The Angry Gut: Coping With Colitis And Crohn's Disease [Hardcover]

W. Grant Thompson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0306444704 | ISBN-13: 978-0306444708 | Publication Date: March 22, 1993 | Edition: 1

The New England Journal of Medicine lauds Dr. W. Grant Thompson as "a gifted teacher and clinician with a talent for clear exposition." In the spirit of the highly acclaimed Gut Reactions, Dr. Thompson shares his expertise on how to cope with two widespread and debilitating diseases - colitis and Crohn's disease. These two chronic, nonfatal yet devastating ailments typically strike the young and may develop into a lifetime burden. Most patients are traumatized by their diagnosis and become frustrated and depressed by the recurring nature of these illnesses. As a result, caring and open communication between patient and doctor is essential. Perhaps more so than a physician in any other specialty, a gastroenterologist must be in tune with the mind and body of his patient. Dr. Thompson, an international expert and chief of a hospital gastroenterology unit, epitomizes this valuable quality and bestows the fruit of his knowledge and compassion on the reader. In addition to highlighting the significant similarities and differences of these two syndromes and stressing the importance of a correct diagnosis, Dr. Thompson broaches more sensitive topics that seem to be ignored by the medical profession. He explores the unique psychosocial and sexual concerns, as well as the effects of pregnancy on those women who suffer from these conditions. His gift for writing and warm, caring style make the daily struggles of these illnesses seem easier to bear. One of the worst consequences of these stubborn ailments is the accompanying reduction in the quality of life. Dr. Thompson addresses common worries about body image due to illness or surgery, loss of sexual drive or ability to perform, pain and suffering, possible effects of medication, and concern over the ominous relationship between ulcerative colitis and cancer. In accessible and supportive prose, Dr. Thompson examines the pros and cons of all possible treatments including drug therapy, nutrition, and surgery. He outlines

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

While rarely fatal, inflammatory bowel diseases, or IBD (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), are chronic illnesses that can radically alter a person's life. In this book, Thompson, author of Gut Reac tions (Plenum, 1989), offers a wonderful resource for people trying to understand and cope with IBD. Describing how IBD can disrupt the normal digestive tract functions, he explores surgical and medical therapy options. Thompson's strength is his acknowledgment of the psychological and lifestyle issues a patient must face, issues rarely addressed by physicians. But though his book will be readily welcomed by those with some background knowledge in IBD, at times it may be difficult for some readers. As introductory texts, two works offered by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (formerly the National Foundation for Ileitis & Colitis) may be better choices: People Not Patients (NFIC, 1985) and The Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Fact Book (Scribner, 1983). Nevertheless, Thompson's book is an excellent addition to consumer health collections.
- KellyJo Houtz Parish, Harrison Memorial Hosp., Bremerton, Wash.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

W. Grant Thompson, M.D., is Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, as well as a professor of medicine and the Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Thompson is the author of The Irritable Gut, which won the 1980 Book Award of the American Medical Writers Association, and was praised by The New England Journal of medicine as "a brief, up-to-date compendium of the literature." He is also the recipient of the prestigious Nuffield and McLaughlin Fellowships, and is a regular speaker at international conferences. In addition to The Irritiable Gut, Dr Thompson has published over 100 scientific papers and book chapters in the field of gastroenterology.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; 1 edition (March 22, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306444704
• ISBN-13: 978-0306444708
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,698,448 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Honest and forthright portrayal of IBD-great guide., July 11, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (The United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Angry Gut: Coping With Colitis And Crohn's Disease (Hardcover)

If you or a loved one has the disease-this is a must read. It "decodes" a lot of what the gastroenterology and colo-rectal surgery community gives to patients. This is a nice technical(but not too technical) discussion of IBD in all variations and your choices in terms of drug therapy or surgery. It also is very honest about research and likelihood of medical innovations or breakthroughs. It allows IBD patients to ask great questions and challenge medical practitioners. It's a great handbook for all IBD victims.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Sensationalist Title but a Good Resource, June 30, 2000

By 

Courtney L. Lewis "Sassy Librarian" (Kingston, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Angry Gut: Coping With Colitis And Crohn's Disease (Hardcover)

Despite the title (which I think is unduly sensationalist), The Angry Gut is a well-written, clear reference for colitis and Crohn's sufferers. Grant is a straightforward, clinical writer and some readers might be put off by his use of widespread, medical terminology. Like any IBD books, the drug sections become quickly dated, but Grant supplies good information on existing drugs and surgeries. He falls into the common pitfall of many M.D.-authored books of completely ignoring the emotional aspects of inflammatory bowel disease and does not seek to refer readers to resources that might provide support. This is a solid, useful reference for IBD patients.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Technical but informative., July 10, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Angry Gut: Coping With Colitis And Crohn's Disease (Hardcover)

This book is technical, but a good resource for individuals who know nothing about Chron's Disease. The author explains in exacting detail how Chron's disease affects people. Most Doctors do not get technical with their patients, and I feel that this book helped me to understand how and why this disease affects me. I now feel very comfortable talking with my Doctor regarding treatment