, but I have repeatedly talked myself out of it because I'm afraid of such an invasive surgery and all of the unknowns. Some of the areas that I especially liked about his book are that it takes you step-by-step from: being diagnosed with IBD, Phillip's experiences with IBD, Phillip's ultimate decision to have surgery, and finally the quality of Phillip's life after surgery. This book takes you through these steps in great detail. This book helped me make important decisions in my life concerning my battle against IBD, and I would highly recommend it to anybody suffering with this disease, or anybody who knows someone who has IBD-this book will allow you to better understand what your loved one is going through.

Van Hooser does a wonderful job of detailing the day-to-day fears, realities, and inconveniences of living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. I especially appreciated how he chronicles what he is thinking as the doctors speak. The reader almost feels like a fly on the wall. Anyone that has lived with IBD can relate to all he goes through to "mask" his illness, and the embarrassment it causes.

This inspirational story of how one person copes with his disease is encouraging and uplifting. The honesty with which he presents his fears and worries is to be commended. The way in which he draws encouragement from his friends and family, but yet deals with his disease so individually, is unique. At times, I felt like I was reading about my own struggle with IBD, and it was encouraging to know that others feel the same way I have.

I read this book through in less than a day. I have given it to friends to help explain what life with IBD is like. Van Hooser says it like it is, "crap" and all!

This book was written from such a personal perspective. It took a lot of courage to be so open about how much Phil suffered during his illness. But the fact that he was so candid will be very helpful to anyone suffering with the same ilness or for that matter any chronic illness. Phil offered so much practical information as well as insight into how a patient can manage their own health care. I was especially touched by the relationships Phil established with his health care providers. What amazes me is how Phil took his experience and shared it with the world. He has reached out to other sufferers and tossed them a life line of support and a wealth of resources. I recommend this book to everyone who has ever experienced medical problems no matter what type.

When I read this book I felt as though I were reading my own account of my illness, surgery and recovery. Mr. VanHooser tells from start to finish every step of this debilitating illness. This book is a must read for anyone that suffers from or has a loved one that suffers from IBS. The straightforward manner in which he shares his experience will hit home with anyone who is affected by this disease. It was so much more than the usual informational book, it gave all the information you need but also gifted you with an emotional and physical victory that gives you hope.

I had been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis about a year before finding this wonderful book. At that point I was barely able to leave the house due to the awful symptoms of this disease. A week and a half after changing my diet as suggested I was able to go camping with no problems! The changes in diet outlined in this book are easy to try and don't cost extra. Just try it for two weeks, it could make a difference in your life, too.

This book provides some good information with some simple options at a cheaper price. I've tried the tips and i already feel better. This book might not be for all, but it's a quick read and worth a try if you're not feeling well.

This is the best, most complete overview of the mechanics of fructose intolerance and how it affects bowel health that I have found in years of reading, but there are disappointing gaps in the author's practical advice, and some downright bizarre statements about weight loss. If you have found that the conventional high-fiber diet for IBS is not helping (or even making your IBS worse), read this book. This may be the key to your problems. Unfortunately, after convincingly establishing that fructose intolerance is at the root of much bowel distress, the author gives only spotty practical advice about what to eat and what to avoid. For example, he repeatedly warns against eating "wheat fiber," but says nothing whatsoever about oat or rice fiber. Are they safer? Just as bad? He mentions "waffle syrup made of corn" several times as a source of fructose. Is he implying that pure maple syrup is safe? Maple syrup is very high in fructose I believe, but anyone reading this book might assume that as long as the syrup is not derived from corn it is harmless. And his weight loss advice is just strange. He rails against ketogenic diets as unhealthy and counterproductive to weight loss, then gives you his version to try! While the bulk of his argument is a revision of the unexamined conventional wisdom on "healthy" eating that he believes is all wrong for IBS sufferers, his weight loss advice is a hodge-podge of exactly the same kind of lazy conventional wisdom. I suspect this reflects the fact that serious bowel disorders (his area of expertise) are more likely to result in weight loss and emaciation than obesity, so his weight loss diet is kind of a careless afterthought.

In the end, I recommend this book for its detailed discussion of fructose intolerance and its role in bowel disease, but if you decide to take the low-fructose approach to healing, look for another list of "eat this, avoid that" foods. As for weight loss, any low carb approach will be low fructose. Find the one you can live with.

I have been taking medication for proctitis for some time now. My symptoms would not go away. I had asked my doctor which foods to avoid and basically he said to avoid anything that doesn't seem to work for me. I finally went on line for some reading material and found this book. After a week on this diet, I started seeing results. I am now symptom free and it has only been 3 weeks. The great thing about this diet is that I don't have to make special recipes. I just have to avoid specific things. It is very easy to follow. Thank you as this book has gave me my life back again.

I was diagnosed 17 years ago with UC at the age of 21. I've read many books and tried every diet, not to mention been to most types of alternative practitioners, & a slew of western doctors in various states, with no positive results. I recently got this book and for the first time I saw immediate & positive change. This book tells you what to avoid, and WHY. After fighting this disease for many years, I have never felt better. And after reading this book never have I had such a clear understanding of how the body's digestion works, and I certainly have never felt this good in almost 2 decades.

This book is an excellent memoir describing what day-to-day life is like with IBD and IBS. It's candid, very, very helpful, and well-written. I highly recommend it to all.

This is by far the best book on ibs/ibd that I have read. It is not only a very well told personal memoir on healing but also a roadmap for others with similar digestive problems to follow. The author talks openly about her struggles with her disease and draws lessons from her struggles that are not so much precise prescriptions for what others should do to help themselves control their disease but the kinds of approaches and attitudes towards healing that will help them as they figure out what works for them. It is a book that encompasses physcial, emotional and spiritual issues that are raised by the disease and that can be addressed through healings techniques both traditional and non-traditional. Chronic diseases challenge people to look not just for a cure that will rid them of the disease, although that would always be nice, but to find ways in which to learn to live a full life with the disease. Elizabeth Roberts has done just that and she shares her story and the lessons learned from it so others might be able to do that too.

Elizabeth Roberts provides an excellent first-hand account of having to learn of and then deal with UC/IBS. As a newly diagnosed member of the "UC Club," I was heartened to learn of her ability to manage this combination of maladies and get on with her life. Elizabeth is kind enough to provide a number of online sources for information and support as well as her own personal tips/tricks for dealing with an IBD.

I definitely recommend this book, especially to the newly diagnosed.

What a story! She starts out as a publicist in Washington D.C. who works with celebrities like Wynton Marsalis and the artist known as Wyland, in a foundation run by the Kennedy family. Then IBD sets in, and her life in the fast lane is all about getting to the bathroom on time. The emotions are roller-coaster, no doctor can give her her life back again, her husband is on the verge, and she has to summon up the willpower to bring herself back from the brink. So she's off to Sedona to meet with New Age healers, on medication and meditation, and finally ready to try to spread her wings again by trying to relive her former jet-set lifestyle with trips to St. Bart, Switzerland, and of course frequent runs to the bathroom. This book gets real about IBD and IBS and is a good read -- and chock full of dozens of practical tips and step-by-step advice about how to get your life back on track when dealing with chronic disease. It is told through the author's experience, but the lessons and tricks you can learn apply to anyone.

Elizabeth Roberts' skill as a journalist and public relations writer are matched perfectly with this personal emotional story of Elizabeth initially being diagnosed with IBD and then IBS followed by her own techniques for coping. I was mesmerized by her story because Elizabeth eloquently describes how a strong healthy career woman suddenly learns and then understands what it is like to have to cope with these troubling chronic conditions. Her style is approachable as if she is talking directly to you. She shares with us her fears and her triumphs. Doing so provides an honest account of how one's quality of life is altered. Elizabeth provides helpful Tips and Information at the end of each chapter which do a nice job at capturing the key messages of each chapter. I highly recommend this book.

I ordered the book about a year an a half ago. Prior to receiving the book, I had been diagnosed with colitis, which I had been suffering from for about a year, which included bleeding, pain diarrhea and interrupted sleep. The medication prescribed worked initially, but ceased to work after the next flare-up, 2 months later. I followed the diet for about a week, at which time my symptoms subsided. I've been normal ever since. I can't say that I've followed the diet whole-heartedly. I eat what would be considered a "normal" diet by most, with the incorporation of the diet plan outlined in the book, which includes a lot of fresh fruits and vegatables. I can honestly say that I haven't had any indication of a flare-up. Some might say that I'm in remission, but from everything I've read, most people only stay in remission up to a year with medication only. I believe the information David shares has saved me from an incredible amount of physical and emotional pain. He does a fantastic job of explaining the cause and the cure in a simple to understand manner. At one time, I looked at eating raw fruits and vegetables as a chore. I now see them as pleasurable medicine for my body. I know that it's added years to my life. I realize that I might be the exception to the rule as far as the short length of time my body took to heal, but I'm sure that I would still be suffering if I hadn't gotten this book. I am now gradually transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. I tell everyone about your book.

My son Byron (17 year old diagnosed with Crohns June 2006) has just confided in me that this time last year he wanted to commit suicide. At that time he was confined to bed with painful fissures (anal tears), mouth ulcers, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and bowel incontinence, hot & cold sweats and a host of other miserable complaints. He had already endured months of illness and hospitalization and despite drug treatments was no better. The doctors had abandoned us for an extended Xmas/New Year break and an increase in Prednisone dose did nothing to ease symptoms. Then your Self Healing Colitis & Crohn's book arrived. We started the diet straight away and in 3 days the pain from the fissures was gone and he was up and moving around.

David, we have since proved every single word of your book to be true. Byron's recovery went exactly as you described it would. We followed the steps carefully, reducing drugs as we went, we made mistakes but corrected them within 3 days of returning to the diet and we pressed on. We know your work has saved Byron from a life of hell. Today, one year after receiving your book, he is entirely drug free and has been for 5 months. He is 62kg (up from 45kg at diagnosis). He is an active young man looking and feeling great and as a fabulous sidekick benefit, now has a really cool Vegan girlfriend. He lives by the diet and finds it easy, we spend less on good food than we did on the SAD diet and we now spend absolutely nothing on drugs, supplements or consultations. The doctor called Byron's excellent condition "clinical remission", which we confidently told him will last for around 75 years!!!!! Byron and I believe you have provided us with the "cure". Treatments in the 6 months prior to receiving your book cost around AUS$15,000. Your regimen was the cost of the book and one consult fee to meet you (a meeting I am eternally grateful for and was pre-ordained after a surprise opportunity to travel to California last year). We owe you so much and we thank you so much. Please add our story to your list of successes. I am happy to have my email address posted on your site as a contact for those still reading your "Are You Skeptical" link and would be pleased to share our story and discuss.
Julie Smith
Coffs Harbour, Australia

The book is easy to read and has lost of useful advise.
If you follow the principles about healthy living as outlined in the book, you will soon be healthy again.
I recommend it.

I ordered this book for my mother who has been suffering from colitis for 25 years. She is able to really apply the diet and advice in this book to her daily lifestyle. I have been a vegan for years and it has been hard to get her to stay consistent with any advice I have given her regarding her condition. This book is literally a life saver. It has given her an alternative to having her intestine removed. I even ordered a second book to give to someone who may be interested in an alternative to conventional medicine for this type of condition.

Dr. Klein's book has given my family hope and better than that: results. My four-year-old daughter, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of two, is enjoying radiant health without drugs or supplements of any kind. I too have experienced miraculous healing of eczema on his plan and know that it can help anyone wanting to improve his/her health. I'm deeply grateful for his passion for raw foods and their healing power.

I bought this for my 34 year old son who had to have his colon removed. He was very depressed before the surgery so I sent him this book. It was very helpful and uplifting for him and he was so grateful to read about the experiences of another man going through all of this. He told me "If he can do it, I can too". I am so grateful that this book was written, because it has made a huge difference in his outlook; when you realize what others go through, sometimes your situation doesn't seem so bad; plus being a man and having that kind of surgery is devastating; but he is doing very well after the surgery, and I feel this book helped him get through it very much. So grateful for this wonderful book!

You won't read a more inspiring story, regardless of whether you have IBD or not. The amazing story of Rolf Benirschke, who fought back from IBD to succeed in both the NFL and his post-football endeavors, is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit. As a 14-year survivor of Crohn's disease myself, I can say without equivocation that I would not be here typing this now if not for the inspiration I got from this book. I came to believe that all things are possible if you have the determination and courage to face and overcome your challenges.

As an added bonus, the author showed his kindness and generosity by autographing and returning my copy, which stands as one of my most prized possessions.

In this inspirational story, the former placekicker for the San Diego Chargers tells of his own journey with IBD and subsequent surgery. His bravery and humanity come through crystal clear although its obvious Rolf is simply trying to help others via his experience and not blow his own horn. Nevertheless, no reader can help but admire the perserverance, both personal and professional, of this fine human being.

This book is a must for anyone dealing with either Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease. I put off buying this book because I have Crohn's disease, but I must tell you it was one of my biggest mistakes. If you, or someone you love, is dealing with IBD get this book. So many of Rolf's feelings and thoughts were the same thing I was thinking when I first had to deal with this disease. Rolf is an inspiration, he proves that you can live your life with these diseases and live it to the fullest.

As a young woman with an ostomy, I was very inspired by the personal account in this book. Rolf showed me that I could go on with my life and go back to a normal exercise pattern. The personal photographs that he shares helped me explain what happened to me to my children. I would recommend this book for anyone who is having a hard time coping with their ostomy. It turned my whole point of view around!

When I was very very sick and newly diagnosed with Crohn's, I needed information fast. This, more than any other book I ordered, was the most helpful and easiest to look up random questions as they came up. It was so helpful. I highly recommend it. Also, this is the only time I have used the next day delivery postage for a book and I am so glad I did.

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.

This book is extremely helpful in answering questions you may have and some you may not have thought to ask. Highly recommended as one of the top two layperson-oriented books to read if you have Crohn's or 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.

This book is an invaluable resource for me. I borrowed it from the library then decided to purchase a copy. My 2.3 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with UC and this book touched on just about everything I wanted to know. Although she is very young and the info on children was small, I gained a lot of important information about every aspect from symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and surgery to her future in dealing with this disease and possiblity of her increased risk of cancer. In between are true accounts of people with both Crohn's and UC and their experiences with different medicines, flare-ups and emotional issues. What I came away realizing is that IBD is unique for each person and along with the many options for managing symptoms and flare-ups, how well a person's chance to remain in remission will depend on the individual and how they respond both mentally and physically. There are no quick fixes nor are there magic combinations that work for everyone. There are also no guarantees that you can eliminate flare-ups or predict when you may have them. But you can become aware of your body, your options, your triggers and your outlook. If you are looking for an up to date resource for a newly diagnosed UC or CD I highly recommend this book.

The information in this book literally saved my mother's life. She was hospitalized and contracted C Diff and no antibiotic helped; in fact, the information in this book will help you understand how antibiotics can be hazardous. If you know anyone who suffers from this heinous infection, buy this book, read and find solace and information that can help cure you. Bless you, Dr.Karpa.

This book is a great book for everyone, but especially mothers-to-be. How bacteria play into our immune system is amazing. I had no idea. A must read for all physicians and pharmacists.

My son was diagnosed with severe reflux, eczema and food allergies. I have spent hundreds of hours trying to research probiotics. ALL of this information is contained right inside this powerful book. I found an absolute wealth of information and leads to help me treat my sons severe allergies. Many of the suggestions in her book have saved us time and money. And one of the most important parts is where the author helps you select a probiotic, since MUCH of what is on the market is worthless, mislabled or DEAD bacteria. People are starting to become aware of the benefits of probiotics (as other countries have known for so many years) but they are throwing their money away on products that do not even contain the strains of bacteria listed on the label or even any live bacteria at all. Although I bought the book with interest in my son's situation, there are so many other conditions discussed and I have lent this book out more times than I can count. It is also very suitable for physicians and I have had one friend use it to discuss her probiotic use during pregnancy (to prevent allergy in her baby) and I just bought another copy to give to our pediatrician (who also recommends certain reputable brands of probiotics to help treat behavioral issues) I would highly recommend this book. It will save you hundreds of hours of research and you will think of many friends and relatives who can benefit from the research it contains.

Probiotics are products containing bacteria that are beneficial to health. Digestive problems and allergies are increasing in developed countries and much of the source of these difficulties appears to lie with a poor mixture of bacteria in the intestine. Taking probiotics to remedy the imbalance is a popular approach among the general public, but very little reliable information is available.

Kelly Karpa's book remedies this by providing a readable and scientifically-sound review of current knowledge.

Dr Karpa is both a qualified pharmacist and a concerned parent, and she combines her skills to produce an admirable book. It explains the gut microflora (billions of bacteria that reside in each person's intestine) and also the evidence for probiotics improving a range of disorders.

These disorders include infectious diarrhoea (gastroenteritis, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, Clostridium difficile, traveler's diarrhoea), allergies (rhinitis, asthma, food allergies), urogenital infections (vaginitis, UTIs), and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis).

An especially useful chapter is on how to select a good probiotic. There is also information on prebiotics, soluble dietary fibre that boosts numbers of one's existing beneficial bacteria.

The two chapters on the immune system are a bit heavy going for the general reader, but they both have a short summary and the chapters can be skipped without spoiling the rest of the book. Also, there is no index. But the book is well-structured with detailed Contents pages, so the absence of an index should not prove a major difficulty.

Despite these minor weaknesses, the book is invaluable for people with any of the listed chronic conditions as well as for health professionals who work with such patients.

I like the way the author gives you a road map for dealing with so many of the problems with IBD. It has lots of excellent real world tips. This book made me not feel so alone.

Since our son was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, I have wanted to talk to someone who has experienced IBD firsthand. This book is the next best thing to a personal conversation. The author has painstakingly documented his struggle to regain his quality of life and in the details, I have found answers to many of my questions. After reading this book, I no longer feel helpless.

As someone who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, I am always looking for books that offer some good advice about ways to deal with this condition. I even went to the library once and checked out every single book they had on the topic. Even with all the books I've read, I've never found one that is as uplifting as Gut Help. It manages to be informative while making such an unpleasant topic entertaining. Most books on digestive disorders tell you the symptoms and what you can expect, but do little to encourage you or let you know that your condition can be improved. Gut Help is different. It is written by someone that really experienced the condition and found a way to get well. It is written with humor, compassion, and inspiration. I especially enjoyed the section where Demirjian lists all of the "roadblocks" than can occur on the way to recovery and what you can do to overcome them. It's wonderful that he used his struggle and experience to perfect his method and share it with others. You can really feel he cares. I like the fact that the book isn't written by some doctor that has only studied the condition, but by a person who has gone through it and has come up with a process that works out of necessity. After reading Gut Help, I feel inspired to begin making changes to improve my condition and to face life with the positive attitude that Demirjian does.

Overall a terrific resource. After struggling with digestive difficulties for years, I know first hand how isolating these types of illnesses can be. It was great to finally see someone who shared in my challenges come forward and "tell it like it is." This book has done wonders for my health and as a result, my self-esteem. Not only does it make me feel more in control of my health and wellbeing, but it is nice to see someone supporting an option other than surgery for my illness. Thank you for helping me get my life back!

Darryl Helems's personal story about being diagnosed and treated for IBD is a gem. Darryl explains from the beginning that he is not going to delve into medical jargon or the latest treatments. He suggests surfing the internet for that. Rather he provides a very personal from the heart recount of the everyday emotional and practical implications of living with this disease. Check Your Pride at the Door refers to those potentially embarrassing moments such as when he was 17, now 37, and was helped when administering an enema. Moments of tenderness are spread throughout this short easy read book such that if you suffer from any type of GI illness you will easily relate to Darryl's story. I'll be recommending this book to the many young people who approach me for advice.

As a long-time publisher, author, and book-reviewer, I found Check Your Pride at the Door to be particularly interesting and a valuable resource. Why? Because in addition to my above titles, I need to add, for the purpose of this review, "a person who suffers from inflammatory bowel disease." I have a rather rare form of this disease--it is called eosinophilic colitis, a type of colitis that has given me problems all of my life. I can relate to much of what the author discusses in this book as will the other 1.4 million Americans who are estimated to be suffering from IBD. According to Dr. Helems' research, approximately 30,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 35 being the most susceptible.

I have done a large amount of research and purchased many books on IBD, trying to learn as much as possible so that I could be knowledgeable when talking with my physician. However, not long ago I was communicating online with another sufferer of IBD via instant messenger and stated that I wished someone would write a book that covered the emotional aspects of this disease--what it does to the person battling it as well as to family members. This is exactly what Darryl Helems has done in writing Check Your Pride at the Door because he recognized that even though there are extensive writings on the various medical descriptions, definitions, and treatment options in regard to IBD, the personal impact that this disease has upon individuals--both physically and emotionally--has not been properly addressed. This book is the story of his experiences with ulcerative colitis and, undoubtedly, will help those who are trying to cope with various forms of IBD; it is also a resource that the newly diagnosed will find to be invaluable.

One reason I can truly endorse this book is because it is written for the everyday person--in simplistic language that readers don't have to work at just to understand. When the author describes the intensity of his pain, his hospital stays, his surgeries, his flare-ups, and his times of remission, fellow sufferers will be able to relate...sometimes crying and other times applauding. But, in my opinion, it is the pride issue that will help others the most--especially those who are just starting on this journey. For twenty years the author had to deal with his pride as he went from high school to college, from college into the world of the employed, and from being single to becoming a husband and the father of two sons. Readers are able to see him mature as he goes from denying the severity of the disease to being more open and honest with others about his condition. He is blessed to have a Christian wife who supports him totally...putting to the test those marriage vows in which she said, "in sickness and in health." Sadly, I know of many individuals with IBD whose spouses have been unable to do this, and the marriage did not survive.

Admittedly, I found myself upset with the author--especially in his younger days--when he would be so insistent on living a normal life that he would not take care of himself as far as diet, medication, taking sitz baths, and trying to reduce his stress level. However, when you are young, athletic, and determined to keep up with your peers, it is understandable. Many times he learned the hard way that neglecting to do these things cost him dearly in terms of pain and hospitalizations. But I know from personal experience that when you are in remission, it is so great to feel normal that you want to act normal and, somehow, you often succeed in convincing yourself that you are cured--that there won't be any more flare-ups. But, as yet, there is no cure for IBD.

Individuals with this disease quickly learn to check their pride at the door after spending a short time in the hospital and having an untold number of nurses and doctors look at the private areas of their anatomy. The tests become routine; however, the fear of being out somewhere and not making it to the bathroom in time is always in the back of their minds. Dr. Helems--a psychologist--describes how dating was a problem for him, especially during a flare-up. He was afraid of intimacy and all of the unpleasant things that go with this disease such as nausea, horrible cramps, gurgling intestinal sounds, and uncontrollable bowel movements. The first thing I do when my husband and I go anywhere is find out where the bathroom is located. Only then can I be somewhat comfortable in my surroundings. But, in all honesty, I prefer staying home, especially when in the middle of a bad flare-up.

The author discusses the importance of having proper support. He mentions spouses, parents, siblings, the church, friends, physicians, and support groups. He also talks about how people with this disease can now connect via the Internet--one of my greatest resources for support. Dr. Helems also presents interesting advice on techniques and strategies that help sufferers cope with the increased stress during flare-ups of this chronic disease. This is one of my favorite chapters, and I plan to put the information to good use.

This book, though small, is very powerful and is a MUST READ, not only for those who have IBD, but also for the families and friends of these individuals. Remember that it isn't a book written by a professional for professionals; it is a book written by a fellow sufferer who knows the emotional and physical devastation of this disease and wants to reach out to others who are hurting.

An Independent Professional Book Reviewer

When I was asked to review this work I was quite interested as I have several friends who are dealing with the medical problem that this book addresses, IBD-inflammatory bowel disease. Our author Darryl Helems takes you on the journey of his life bringing you to the point when he felt his first symptoms of this disorder to the present, and his battle with the same.
I have to tell you; I never realized how serious this condition could become, nor the torment that those suffering from it experience. Not only with the disease itself but often with the treatment. Our author does an outstanding job in touching the emotional side along with the medical of this condition allowing you to realize the life of an IBD person. I will tell you this; I definitely will have more compassion on those who are suffering from IBD and understand the courage it takes for them to face and live each day with an often embarrassing misunderstood condition.
If you, or someone you love is suffering with IBD this book will be a jewel for you and for them; and for those of you who are fortunate enough to never have had this touch your lives you would do well to read this work to understand just how fortunate you are. Hats off to Darryl D. Helems, who had the courage to discuss some hard phases of this disease and also offers some great tips to help you along the way. Good job!