Heather Van Vorous has had IBS for over two decades; she endured the condition for six years as a child before even being diagnosed. Over many years she has educated herself on every aspect of this chronic condition—by listening to her own body, gradually modifying her diet, reading medical and scientific books and journals, talking with doctors, exploring stress management and alternative health therapies, and using the Internet to communicate daily with other people who have IBS. Now, as a "patient-expert," she guides all those newly diagnosed step-by-step through their first year with IBS. In a unique format, The First Year™—IBS walks you through everything you need to learn and do each day of your first week after diagnosis, each subsequent week of the first month, and the following eleven months of the crucial first year. In clear, concise, accessible language, Van Vorous covers a wide range of practical, medical, and lifestyle issues, beginning with coming to terms with the diagnosis and then moving on to subjects including: • Key strategies for symptom prevention • Guidelines, tips, and recipes for understanding and modifying your diet • Stress management and exercise • Dealing with family, friends, and co-workers • Current medical research and medications • Restaurants and holidays • Effective alternative therapies • Traveling and socializing • Support group resources By providing reliable, useful, empathetic, and up-to-date information you need to know when you most need to know it, The First Year™—IBS will be an indispensable book for everyone seeking to control their IBS and regain their health and happiness.