ple don't often talk about. Its embarrassing symptoms leave those who suffer from it tethered to the bathroom, never knowing when the next flare-up will have their intestines in agony. This cruel condition slowly destroys the quality of life of those it afflicts, leaving them not only in physical pain, but in emotional distress as well. The loneliness and isolation that come with this disease are some of the hardest symptoms to bear.

In this brutally honest account, debut author Russ Dimino shares the details of his struggle with Crohn's. His road to remission spans four gastroenterologists in two states, a myriad of medications, desperate diets, and alternative therapies like acupuncture and hypnosis before finally facing the daunting decision of whether to have irreversible ileostomy surgery. Throughout it all, Russ narrates his ordeal with a sense of humor that keeps things from feeling completely hopeless.

To anyone who has ever battled this disease and felt like you were all alone: This book is for you.