Straight from the Gut: Living with Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (Patient-Centered Guides) (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

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

Throughout the book are the warm and wise voices of over 40 people who have "been there, done that."

About the Author

Author Cliff Kalibjian was diagnosed with IBD over 20 years ago at the age of 13. After obtaining a BA in psychology from UC Berkeley, he started a medical information research business that provides customized research on any medical condition or health topic to consumers or professionals. Over the years, Cliff has been involved with volunteer activities to help those with IBD, such as support group facilitator, fundraising with walk-a-thons and bowl-a-thons, and a camp counselor for kids with IBD. He also works as a health and safety analyst at a large company.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media; 1 edition (May 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 059650005X
• ISBN-13: 978-0596500054
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #951,748 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The second book you should buy if you have IBD, April 12, 2004

By	D. Sutliff (Brookline, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Straight from the Gut: Living with Crohn's Disease and Ulcer, November 12, 2003

By	Susan D. Proctor "suzproct" (Oakland, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Live and learn to live with IBD, July 27, 2003

By A Customer

Cliff's book is one of the best I have ever read. It is factual, personal, inspiring and intimate. On behalf of everyone stiving to find a cure for IBD, thanks Cliff for all your hard work!