I recently finished reading The Foul Bowel: 101 Ways to Survive and Thrive with Crohn’s by John Bradley and I have to say, if you suffer from IBD, especially Crohn’s Disease, then you must read this book. 

First let me say that it took quite awhile to read this book but that is no reflection on the books part.  I usually read my Kindle going to and from work and at night I wind down by watching TV.  So I basically read this book in some spare time or before going to bed if nothing was on TV.  So it was my own fault for taking a long time to read it. 

I actually thought this book was interesting.  It is a recap of John’s journey with Crohn’s disease from his young adult life to the present.  He talks about his numerous surgeries (13 of them) and how he deals with the disease in his life.  He learned to tailor his lifestyle around his disease instead of letting his disease run his life.  He stays upbeat throughout his struggles and always looks on bright side of life (couldn’t pass on the Monty Python reference since John is British). 

What really got me about John is that even when he was near death, he focused on the good things in life.  John is inspirational to so many people.  Even though throughout his life he suffers, he manages to hold a job, find love, and live his life.  He deals with tons of incompetent doctors all the time and still doesn’t let that slow him down.

Throughout the book John gives his words of wisdom…all 101 of them.  They are his versions of how to deal and beat this disease.  They are usually right on the money and I found myself thinking…why didn’t I think of that before.    John also uses humor to liven up his story.  Without it you would look at his life and cry for all his pain but he looks at his life and chooses to laugh.  Laughter is a source of healing and it is no wonder why John has continued to beat this disease.

Check out the website , read the reviews, then order your copy.  Then go to Twitter and let John know how much you loved the book.