Appointments can feel short—especially when you are trying to understand a new diagnosis, changing symptoms, test results or treatment decisions.
Preparing a few questions beforehand can help you make better use of your time.
You do not need to ask every question below. Choose the ones that are most relevant to where you are in your IBD journey.
Understanding Your Disease
Consider asking:
- Do I have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?
- Which parts of my digestive tract are affected?
- How severe is the inflammation?
- Is my disease currently active?
- Were there any complications?
- What did my colonoscopy, biopsy, blood tests or imaging show?
IBD diagnosis and assessment can involve medical history, examination, laboratory tests, endoscopy and imaging rather than a single test.
Understanding Your Treatment
Ask:
- What are our treatment goals?
- Why are you recommending this treatment for me?
- What alternatives are available?
- How long might it take before we know whether it is working?
- How will you monitor my response?
- What happens if this treatment does not work?
Understanding Your Medication
For each medicine, consider asking:
- What is this medicine called?
- How does it help control IBD?
- How and when should I take it?
- What side effects should I know about?
- Which side effects require immediate attention?
- Will I need blood tests or other monitoring?
- Are there medicines, supplements or over-the-counter products I should discuss with you?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
Monitoring Your IBD
Feeling better is important, but symptoms are not the only information clinicians may use to assess disease.
Ask:
- Which tests will be used to monitor my IBD?
- How often will I need blood or stool tests?
- Will I need another colonoscopy?
- How will we determine whether inflammation is controlled?
- What does remission mean in my situation?
Symptoms and Flares
Ask your clinician:
- Which symptoms should I report?
- What should I do if symptoms suddenly worsen?
- How can I tell whether symptoms might represent a flare?
- When should I call your office?
- When should I seek urgent or emergency care?
Having a plan before symptoms worsen can make decision-making easier.
Food and Nutrition
Useful questions include:
- Are there nutritional concerns related to my disease?
- Should I be tested for vitamin or mineral deficiencies?
- Do I need to avoid any foods for a medical reason?
- Would a registered dietitian experienced with IBD be helpful?
- Should I take supplements?
Everyday Life
IBD does not exist only inside the doctor’s office.
You may also want to ask about:
- Exercise
- Travel
- Work or school
- Pregnancy or family planning when relevant
- Vaccinations
- Emotional wellbeing
- Smoking
- Preventive healthcare
Before You Leave the Appointment
Try to make sure you understand:
- What happens next
- Whether medications are changing
- Which tests are needed
- When your next appointment is
- Who to contact with questions
If something is not clear, it is okay to ask your clinician to explain it differently.
A Simple Appointment Tip
Keep a running list of questions between visits.
Before the appointment, identify your three most important questions and put those first.
That helps make sure your biggest concerns are addressed even when appointment time is limited.