Getting diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease can be overwhelming. It’s also common for people to be disappointed and anxious, knowing that there is no permanent cure for IBD. But, you shouldn’t lose hope. Inflammatory bowel disease may be incurable, but the disease can be effectively managed. The key is to educate yourself and work closely with your doctor.
IBD is a complex disease with multiple treatment options. The key to finding the right ones for you largely depends on the relationship between you and your doctor. Make sure to have an open and constructive conversation with your doctor. Not sure what you should discuss?
Here’s a brief guide for you…
5 Things Every IBD Patient Should Discuss With Their Doctor
1.The Type of IBD You Have
Inflammatory bowel disease can affect people differently. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor about what type of IBD you have and what specific area of your GI tract is affected.
Remember, knowing about your disease is critical to effective self-management, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. Take your time in learning about your particular disease and how it’s affecting your body.
2.The Symptoms You’re Experiencing
Since IBD can affect different parts of the GI tract, its symptoms vary from person to person. Knowing about the symptoms you are experiencing is essential for your doctor to formulate an informed treatment plan for you. Therefore, do not hide or shy away from telling your doctor about all the signs and symptoms you’re experiencing. Discussing your bowel movements and stools may feel weird, but know that even the seemingly small details can be important. So, talk openly about your IBD symptoms at every appointment.
3.Understand Flare-Ups and Remissions
If you are recently diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease, make sure to talk to your doctor about what flare-up and remission would mean for you, how you can identify which phase your disease is going through, and what you can do to keep your disease in remission.
4.What Treatment Options You Have?
There are multiple medications and treatment procedures available for inflammatory bowel disease. While it is your doctor’s job to choose the best ones for you, it is also important for you to know about the selected procedures. Ask your doctor why they have chosen specific medications and/or procedures, their effects and potential side effects. Also, ask how you would know if the medicine stops working and if there are any side effects that you should immediately report to your doctor, including the medical emergency.
It’s also important to discuss what the overall course treatment is supposed to be like and what can you expect through it.
5.The Lifestyle Changes You Should Make
Certain lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, stress management, and avoiding smoking, can help improve your condition and may even help you achieve and/or stay in remission for longer. Talk to your doctor about what lifestyle changes you should make and how they can help with your disease.
IBD is a progressive disease, which means your condition changes over time. Make sure to communicate with your doctor openly to deal with these changes in an effective manner.
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