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The IBD Nutrition Book
By guiding you through a maze of dietary and nutrition
advice this nutritional primer gives you the practical
knowledge necessary to make wise food choices and thus avoid
the problems of poor nourishment common amongst people
afflicted with inflammatory bowel disease.
The information contained re dietary requirements is
comprehensive and easily understood. Not only are essential
nutrients and their function listed but the key requirements
are discussed in some detail. Sources are outlined together
with information re function in the healthy body and the
effects of deficiencies.
Dietary modifications are covered. The modified diets
discussed range from clear fluid ,full fluid, restricted
lactose, restricted fat, fibre adjusted etc. through to
basic information on the dietary issues related to an
ostomy.
Sample diets are included for each modification along
with symptoms and situations where they apply. I found the
general guidelines detailed for each dietary modification to
be of particular interest. There is even a chapter on
vitamin, mineral and other types of commercial supplements.
75 recipes are included at the end of the book. Although I
tried none of them they appeared tasty and sound. Each
recipe includes advice as to how it can be further modified
for specific dietary needs and identifies those for whom it
would be inappropriate. There is a sample weekly menu at the
end.
All in all a very useful primer which should provide
enough information to guide the reader to safe modification
of their diet in response to the needs of their disease.
(reviewed by Raewyn Bluck)
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Young People & Chronic Illness
This is the latest addition to the CCSG Library. Received
only a few days ago, this title tells the stories of 9 young
people who have various chronic illnesses. Of course one of
them, Mathew, has an IBD. In this case it's Crohn's
disease.
While these tales of illness are interesting in
themselves the best part of this book is Part 2: Learning to
Cope. Coping with hospitals, doctors, your family and
friends and more.
Humourous, practical and above all entertaining.
(reviewed by Staff Writer)
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'Middlemore' Episode 2 (video)- Crohn's disease
surgery An episode of the TV2 series 'Middlemore'. Made for
TVNZ by Communicado
Some of you might have seen this episode when it played
on TV2 some months ago. Although it is the whole episode, a
fair portion is devoted to a young man facing surgery for
his Crohn's disease. A warning for the sqeemish - the
cameras are in the operating theatre when the knife goes in.
Yep, you see what they do to you when the anaesthetic goes
in and your "lights" go out. If you ever wondered what they
do, here is your chance.
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Talk About Crohn's - NACC video
Video review by Shirley Hartshorne, CCSG committee
member
In this video 3 young people with crohn's disease talk
about living with crohn's. How they feel about aspects of
the disease and its treatment, how they coped with parents,
school and relationships. They are all living in
England.
Allan has had the disease since the age of 15, Elaine 5,
Gareth 13. They have all had surgeries and Elaine has a
permanent ileostomy. Allan and Gareth did not feel they
could communicate with anyone about their disease in their
early teens and as a result suffered a very traumatic time
of it. Elaine appears to have coped well.
This video tells quite plainly how each of these young
people felt during the worst stages of their illness but at
the end of each segment they go on to say how they are doing
now. All have progressed through the difficult times and
feel they are leading relatively 'normal' lives.
Along the way they rebelled by not sticking to diets that
were recommended and by stopping their medication.
My recommendation to parents would be to view this video
yourself then watch it with your young people so that you
can be on hand to discuss feelings that could arise.
The camera angles are annoying and there is lots of
zooming in and out but it is worth sitting through all of
this to hear Gareths closing remarks.
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The Angry Gut - Coping with Colitis and Crohn's
Disease
by W. Grant Thompson MD
Reviewed by Karen Constable, CCSG member.
"The Angry Gut" is a well written book, aiming to empower
readers with colitis or Crohn's disease. I enjoyed the
book's pace, and all aspects of IBD were discussed in a
clear and concise manner.
Topics range from a description of IBD through to
diagnosis, treatment, complications and surgery. It was good
to see Dr Thompson go beyond the physical aspects of IBD to
discuss quality of life, sexuality, and psychosocial factors
also.
The book is accurate and up-to-date in most parts, and
the photos were very helpful. In some parts the medical
jargon could be a bit hard going for some readers, making
this book less suitable as an introductory book for recently
diagnosed IBD patients.
I particularly enjoyed the way the book attempted to
bridge the gap between physician and patient, encouraging
more active participation in therapy under a physicians
guidance. It was actually in hospital that I found the book
most helpful, being an invaluable reference and source of
clarification for me as well as other IBD patients in my
ward.
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You're Bigger Than It - A young person's
perspective
After scouring the world for a book on IBD written for
young people, this is the result. However, it is no
compromise. 'You're Bigger Than It' is an excellent
publication full of coloured cartoons that capture the
essence of being diagnosed with and treated for IBD. This
Canadian publication was inspired by young people and
written by a Clinical Nurse Specialist with considerable
experience in treating children with IBD. Her experience
shows, with the cartoons capturing some of the most common
feelings of people coping with Crohn's disease or ulcerative
colitis. Some will tickle your funny bone and others just
tell it like it is. Meanwhile the text is clear and
succinct, and does not try to cover too much in what is
essentially a children's book.
Topics covered include the tests you might need, dealing
with doctors and hospitals and the effects of taking all
those pills. There is also plenty of basic information
including a glossary of terms and explanations of the most
common tests used. An invaluable guide in helping parents
discuss IBD with their children.
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Treating IBD - A patients guide to the Medical
and Surgical Management of IBD.
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. have
produced a number of books covering various aspects of IBD.
Another book we have ordered recently covering paediatric
IBD is also a product of this well funded, professional
organisation. As the title suggests the above book covers
all you want to know about the drugs used to treat IBD, as
well as the surgical procedures used in cases that don't
respond to medication alone. The pouch operations described
by Prof. Hill at our AGM are covered in detail with
illustrations. Less common procedures are also described,
such as strictureplasty and operations for perforations,
abscesses and fistulas.
Over 40 different contributors, representing the medical
elite of the USA, have used their expertise to produce a
text which is clear, concise and comprehensive. There's
enough detail to satisfy every type of reader, from lay
person to medico. Particularly interesting is the section on
the role of support groups in helping people deal with IBD.
Other topics covered include IBD in older people,
psychotherapy in IBD and genetic counselling.
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'Nutrition and Crohn's and
Colitis'
and
'Crohn's and Colitis - overview'
The videos are made by the ACCA and as a result are of
home video standard. They are about 60 minutes in duration.
Both are reports from public meetings which have a similar
format to the ones we hold in Auckland. If you are looking
for a rapid overview of some of the topical areas of
interest to sufferers of IBD then these videos will
certainly be of interest.
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Crohn's, Colitis, Hemorrhoids, and
Me
Before you all start shuddering at the thought of reading
about haemorrhoids, let me say that I have looked through
this short book and it is an honest account of the trials of
living with Crohn's disease. I found myself identifying with
many of the author's comments and thoughts about doctors,
surgery and medical tests. For those of you who have had
surgery it will make especially good reading.
"One thing about long hospitals stays is your ability to
develop a routine. After a few weeks, I was able to
effectively program the computer that controlled my IV. I
could clear the beeping occlusions and reset the monitor
without having to call a nurse. I could also maneuver that
contraption everywhere. In a hospital you must fend for
yourself."
Note for NZers: watch out for the Americanisms throughout
and also take note that the pouch operation that Kathlene
eventually gets is not offered here in NZ for Crohn's
sufferers. Written in diary form this is an entertaining
read and even though she describes a lot of hardship and
setbacks there still remains a positive feel from the words
which express that there is always going to be a solution to
the problem at hand and life will eventually get better.
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Taking Charge: overcoming the challenges of
long-term illness
This book outlines a method by which we can all "weather
the crisis of long-term illness and live productively
despite it." It addresses such fears as the fear of loss of
control, the fear of dependency, the fear of stigma, and the
fear of abandonment (will my loved ones leave me?).
You can read it cover-to-cover or just look at the parts
that interest you. Either way you may find that
encouragement you're looking for. Lots of practical advice
mixed in with case studies of people who have "been there"
and "done that". Read how these people coped and be better
prepared yourself.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children and
Adolescents
This book adds a new dimension to the CCSG Library
collection. It is a modern clinical textbook which deals
with all aspects of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis,
as it pertains to the younger population.
However, there is enough general information given to
make it a valuable reference for anyone wanting to know the
medical details about any aspect of inflammatory bowel
disease.
Chapters describe the presentation, diagnosis, and
clinical features of IBDs - including radiography (x-rays
etc.) and pathology (changes in the tissues associated with
the disease). In addition, there is some discussion about
the possible causes of IBDs as well as all aspects of
management including drug therapy, surgery, diet, and
psychology.
After reading this book I feel that it will be a valuable
reference for the CCSG although the scientific nature of the
writing (as well as all the medical terms) will make it
difficult reading for most. My advice? Skip the hard bits
(as I did) and concentrate on the specific sections you are
really interested in. If you have a child with IBD it's a
must-see, if not a must-read.
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Diets to Help Colitis and Irritable Bowel
Syndrome
This small softcover book is written by a naturopath
"with many years experience". The explanations of the
"basic" causes of colitis are accordingly simple and
non-medical. However, note that the authors definition of
colitis is simply "inflammation of the colon" with only a
very brief mention of ulcerative colitis in the
introduction. This is not a diet specific for ulcerative
colitis sufferers.
Despite the generality of the approach there is some
useful information about digestion, stress, allergies, and
unbalanced diets. The diets themselves take up the majority
of the book and are very specific. Being a UK publication
some items may not be available in NZ e.g., 'Vecon' or
'Barmene'.
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Food and the Gut Reaction: Intestinal Health
through Diet
Here is a book about diet and nutrition for IBD that
actually makes sense. Elaine Gottschall advocates a Specific
Carbohydrate Diet on the basis of personal experience in
which sufferers of various intestinal disorders, incliuding
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, have gained relief
of symptoms after following it. There is plenty of
scientific evidence presented in support of the diet and the
opening chapters discuss how the diet arose and lots of
theory about why it works. It doesn't look to grim either. A
complete list of foods that are "allowed" and "disallowed"
feature in Chapter 8 and this is promptly followed by a
"Gourmet Section" full of recipes that sound rather too
appetising to be good for you.
There are plenty of warnings throughout the book about
the need for medical supervision when attempting this diet
as well as important notes about the danger of changing drug
regimes without consulting your doctor. We agree and
certainly reccommend that you consult a dietician before
starting this diet. One of the better books about diet for
IBD, but as with all these diets the proof is in the
eating.
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Living with Chronic Illness: Days of Patience
and Passion
"I think of myself as a very healthy person -
with a problem."
I started reading the introduction and immediately wanted
to read on.
Cheri Register, chronically ill from an early age,
interviewed many other people who suffer from conditions
that range from diabetes to colitis, liver disease to
asthma, and it is this collective experience of being
"interminably ill" that gives this book impact.
However, it is her personal story, told so eloquently,
that leads us through the challenge of coping with chronic
illness. From the uncertainty and the pain, to the effects
of illness on self-esteem, marriage, childrearing,
relationships, work, aspirations and emotional
well-being.
I found myself identifying with many of the comments and
couldn't help but recognise myself within the pages. It gave
me insight into why I feel the way I do today and I'm sure
has given me some help as to how to cope with that ever
uncertain future.
As a previous reviewer has commented, this is a "wise and
compassionate book about people whose illnesses have made
their lives extraordinarily difficult but who are convinced
that chronic illness, though ever-present, is not what
matters most in their lives."
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When Mommy is Sick
Here is a short book written from a childs perspective on
a subject that can be very traumatic for young ones. Namely
an ill parent who is away in hospital.
The main character in the book is an unnamed young girl
whose mother is in hospital with an undisclosed illness. It
tells how she misses the love, caring and familiarity of her
mother. The girl has confused emotions. Why do these
illnesses have to happen to her mother. Why is she away for
so long? Here the book reminds us how time passes very
slowly for a child.
The girl and her father visit her mother in hospital and
wait expectantly for the time that she comes home. When that
moment arrives everybody is happy, especially when the
mother reassures her daughter that she will still be there
in the morning. This reminds us again how children need
constant reassurance and love.
When Mommy is Sick is in a hardback form with good
modern illustrations. It is ideal for parents to read to
young children, perhaps up to age 12.
Even though it is written from an American perspective
and no particular illness is mentioned, it's appeal should
be universal.
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Managing Your Child's Crohn's Disease or
Ulcerative Colitis
This is another excellent book from the Crohn's and
Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) to complement and
update The Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Fact
Book (1983) also produced by the CCFA.
Although Managing Your Child's Crohn's Disease or
Ulcerative Colitis is aimed at parents of children with
IBD, its first 11 chapters give general information about
IBD, diagnosis, medications, surgery and diet. Only in Part
III are specific questions relating to children raised and
discussed.
Clear and well explained illustrations are found
throughout the text. Of particular note are the computer
generated images which explain the different surgical
procedures.
The final section on "Resources" is a very useful
addition to this type of book. It includes an obligatory
section about the CCFA and their educational and support
services. Of greater interest to NZ readers will be the
simple and concise Guide to Medications, as well as
the Glossary of IBD Terms.
In summary, if there is a question about IBD that isn't
answered in this book I would be surprised. A well written
and informative text this book is essential reading for
those interested in learning more about IBD. This book
provides a wealth of information in easy to read
language.
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All you really need to know about... Crohn's
Disease
By the time people know or suspect that they have Crohn's
disease it seems logical that they would have already
confronted many of the questions and issues raised in this
video.
Possibly, the video's greatest value lies in assuring
family and friends that even though the sufferer has been
diagnosed with a rare, chronic illness, there is still hope
for a return to a reasonable quality of life.
The video's production is certainly professional, but
some edits are a bit slow and the links can tend to be a
touch condescending. The in-your-face style would also have
become quite annoying had the video been any longer than 22
minutes, and despite one of the presenters being a famous
'Python', don't expect any 'funny walks'.
Overall a handy addition to the CCSG video library, but
non an in-depth information source. As a general
introduction to Crohn's disease, the video achieves its
objective but the obvious "padding" is noticeable and the
lack of specific case histories, interviews with patients,
and more specific surgical options clearly mark this as a
"piece of mind" video.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Edited by J.B. Kirsner & R.G. Shorter
The latest addition to the CCSG library is this detailed
medical reference text. It has been purchased with a grant
received from the Todd Foundation. It will not be available
for issue through the library system because it is so large
and expensive but instead will be used to provide
information to members who request details about any aspect
of IBD.
Sections include Medical and Surgical Therapy, Radiology,
Endoscopy, Pathology, Complications, Fertility, and
Prognosis. If it isn't in this book then it isn't known.
Printed in 1995 this is the latest edition of this
'standard' textbook and it provides the CCSG with the most
detailed and up-to-date information about all aspects of
IBD. Please call us if you have a request for information
from this book and we can photocopy and mail out relevant
sections.
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The Ostomy Book
By Barbara Mullen & Kerry Anne McGinn, RN, BSN,
OCN
The subtitle of this book is "Living comfortably with
colostomies, ileostomies and urostomies". It provides
in-depth information for anyone about to undergo ostomy
surgery, or those who have had surgery and their families.
It covers practical issues such as pouch skills and eating
well, and also sensitively tackles things like sex and
pregnancy. There are also specific chapters aimed at
children and teenagers.
While this is not a book that will be relevant to all our
members, there will be others who find it very useful, and
we felt that it was an important area that was not fully
covered by any of our other books.
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Good Food for Bad Stomachs (1)
Although not exclusively related to IBD, this book does
contain a chapter specifically entitled "What should we feed
the inflamed intestine? Crohn's disease and ulcerative
colitis". In addition, the general dietary information
included is relevant to everyone! One word of caution
though, patients with IBD don't have the same requirement
for a high fibre diet as recommended for the general
population in the book.
Good Food for Bad Stomachs (2)
In his book, Good Food for Bad Stomachs, the
author provides a useful guide to healthful eating tailored
especially to those who suffer from or have a history of
heartburn, peptic ulcers, gall stones, gastritis, colitis or
any other gastrointestinal disorder. He gives special
attention to the inflammatory bowel diseases including
ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease on which he is a
renowned expert.
The book begins with elements of a realistic and
reasonable diet. The suggestion is that most of us need to
increase intake of fibre, lower our consumption of fat,
reduce our reliance on caffeine, alcohol or tobacco and
supplement our daily diet with vitamins.
The book then details specific gastrointestinal problems,
examining chapter by chapter ailments ranging from
oesophagitis, swallowing disorders, gallbladder and
malabsorption problems, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to cancer of the colon and
even the aging gut. For each it describes the symptoms and
causes, and recommends ideal eating patterns.
The chapter on IBD briefly defines ulcerative colitis and
Crohn's disease. In the opinion of the author, diet and
vitamins cannot cure the diseases but never-the-less must be
considered. In particular, nutrition plays an important part
in recovery. A low residue diet is detailed should it be
needed, (eg. pre- or post-operatively) along with comments
on how to handle and detect lactose and fibre intolerance.
Also included is a section on prevention of oxidative kidney
stones. It is the author's contention that those with IBD
also have a tendency to suffer from kidney stones. He
recommends a goal of not more than 40 - 50 milligrams of
oxalate a day, limited fat ingestion, increased fluid intake
and avoidance of vitamin C supplements in order to minimise
the risk. Oxalate levels of the most common food sources are
detailed along with suggested meal plans. An interesting
chapter.
Although not specifically written for people with IBD,
this is an interesting an easy read for those who wish to
better understand the effect of diet on the various diseases
of the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended to anyone
who has an interest in food intake and its effects on
health.
(review [2] by Raewyn Bluck)
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Kitchen Table Wisdom - Stories That
Heal
By Rachel Remen, MD
The first part of this book's title appears to allude to
some sort of dietary focus. However, it is in fact a series
of stories and insights written by a medical doctor who has
had Crohn's disease since the age of 15. Each of these could
be read in isolation, or as part of the whole book. Anyone
with a chronic illness will be able to relate to many of the
insights given in this easy-to-read volume.
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Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis:
Everything you need to know
By Fred Saibil, MD
This manageably sized (200 pages) text provides clear and
concise information on standard IBD topics such as symptoms
and signs, diet and IBD, drugs and IBD, surgery and IBD, and
complications of IBD. It would be a great starting point for
the less technically minded, and provides concise relevant
information for those who don't have time to wade their way
through a large book.
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Coping with Prednisone (and other
cortisone-related medicines).
By Eugina Zukerman and Julie Ingelfinger
M.D.
The subtitle of this book ("It may work miracles, but how
do you handle the side effects?") will strike a chord with
many CCSG members. And those who chose to borrow this book
will find all sorts of practical answers in the form of
specific recipes to help beat the bloat, exercise regimes
and personal stories about how to think positive. In fact
everything your doctor didn't have time to tell you.
When Eugina Z. was diagnosed with a rare lung disease and
told that she would have to take large doses of prednisone
(or possibly die) it was her sister Dr Julie I. that she
immediately contacted for more information about the drug,
what it does, and its side effects. With essentially no
information available for the patient Julie and Eugina
decided a book about prednisone "for people taking the
stuff" was desperately needed. This easy to read volume is a
personal account of how to make taking prednisone (and other
glucocorticoids) as effective and trouble-free as
possible.
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From Strength to Strength
by Iris Barrow
Iris Barrow is a social worker and counsellor who is
experienced in industrial and clinical psychology. Iris
heads her own counselling agency in Auckland, and the CCSG
was fortunate enough to have Iris come and speak about
stress management at a public meeting a couple of years
ago.
In this book Iris outlines simple steps whose aim is to
enable you to increase your confidence, self esteem and
peace of mind, to cope better with change, extend yourself
and achieve goals.
The first few chapters deal a lot with conditional and
unconditional love, so it is a bit heavy going. There is
also the odd reference to God. However, if you stick with it
as I did, the case studies presented help you to understand
how the points Iris raises work. At the end of each chapter
there are exercises to do which are very thought provoking -
and I found myself looking forward to doing these.
If you have a couple of nights to spare and are sick of
novels, TV, and books of a medical or dietary nature, try
this one and you might be pleasantly surprised.
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Breaking the Vicious Cycle
(plus companion video 'Elaine Gottschall Discusses
the Specific Carbohydrate Diet')
The book is an updated version of 'Food and the Gut
Reaction' with the main difference being a new cover
illustration. However, the companion video is new and has
been produced to compliment the book. At over 1 hour long it
is a bit heavy on chit-chat and light of specifics. However,
it does give the viewer some background regarding the origin
of the diet. Be wary of the "facts" that are mentioned as
several we picked up are simply false. Elaine is accompanied
by a younger woman who has used the diet to help her Crohn's
disease "with great success". Her medical treatment at the
same time is not mentioned so we have little idea about the
true benefit that can be attributed to the diet.
Elaine Gottschall and her followers claim 100% success
with this diet (if it is followed exactly). This in itself
should be a warning and those of you who have tried other
alternative therapies will be aware that there is simply no
such thing.
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