The First Year: Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

by Jill Sklar, Manuel Sklar MD (Foreword)

Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), affect an estimated 2 million Americans, yet there are few resources available to help improve the quality of life for those afflicted with these chronic and painful intestinal disorders. In the tradition of the other titles in The First Year™ series, The First Year™—Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis uses a unique approach—guiding readers through their first seven days following diagnosis, then the next three weeks of their first month, and finally the next eleven months of their first year—to provide answers and advice that will help everyone newly diagnosed with IBD come to terms with their condition and the lifestyle changes that accompany it. Author Jill Sklar provides vital information about the nature of IBD, treatment options, dietary choices, fertility issues, holistic alternatives, charts and tables, and much more. The First Year™—Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis will be a supportive and educational resource for everyone who wants to take an active role in the management of their IBD.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Reference

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had Crohn's for over 20 years so I'm hardly new at this, but there was a lot of info in here that I didn't even know. Unlike most books like this, this was actually a fun read because the author has a sense of humor about the whole thing (she has Crohn's herself). I really enjoyed this book.

[Lisa Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent primer for anyone newly-diagnosed with any of the chronic autoimmune diseases that fall under the category of irritable bowel diseases, but especially for those with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. My teenage son was diagnosed with Crohn's one year ago; I am working through my own diagnosis currently. This book empowered me to better understand how the digestive system works, what can help in the way of treatments, diet, and lifestyle changes, and what can do harm that I hadn't thought of before. The real-life experience of the author has already proven invaluable in helping me and my son who is not always forthcoming about his symptoms due to the stigma of having bowel issues. Now I know what related symptoms to look for so I can help him (WIN) and we have excellent insider tips on how to prepare for procedures, such as the dreaded, way-t00-frequent colonoscopy. I am grateful to the author for sharing her experiences with the wider world.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 more. It wasn’t bad and it’s informative but needs updating. I also wish there were more detailed colored pictures. I ended up skipping a bunch of parts because it’ll be stuff that I’ll need to reference when that happens (like pregnancy and traveling). I do think a book more specified to UC would be better for me then UC and CD. I wouldn’t not read it, but in the future I’ll be more particulate about which book I pick up to read about UC and IBD.

[Al Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative book, especially so with being so new to having UC. While the books I feel focuses a bit more on CD, it still helped me learn about what’s going on wi the my body. Does it need updating? Yes, absolutely; but it’s still an interesting read with the variety of topics that are covered in the book.

[Keri Karman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empowering and insightful. Jill Sklar does a great job in breaking down sometimes the scary chronic illnesses of IBD. Helpful for those with these illnesses and those in their support system, especially without a medical background.

Would love to read an updated version.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had some really great info on Crohn’s and everything you deal with in the first year. I would recommend this book to someone just finding out they have Crohn’s disease.

[Kelli Garwah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful resource written in plain language.

[Danielle Bonisch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for understanding chrons disease especially when you are first diagnosed or a family member.

[Meghan Hasselberg-Reitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book. Very helpful to read about this as I was struggling to get a handle on my diagnosis. I had the opportunity to meet the author a couple weeks ago as she was a speaker at our annual meeting for the CCFA chapter. I felt she was quite insightful- there was some controversy over a law that she is taking credit for starting- which is Ally's law. If you want to know more, just let me know. I could talk about this for hours!

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very informative - it covers a great deal of material and conveys it in an easy going manner. Useful material included symptoms, physiology, medication and even health insurance options.

A testament to the author's writing style is that she makes this book an easy read. And the material is both interesting and useful. My one complaint is the structure of "the first year" seemed to be a little forced at times.

[nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

three months into this and i'm totally disheartened, afraid that i'll always feel this way - the book didn't really make that go away, but it did direct me towards the information i need in order to figure shit out. the legal section turned out to be particularly helpful, as did the medication section.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this at my library after being diagnosed w/Crohn's. Lots of really great information and made me feel like I'm not going through this alone. Have decided to buy this book so I can have it for future refrence.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

After being diagnosed, I read everything I could find about this disease on the internet. By the time I read this book, I learned very little from it. But, it's a great place to start.

[AnnMarie Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most helpful book I have read about Crohn's and auto-immune disease in general. Worth getting, since the unfortunate likelihood is that if you have one, your likely to get another.
Be well!

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information that I'm sure I will continue to refer to for months and years to come.

[Jenn A. Maronn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although many aspects of this book were helpful, it is not a good resource for information on diet and alternative forms of treatment.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful at covering the basics and introducing a lot of information one doesn’t normally come across with. I plan on using it for future reference material.