Crohns-Disease Books

Pictures are enticing, ingredients are not too exotic, and recipes are not too labor-intensive! Even my non-SCD-diet family enjoys my creations using this book as a base!

I would suggest any with any type of digestives issues to try out this cookbook and the many others Specific Carbohydrate Diet cookbooks available such as Every Day Grain Free Gourmet also sold on Amazon. This diet will make you feel better as well as giving your entire family as a whole a healthier lifestyle. And the best part is the recipes all taste so good that you don't feel like your on a "special diet". You do have to spend a good amount of time in the kitchen preparing meals from scratch but to me the end result is worth it. I personally have not felt this good living with Crohns disease in years! Finding the SCD diet has given my life the positive turn around I needed!

A new recruit to the delights of cooking, my interest in cookbooks is currently at it's peak. What I've wanted are light, simple meals with fresh, clean tastes and this book certainly delivers. I've found several interesting recipes in this book that satisfy my hunger(and my bias towards aesthetically pleasing, well designed books: after all it's well known that one eats with ones eyes first).
I'm fortunate that I don't need to be on the SCD diet(was recommended this book by a friend, who I invited to dinner and needs to be)but honestly, with food as good as this, the SCD-ers need want for nothing!
Thank you to the authors for giving us this book.

This cookbook is gorgeous and easy to follow. My wife and I use it to plan meals a few times a month. That neither of us has IBD really doesn't matter, since the specific carbohydrate diet is first and foremost about eating healthy, nutritious meals. I'm a mess in the kitchenif I can find a way to ruin a recipe, it most assuredly will happen. But everything in the book is so well thought out, and designed so cleanly, that even I manage to prepare something edible. Delicious even. Our toddler happens to be a big fan of the wild salmon over vegetables dish.

I've recommended this book to two friends who have family members with Crohn's disease. Both have called to thank me for putting them onto this fantastic resource.

The recipes are easy to follow and we like the fact that some of the staple ingredients are used throughout the book (almond flour and SCD yogurt) so when we purchase or prepare it, we know we will be able to use the item for another recipe. The huevos rancheros, crackers, Raman's Surprise Salad, Eggplant Parmesan Bake and many more dishes are delicious and easy to put together. We don't follow a SCD diet but the recipies in here are yummy and healthy for any diet. Our favorite part of the book is the stories. We don't usually cook with a cookbook but cooking with Raman's book and reading aloud the stories as we prepare a meal makes for a wonderful cooking experience and allows us to enjoy the food even more!

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.

When my mother was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, I found this book extremely helpful. Not only does the author have ulcerative colitis herself, but she shares her knowledge as a professional. Recipes, rationale for what to eat and what not to eat; recommendations for nutritional supplements and specific vitamins are found within the pages of this informative book. This is a wonderful resource for anyone who has been diagnosed with or is caring for someone with IBD. I refer to this book almost daily!

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.

I have found this the best resource thus far on IBD. My favorite part is that there are recipes to try not just suggestions of foods to eat. She also lists the vitamins that each meal contains. All the recipes are very simple- no more than 6-8 ingredients. These recipes are great and I have made almost all of them. I am having a lot of fun cooking and my family is eating very well. I also like how she lists foods that heal and foods that hurt. My son was diagnosed with UC 5 years ago and I have been looking for something like this. My prayers were finally answered.

Where do I start. When I got this book the first part I read was the acknowledgement. OMG!!, this book was written for me. I imeadiatly contacted Karen Steward and have struck up a friendship with her. I am so thankful she wrote this book. It has help me and my family tremendously. Anybody or any one who knows anybody with ARD you HAVE to get this book for yourself and them. This book provided be hope and clairity regarding my condition. I HIGHLY recommend this book!

Mrs. Steward shares and intimate view of faith, love, and tribulation as her family navigates a health care system that fails to listen or understand her daughters debilitating illness. This story spans a painful fourteen year search for answers in an often rushed or hostile health care system. In this system women are quickly labeled depressed or hysterical if diagnoses are not easily found and patients easily cured. This nightmare journey of multiple physician visits, painful tests, and ineffective treatments eventually takes Karen and her daughter Melissa to Germany. At last the elusive cause of much suffering was determined to be multiple adhesions and effective surgical care was provided, thus returning quality of life to a bright young woman and her family.

The story of Melissa's victory over pain and illness and her mother's determination to not give up are certainly inspirational. This book not only sheds light on a medical condition that is often not considered on list of differential diagnoses, but also sheds light on a fractured and rushed health care system. The descriptions in this book of various physicians visits range from hysterical to infuriating. Mrs. Steward's impressions of physicians from the patient's point of view are so insightful and well written that I believe all physicians should be required to read this book. In the words of Robert Burns "Oh what a powerful gift to give us, to see ourselves as others see us."

It is my hope that this book will bring awareness of ARD to both patients and health care providers as well as remind us all to treat others with the same respect and kindness that we would like to be treated with.

Powerful, enlightening, inspiring! This mother's completely committed journey to find relief and the answers to her daughter's suffering is nothing short of awesome. In doing so she has given, in her book, the help and the hope so desperately needed by those also suffering from adhesions. Help for those who may not even know, until now, what they are suffering from and the hope to know that their pain can come to an end.

This is one of the most informative and well written books I have picked up in a long time. She knows her topic, she has lived it! The heart and sole that is poured into the book comes through very clear. If you know nothing of the disease you will be well informed when you finish the read. It is not boring and info packed it is info packed and interesting. Edna Summers

As I read this book, I was reminded of being a teenager with a blood pressure of 180/110 and a resting heart rate of 130 beats per minute. My mother and I consulted with a top cardiologist who couldn't figure out what was wrong with me and wanted to put me on tranquilizers. When my mother and I refused the medicine, he called her in and read her the riot act. This was particularly challenging because the cardiologist was one of my father's best gardening service customers. After shopping around with my mother to 12 more doctors, I finally found one who did the obvious and gave me a test to see if I had an overactive thyroid . . . which I did. Within a few days, I was better with medicine to slow down the thyroid production. Without my mother's obstinate pursuit of a proper diagnosis and cure, I probably wouldn't be alive today.

The same is true for Karen Steward and her daughter, Melissa. Unfortunately, Melissa was suffering from complications brought about by adhesions (where one organ is attached to another so they cannot move freely), a condition for which there is no simple blood test as there is for an overactive thyroid. These two brave women suffered through what my mom and I did for fourteen years rather than fourteen weeks, as was the case for me. I feel sorry for them.

Today, the better medical schools (such as the University of Massachusetts) teach physicians to listen to patients and take what they say seriously. The Stewards mostly found physicians who believed that teenage girls and women usually lie about their conditions . . . and just need something to bring down the swelling (cortisone-based steroids and to calm their nerves (antidepressants).

Research in the internet eventually led Ms. Steward to realize that her daughter could have adhesions. Even with that realization and recommendations from enthusiastic patients who suffered from adhesions, the Stewards found two dishonest physicians who operated on Melissa before finding one who was honest and had the right methods to help her . . . in Germany, far from their home in Texas.

If you have adhesion-related ills, you should read this book. If you have mysterious pains in your abdomen and pelvis, are nauseous a lot, have constipation, and have been told that your bowels are narrowed, you should be checked out by a professional who knows this area. The Stewards had success with Dr. Kruschinski, using a method for keeping surgery from causing new adhesions (surgery is the number one cause of adhesions). You can read information about Dr. Kruschinski and words of advice from him at the ends of the book. You'll also see vivid color photographs of what adhesions look like.

In young women where there have been no surgeries, adhesions can also occur due to endometriosis (growths like the lining of the uterus outside of the uterus). In Ms. Steward's case, she was prone to cysts that grew and dissolved. Each time that happened, there was a risk that adhesions would occur. But each physician they consulted said that there was no chance that Ms. Steward could have her symptoms based endometriosis. Right.

Undoubtedly due to concerns about libel suits, the physicians who did a poor job are described with pseudonyms. I would hope someone would open an investigation into those physicians. Several of them need to have their licenses yanked.

The book also points out the poor way that churches, Christians, friends, and neighbors can behave in dealing with someone suffering from a chronic illness. Even if you or your family doesn't have this problem, you can learn a lot about how to be a better person by seeing how the Stewards reacted to poorly considered words and behavior among those they considered friends and fellow Christians.

The Stewards kept going, in part, based on their faith in God. This book is testimony to the kinds of suffering that can be part of God's plan, just as it was with Job.

Bravo, Ms. Steward! You are a good mom and a good Christian.

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.

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.

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

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!

This book is an autobiographical account of a former NFL football player who battled IBD and has become a source of inspiration for many. I recommend this book for teens and young adults especially, because it shows that someone can have IBD and still accomplish whatever goals they set for themselves

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.

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!

If you or your loved ones are coping with illness or disability, this book is a must-read! This book leads the reader through this process - from affliction, to isolation, to integration, and all other steps in between - all through the voices of those who have walked this path before. You cannot read this book and be unmoved, either through a greater recognition of yourself in these stories or through a greater understanding of those who live with illness or disability. A book you will keep forever and reach for again and again when your spirit needs rekindling.

This book solved my dilemma of how to convey the reality of chronic illness (I've had one for fifteen years) to family and friends. People often don't understand how any of us can suddenly become a member of the disabled community: an accident, illness, or errant gene is all it takes. And when it happens, no matter if it's you or someone you care about, it's a whole new world, and it's hard to know what to do. This book shows many ways to build a life, even when one is forced to rely on a body-- and sometimes mind-- that just do not work as promised. Think of this book as a travelogue. Your guides are spunky folks who have found their way. I bought a copy for everyone in my family, and I recommend it highly.

This book is a must-read! As a psychotherapist who works with people
with disabilities and chronic pain, I recommend it to my clients and
colleagues. Employers dealing with the Americans with Disabilities
Act, and anyone who works in hospitals and the healing professions,
need to read this book. It's also great for families of patients.

It is a bridge between the experience of "normal" health and that of
a person who is ill or disabled. It "keeps it real," puts you in the
shoes of the writers, who intimately and skillfully share their real-
life social situations, inner thoughts, bodily sensations, and
emotions. In the end, it is a celebration of the love and grief
involved in being human. Charles Horowitz, Ph.D.

This book is for anybody who has a body, especially
those of us who may have discovered that our body
can't do what it once could. I especially appreciate the
different points of view and subject matter, the sense
that this project is a circle of people with varied life
experience who are contributing to a picture of what it
means to be human and challenged that is larger and
more inclusive than the sum of its parts. The selection of
form and tone gives a suggestion of the flexibility and
resourcefulness that are called out of each of us in
dealing with our individual challenges. Kudos.

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.

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!