Ulcerative-Colitis Books

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

The 2003 edition of Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis by Fred Saibil is an outstanding reference guide. The book provides a comprehensive review of symptoms, treatment and complications of IBD. An excellent chapter offering practical suggestions for those living with IBD is also included. Dr. Saibil masterfully anticipates every question that a person may ask regarding IBD and answers it here in a simple and straightforward manner. I strongly recommend this book to everyone who is suffering from IBD or who is interested in gaining an understanding of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

I have been a Crohn's patient for over 30 Years and found Dr Saibils book the BEST resource I have yet to see.The book is written in clear no-medicalese and is easily read by patients , friends and family.Its very up to date and covers all the new treatments available.Crohns and Colitis patientsa should rush to their bookstore or library and obtain this book.

I recently bought this book to learn more about IBD. I have to say that this book is excellent. It is very easy to read and makes us, as a non-medical people, knowledable and aware. It is a must read for everyone - people who have IBD and even those who do not. The ease of language, coupled with the excellent diagrams and clear explanations, make it a must read.

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. My head was spinning I had questions, at least I thought I did, I was confussed. This book helped me get a handle on what was going on, what treatments 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 and that is important when you are in a new situation like this.

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 of children and teens with IBD and their families. It is separated into three sections: diagnosis, treatment, and living with the disorder. It contains a glossary of medical terms, a resources section, and a number of positive statements from children with IBD. Highly recommended for parents!

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 a nut shell this is the book to have, initially it may even give you more information then you are prepared to handle, but when you're ready, the information is there for your reading and using. A MUST HAVE BOOK!!

When I got my diagnosis through, I thought my problems were treatable. It wasn't until after my second visit to my consultant that I realised I was suffering from a long term condition. Until I read this book, I had not idea how long-term that was!

I found this book extremely helpful, very easy to digest and quick to read being only 108 pages long. It answered most of the questions I had about my dis-ease and there was information I had not even considered. As a first step to understanding what I was facing, this book was ideal.

The layout is logical and the information presented for the lay person. Medical terms are used, but only after they have introduced and explained in the text first. There is an introduction, which informs the reader, accurately, about the contents of the book, giving the basics, such as the nature of ulcerative colitis, it cause, diagnoses and treatments in a one or two paragraph summation of each chapter.

The chapters are as follows:

What causes ulcerative colitis?
Diagnosis and tests
Treatments
Diet
Living with ulcerative colitis
Non-intestinal complications
Surgery
Living with an ileostomy or a pouch
Special circumstances
Probiotics and prebiotics
Future developments

The book also has the following sections:

Glossary;
Sources of help;
Further reading; and
Index.

Mr Cartwright offers a simple, very easy to read book, which is peppered throughout with personal anecdotes from those living with the condition, displaying the variances in symptoms and sufferers. I think reading about the experiences of others enabled greater comprehension of the material being presented.

Overall, a great introduction to ulcerative colitis, its management and future expectations.

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.