When your doctor tells you that you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), these 10 questions can help you get information you’ll want to know.
- Could any condition other than IBD be causing my symptoms?
- Do I have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease?
- What parts of my digestive system has it affected?
- What treatments do you recommend?
- How soon should I expect relief?
- What side effects from the medicines should I watch out for? What should I do if I notice them?
- What should I do if my symptoms return? Are any considered an emergency?
- Are there symptoms outside the digestive system that could be caused by IBD?
- Should I change my diet or take nutritional supplements?
- Would it help me to make any other lifestyle changes?
- When should I have a follow-up appointment, and should I see a specialist?
- What is the long term prognosis for my IBD?