Sophie's Story: My 20-Year Battle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome [Paperback]

Sophie Lee (Author), K. Barnes (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2011

"I've had irritable bowel syndrome for twenty years. For most of my life I have lived with urgent diarrhea, horrible constipation and agonizing stomach pain. I have spent whole afternoons in the bathroom, and on my very worst days I have endured vicious attacks that left me shaking, sweating and scared..." It's whispered about and often made light of, but as Sophie Lee will tell you, there is nothing funny about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)--a chronic medical condition characterized by often intense abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and /or diarrhea. The stigma attached to this disorder prevents many people from seeking help or sharing their problem with family, friends and coworkers. This is unfortunate, since it is estimated that more than 60 million Americans suffer from this devastating illness. Sadly, patients who do seek medical help often find themselves up against ignorant doctors and even those who believe that IBS is a psychological condition. "Sophie's Story: My 20-Year Battle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome" chronicles a brave young woman's fight against the IBS "monster", offering valuable insights on coping with, and even controlling, the symptoms. Partly an offering of hope to other IBS sufferers and partly her way of fighting back against those who told her that IBS is all in her head, this no-holds barred narrative discusses the many psychological, physical and social effects of living with this disease. Sophie also writes about which conventional and alternative treatments were most effective for her and how the right diet made a difference, as well as her successful, personal formula to conquer IBS.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sophie Lee runs the IBS Tales website where hundreds of IBS sufferers meet to tell the truth about what it really means to live with IBS. Sophie has a degree in English literature and a postgraduate diploma in journalism. She was born and brought up in the United Kingdom and lives on the south coast of England.

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Health Point Press; First edition (January 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982618328
• ISBN-13: 978-0982618325
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #344,919 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #48 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Diseases & Physical Ailments > Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Sophie's Story leaves the reader knowing that different regiments may help for long periods February 9, 2011

By Jeffrey D. Roberts

Format:Paperback

Sophie Lee really tells what suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome is like in her personal memoir entitled Sophie's Story. It's evident that Sophie's 20-year battle with IBS was truly a battle. Sophie has a great skill in story telling, because as you read her tale you feel like Sophie is talking directly to you. At times, it isn't pretty. Soiling oneself or agonizing over how does one make a living with an illness that owns you, is something that likely many severe IBS sufferers can relate to. I applaud Sophie for sharing details that are difficult to talk about, let alone publish in a book for the whole world to read. Sophie's Story leaves the reader knowing that different regiments may help for long periods as is evidenced by the positive ending of the story. As the battle continues for many of us, we are fortunate to have such an articulate, smart and witty author and fellow sufferer that we can relate to while we fight our own battles.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Thank you... March 27, 2011

By Vickster

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

What a book! As a long time sufferer of IBS (over 20 years) I found it comforting that others share the same story. The language that Sophie used in this book mirrors the language (or titles) that I have used over the years to help me explain or understand this Syndrome. It is a terrible Syndrome that is so unpredictable and at times down right frustrating, but it is manageable, and not life threatening - I guess that is something to be grateful for. I would recommend reading this book to all IBS sufferers, family and friends if possible. As Sophie rightly indicates - there is no quick fix but she has some great ideas that might assist others to manage IBS. A problem shared is a problem halved. Thanks Sophie for taking the time to share your story - well worth the money.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Finally Not A Sales Book March 22, 2011

By Barbara I. Stern

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Finally an autobiography which deals with IBS in a dignified manner which makes no claims to specific products, supplements, hypnotherapy ,diets which most books about IBS books do. Sophie Lee records her struggle with IBS and gives encouragement to sufferers.I think you will benefit by reading the UK NHS compared to our own insurance companies. Her autobiographysuggests trial and error.Even more important do not let people intimidate by saying ;'' It's all in your head''.