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The ConfidentPatient:A Doctor Discussion Guidefor Crohn’s and Colitis Care

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The ups and downs of IBD

If you’ve lived with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis for any amount of time, you already know the deal: the only constant is change. At times, it can feel like the ground is always shifting, especially with new treatments to look into and symptoms that pop up without warning.

But here’s the thing: you don't have to just deal with it. Good communication with your care team can make a difference. This guide can help you prepare for doctor’s appointments – and feel more in control.

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Prioritize your quality of life

Treatment isn’t only about test results. It’s about what life looks like going forward. Before your next appointment, choose one goal that matters most right now. Maybe it’s eating out without worry. Having enough energy to focus on your career. Traveling without planning every bathroom stop. Or reaching a place where surgery doesn’t feel like a constant “what if.”

Bring that goal to your appointment. Ask your doctor what steps, options, or adjustments could help you get there. It can make conversations clearer – and progress feel more possible.

Questions to ask your doctor

Living with Crohn’s or UC can come with a lot of unknowns – and it’s okay to have questions. In fact, asking them is one of the best ways to stay informed and feel more confident in your care. Your doctor is there to help you understand what’s happening in your body and what your options look like.

Here are some questions that can help guide the conversation.

    Understanding the diagnosis
  • Could you explain my Crohn’s or UC diagnosis in more detail?
  • Where is the inflammation located?
  • Would you classify my condition right now as mild, moderate, or severe?
  • Has anything changed since my last scopes or tests?

    Exploring treatment options
  • What treatment plan do you think would be best for me and why?
  • What is the goal of this treatment?
  • If this treatment doesn’t work, what would next steps likely be?

    Learning about advanced therapies
  • Am I a good candidate for biologics?
  • If I start a biologic, where would I receive it and how long does each session take?
  • What’s the timeline for knowing if treatments are working for me?
  • Will I need regular lab work or monitoring with this treatment?

    Improving your day-to-day
  • Can diet help reduce inflammation, or does it mainly help manage symptoms?
  • What other lifestyle changes should I consider?
  • What symptoms should I watch for – and when should I call or go to the ER?
  • Are there assistance programs to help me afford this treatment?
  • Is there a dietitian, mental health provider, or support group you recommend?
Decoding Flares

Tracking the bad days

When an IBD flare hits, details can blur fast. Use this checklist during your next flare to write down what’s happening. It can make it easier for your care team to spot patterns and plan next steps.

☐ When the flare started and how long it lasted
☐ Number of bowel movements
☐ Stool consistency (Bristol Stool Scale)
☐ Any blood or mucus in stool
☐ Pain or cramping and where it occurred
☐ Quality of sleep
☐ Number of nighttime bathroom trips
☐ Temperature or signs of other illness
☐ What I ate in the 24 hours before
☐ Any stress, travel, or big changes

Bring a Friend Along
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Help others help you

Living with a chronic condition can be isolating, and loved ones don’t always know how to help. Attending an appointment with you could make a big difference to how the conversation goes.

They could lend a hand with tasks like:

  • Handling the driving and parking stress
  • Making sure you don’t skip anything on your question list
  • Taking notes so you can focus
  • Collecting paperwork before you leave the exam room

    • Between visits, they may become your most informed sounding board. As their understanding grows, so will their ability to support you.

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