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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 andsuffering, 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 latest theories,
attempting to pinpoint the still mysterious causes of these
disorders. Take control of your disease under the authoritative
guidance of Dr. Thompson and his dedicated, sensible approach. You
will gain a new perspective on your "angry gut" and find the
courage to thrive.
Since the days when doctors routinely made house calls and sat by
the bedside offering comforting words along with medical care, the
doctor-patient relationship has become increasingly impersonal and
superficial. As medical technology and treatment have improved, and
time constraints have become more demanding, the beneficial effects
of meaningful doctor-patient interactions have too often been
overlooked. Nonetheless, objective clinical trials have repeatedly
shown that real, measurable benefits to the patient occur through
the "placebo effect," the positive effects of the doctor's presence
and personality plus the patient's belief in the efficacy of the
treatment.
Dr. W. Grant Thompson, a frequent consultant on the design of
clinical trials, reviews the history of the placebo effect and the
evidence of its benefits to health in this lively, informative, and
scientifically rigorous book. He looks at both the planned use of
placebos in blind clinical trials and the unplanned placebo effects
arising out of the doctor-patient relationship, the passage of
time, and the perceptions of the patient. Dr. Thompson emphasizes
that placebos in themselves have no intrinsic benefit; what matters
is how the treatment is provided and under what circumstances. He
argues that understanding the placebo effect is important for the
care of the ill, the design of clinical trials, and healthcare
policy planning. He contends that we should be using judiciously
the best medical evidence, but even that can be undermined by
insensitive delivery. Healthcare policy can only gain from taking
both vital components of medical care into consideration.
Praised by the New England Journal of Medicine as "a gifted teacher
and clinician with a talent for clear exposition," Dr. Thompson has
written an important, accessible, and interesting work that deepens
our understanding of both the tangible and intangible factors that
affect health. He convincingly demonstrates that patients need the
best that science has to offer combined with kind and compassionate
caregiving by doctors in order for a treatment to be its most
effective.
How best to deal with such benign problems as the irritable bowel
syndrome, diverticula, heartburn, non-ulcer dyspepsia, and gas,
among other ailments. For a general audience.
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