Overview

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

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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.

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