Product Description
Approximately one million teens and adults in the United States live with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis-- two forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These chronic conditions can dramatically impact quality of life. Difficult-to-discuss symptoms like uncontrollable diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stool, and others can make employment and everyday life difficult. Straight From the Gut charts the territory of successfully living with IBD:

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

Customer Reviews (10)

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Cliff.

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

Product Description
It has become acceptable to talk about heart disease, ulcers and even cancer, but inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)which includes two chronic conditions known as Crohns disease and ulcerative colitishas remained for too long the secret illness that no one wants to discuss. Now Dr. Fred Saibil, a renowned expert on IBD, provides concise, up-to-date information on these common conditions.Topics include: Signs and symptoms Procedures and instruments Effects of diet Available drugs and how they work Various surgical options Effects on sexual activity and child-bearingBIO:FRED SAIBIL, MD, FRCPC, became interested in Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis during his training at New Yorks Mount Sinai School of Medicine, a world center for IBD treatment and research. He has been a medical Adviser to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of Canada since its inception in 1974. His straightforward, easy to understand style has made him a popular public lecturer on the subject of IBD. Dr. Saibil lives in Toronto, Ontario. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Important Reading: Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis
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.

Easy to read Information
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.

CROHNS DISEASE & 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. ... Read more

Product Description
A gem among surgical manuals, this comprehensive guide to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is an excellent source for all surgeons looking specifically for technical details about the surgical management of these two diseases. Its authors - both involved in multi-center international trials, working parties and symposia - capture in print the improved techniques that have brought about revolutionary developments in the field. The extremely practical approach makes it easy for surgeons to review the indications for surgical interventions and the surgical options available for each clinical problem. Step-by-step operative instructions with practical tips born of long experience are given. The authors point out what results one should expect following the surgical intervention; these include zero mortality and minimal morbidity. They also list all the steps that should be taken to minimize the risk of late complications or recurrence. The clear instructions in this manual will also be of great value to non-surgical physicians who wish to know the indications for surgical treatment and what results they should expect from their surgical colleagues. ... Read more

Product Description
This study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of another 5-ASA agent in a delayed response form embedded in a hydrophobic-hydrophilic structure. Original Article Kamm MA, Sandborn WJ, Gassull M, et al. Once-daily, high-concentration MMX mesalamine in active ulcerative colitis. Gastroenterology. 2007;132(1):66–75. ... Read more

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

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Original Internist, published by Thomson Gale on September 1, 2007. The length of the article is 618 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Curcumin helps maintain remission in patient with ulcerative colitis.(ABSTRACTS OF INTEREST)(Clinical report)
Author: Donald Brown
Publication: Original Internist (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 14Issue: 3Page: 143(2)

Article Type: Clinical report

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
This guide is for all healthcare professionals, but aimed especially at nurses. The CD-ROM provides 300 images and illustrations, animations, sound recordings and video clips to create a multimedia reference that, with the accompanying hyperlinks and separate electronic glossary, makes for a fully interactive experience. The subjects covered include selected bowel disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), intestinal infections, bowel cancer, intestinal polyps, diverticular disease, haemorrhoids, food allergy and irritable colon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Superb - must have as a patient
I went through the CD-ROM.Although at some places old technology (todays video encodings run faster) it is great!For the first time I understand my disease, what the mechanisms are and why to treat it.There is also a more general section about other intestinal disorders for those who do not have IBD but are interested in intestinal disease.By far the best product in a long time! ... Read more

Product Description
In March 2001, the National Institutes of Health issued the following warning: "The number of Web sites offering health-related resources grows every day. Many sites provide valuable information, while others may have information that is unreliable or misleading."Furthermore, because of the rapid increase in Internet-based information, many hours can be wasted searching, selecting, and printing.This book was created for medical professionals, students, and members of the general public who want to conduct medical research using the most advanced tools available and spending the least amount of time doing so. ... Read more

Product Description
The physical and emotional effects of ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis are explained in the new fourth edition of this informative handbook. Ulcerative colitis is a recurrent, idiopathic inflammatory disorder involving the mucose and submucose of the colon, which has been reported in virtually every region of the world. Difficult to diagnose and treat effectively, the signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis are reviewed in detail in this newly revised handbook, and the recommended pharmaceutical and surgical treatments discussed. Because of the nature of these illnesses, the long-term adverse quality-of-life and psychological effects these diseases have on patients are also explored. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent comprehensive review
Great detailed info, concisely written, and all inclusive.As a physician I truly appreciated this book. Excellent for anyone in the health care field, and for others who want a higher level of understanding. I was hoping there would be a follow up edition.

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

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

Customer Reviews (17)

Saved me
I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in Feb 2003 (aged 30) before being repeatedly misdiagnosed for hemorrhoids. The doctor put me on Pentasa for which had absolutely no effect. Disillusioned, I stopped the pentasa and tried alternative therapy (Ayurveda and Yoga) for 3 months which had no effect either. In Dec 2003, I went on Prednisolone which of course had an immediate positive impact but clearly wasn't a long term solution. Over the next few months, I was weaned off the prednisolone steroids and I started taking ASA and continued to endure active colitis symptoms for another 18 months. Life was horrible. A good day was when I didn't have to go to the toilet for 4 hours. I discovered this book on Amazon without knowing anything about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. When I was done with book I immediately got on the diet and my bowel frequency dropped almost overnight and I started passing normal looking stools (albeit still bloody and mucousy) within a couple of weeks. Later I was hospitalized for an unrelated reason and my specialist discovered as part of a sigmoidoscopy that my bowels were mostly ok. The 2.5 years of active colitis had however resulted in a massive polyp (as scar tissue) which was causing most of the bleeding. The poly was removed a few months later and I have been practically symptom free since (almost 4 years now). When I do get the occasional bleeding, I go back on the diet for a few months which makes my symptoms go away. I want to say thank you so much for writing this book and sharing your experiences and thank you Elaine Gottschall for giving me a new lease of a healthy life.

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

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

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

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