If you have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or are concerned that you might, there can be an impulse to tough out the symptoms hoping they’ll pass. It’s understandable. You’d rather have your body heal itself and visit the doctor only when absolutely necessary. And many symptoms do go away with time. But IBD, like all autoimmune conditions, operates on its own schedule.
When you decide to see a gastroenterologist, there’s no question that information makes a difference. Choosing a treatment plan is a shared decision between you and your doctor. The better prepared you are with observations and questions, the more precise the doctor’s recommendation can be and the more informed your decision will be. When you are actively engaged in your treatment decisions, you can monitor the progress of your care and condition. When it comes to managing your health, knowledge is power.
But waiting until you’re in the doctor’s office is too late to start formulating your questions. You want to be prepared before you have the doctor’s attention. Which questions you ask is often best determined by what stage of illness you’re in, what symptoms you’re experiencing and your prior response to therapy. You can begin by taking notes and giving some thought about the length and frequency of your symptoms.
Consider how the following questions can benefit the patient-provider dialogue and make you more satisfied when choosing a recommended course of action.
If you haven’t yet been diagnosed with IBD, what should you be prepared to answer?
- Do you have a family history of IBD?
- Do you have any other health conditions?
- What are your symptoms? (examples may include: weight loss, fatigue, fever, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, belching, blood in stools, mucous stools)
- When did your symptoms start?
- How would you rate the severity of your symptoms?
- How often do you have symptoms?
- Have you had these symptoms before?
- Have you tried anything to treat your symptoms?
- Does anything make your symptoms worse?
If you haven’t yet been diagnosed with IBD, what should you consider asking?
- Could my symptoms be caused by any condition other than IBD?
- How do you know if I have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis?
- What parts of my digestive system are affected?
- What tests would determine why I’m feeling these symptoms?
- What are the treatment options if I do have IBD?
- What is the goal of treatment? Is it to cure IBD or reduce symptoms?
- What are the side effects of the different treatment options?
- What would happen if I didn’t get treatment?
- How will my response to treatment be monitored?
- Are there clinical trials for my condition? Would I be considered a candidate for a trial?
If you’ve already been diagnosed or are already being treated for IBD, what should you be prepared to answer?
- Have your symptoms changed since your last appointment?
- When did the change occur?
- Have you tried anything to treat your symptoms?
- How compliant have you been with your treatment regimen?
- Does anything make your symptoms worse?
If you’ve already been diagnosed or are already being treated for IBD, what should you consider asking?
- How does the treatment you’re considering differ from my current/past medication?
- What are the side effects of the drugs you’re considering? What should I be on the lookout for?
- How will my response to treatment be monitored?
- What dietary changes can I make to help my condition? Will it help to take nutritional supplements?
- What lifestyle changes could help my condition?
- How soon should I expect relief?
- Which symptoms will the treatment address?
- What symptoms could be considered an emergency?
- When should I have a follow-up appointment?
Knowing when to call the doctor about new or persistent IBD symptoms can be challenging. However, when in doubt, consulting with your doctor is always the best approach, potentially giving you peace of mind and helping to take action to address symptoms that seem new or different. Start thinking of your questions now, before you head to their office.
This blog is intended to be informational in nature. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.