I just installed
MajorDojo’s MediaManager plugin for MovableType, and I thought I’d test out the automatic review-creation feature by reviewing a book I bought today.
About three years ago, I was diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Doesn’t sound very happy (or comfortable), does it? Of course, this diagnosis was made by a military doctor at a military clinic, and, well, your mileage can vary with that situation. After having been told by two different military physicians (after having been tested, but for what, I have no idea) that I do indeed suffer from IBS, I can’t really go back again to ask, “But - are you 100% sure? Have you ruled out x disease and y cancer?” So, I must assume for now that I do indeed have IBS. I digress.
I found this book today while browsing the stacks at my parents’ local BN. At first look, it appeared to be a plain-English, easy-to-follow book. Upon arrival at home and cracking it open, I was not disappointed. The author begins with a caution about making sure that all other possibilities have been ruled out (covered above…). She then gives two versions of the current theory of why IBS is: the scientific version and the English version. The gist is, the wiring between the gut and the brain is deficient and/or faulty, which causes the brain to “sense” pain from normal digestive functions and, logically, extreme pain from abnormal/spastic digestive functions. The abnormal functions can be triggered by food and stress, among other things.
I should note that I have not currently completed reading the book, but have read enough of it that I get a general feeling of, “I like it!” Perhaps I’ll come back and append my final thoughts once I’m done with it, but don’t hold your breath. Everybody knows that I’m way too easily distracted to do something like that *g*
The book is structured like a calendar or date book. Each new bit of information is assigned under (at first) a subsequent day, and (then) subsequent months. The author points out that you should feel free to ignore the day/month designations and go at it at your own pace, which I thought was very flexible and helpful, especially for those who have only just recently been diagnosed.
Armed with new knowledge of which foods are safe and which are less safe or not safe at all, I have set out to ultimately reduce my attacks to a livable frequency (one severe attack per year or less would be nice). Currently I am averaging one mild attack per week and one severe attack per month. There was a time that I was experiencing at least one severe attack per day, accompanied by a series of mild attacks. I was miserable.
Over all, I found this book to be very helpful, especially considering the intended audience. I give it 4 stars.
So, there I was, searching online for a hat box or two, so as to keep mes chapeaux from becoming damaged, when I came across one that would work fabulously for keeping one’s Gothic Chapeaux safe.
