Positive Options for Crohn's Disease: Self-Help and Treatment [Paperback]

M.D. Joan Gomez (Author)

Book Description

Series: Positive Options for Health | Publication Date: February 16, 2000

Cases of Crohn's disease are on the rise in North America, Western Europe, and Australia. A chronic illness of the bowel, it can strike anyone, from children to older adults, with debilitating effects. This comprehensive guide covers the digestive system; possible causes, risk factors, and symptoms of Crohn's disease; diagnostic procedures; treatment; dietary concerns; prevention; and the latest research.

Product Details

• Paperback: 182 pages
• Publisher: Hunter House; 1 edition (February 16, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897932781
• ISBN-13: 978-0897932783
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,054,115 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disapointed, October 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Positive Options for Crohn's Disease: Self-Help and Treatment (Paperback)

I was recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease, and am in the process of collecting as much information as I can on the disease. Most of the relevant information contained in this book is already available at the CCFA website, and there are troubling inconsistencies throughout. Just as an example, Dr. Gomez states in an early chapter that their is a minorty of scientists that think that Crohn's may be caused by a mycobateria passed in cow's milk. The author ackowledges that this is not a mainstream view. But in a later chapter, he bases a series of arguments about nutrition assuming the truth of this controversial claim. Is Dr. Gomez of the minority of scientists that subscribe to what still amounts to a fringe view? Why not be explicit about this?

My major complaint about the book is that it does not address in any detail the troubling side effects of the drugs doctors prescribe to treat Crohn's. High dosages of cortical steriods are commonly prescribed for acute cases, and can have devastating effects on people's lives, at least in the short term. There is surprisingly little information out there on coping with these side effects. Rather than address this void, Dr. Gomez simply re-covers already well-trodden ground.

I did not find this book very helpful.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I'm Disappointed...not much "positive" material here, April 21, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Positive Options for Crohn's Disease: Self-Help and Treatment (Paperback)

Covering the digestive system, signs and symptoms of Crohn's, types of tests and diagnosis, and medicinal and surgical treatment options, readers benefit from Gomez's explanation of digestion, the challenges of nutrition/absorption, and the many medicinal and surgical treatments.

As someone who was looking for an uplifting book with solutions, this book primarily about drugs and surgery disappointed me. One quote early on reads, "Getting the best out of life when you have this illness [Crohn's] means reengineering your whole lifestyle". There really must be a more positive way of saying this! Barely fifteen pages are dedicated to the root cause that diet plays in inflammatory bowel disease. Gomez finally mentions the research of British professor Herman-Taylor but fails to mention the successes found by the case studies done by Elaine Gottschall, author of "Breaking The Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet". My suggestion for future editions: show the reader some positive steps to take. For example, "through a regimen for remission, personal introspection, professional medical assistance, and the inclusion of exercise, support, and whole-body awareness, the patient can join a growing community of people achieving positive results."

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Positive Options for Crohn's Disease Self-Help and Treatment, April 5, 2000

By 

Lynette M. Fralick (Medina, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Positive Options for Crohn's Disease: Self-Help and Treatment (Paperback)

Beyond EXCELLENT! This book covers every question I've ever had about my illness. I will be taking it with me on all future doctor appointments and hospitalizations. Now I will better understand what my doctor is talking about because Dr. Gomez wrote the book for the patient, not the healthcare professional. Plus, she has very useful information on diet plans. I have two siblings with Crohn's and I won't be waiting until Christmas to buy them a copy.