Matters to discuss about Crohn's disease with your doctor

The article is written by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastroenterologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (CCF), about 780,000 Americans have the condition. The cause of Crohn's disease is still unclear. To be diagnosed and effectively treated for this disease, you need to have clear discussions with your doctor so that they can understand your condition.

You may not be comfortable talking about Crohn's, but your doctor needs to know about your symptoms, including how uncomfortable your bowel movements are. When discussing this illness with your doctor, be prepared to talk about the following:
How often do you have bowel movements per day? Tell your doctor if your stools are loose. Tell your doctor if there is blood in your stool. The location, severity, and duration of your abdominal pain. How often you experience an outbreak of symptoms per month. Tell your doctor if you are experiencing any other symptoms not related to the digestive tract; including joint pain, skin problems or eye problems. Tell your doctor if you have trouble sleeping or wake up frequently during the night because of urgent symptoms. Tell your doctor if you have any changes in your appetite. Tell your doctor how much your weight has increased or decreased and how much has been lost/gained. How often you miss school or work because of your symptoms. Try to make it a habit to monitor your symptoms and see how they affect your daily life. Also, talk to your doctor about how you've been doing to help manage symptoms - including what works and what doesn't.

Crohn's can interfere with your body's ability to absorb nutrients, meaning you could be at risk for malnutrition. It's imperative that you take the time to talk about food and nutrition with your doctor.
You probably already know that there are certain foods that affect your stomach and should be avoided. Your doctor can advise you on foods that are nutritious and safe for Crohn's patients. Ask your doctor about the following:
What foods and drinks should be avoided and why? How to create your own food diary. What foods are beneficial for people with Crohn's disease? What to eat when stomach ache? Ask your doctor if you should take any vitamins or supplements. Ask if your doctor can refer you to a dietitian.

There is no universal approach to treating Crohn's disease. You'll want to review all available treatments with your doctor and what they recommend based on your symptoms and medical history.
Crohn's disease medications include aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, antibiotics, and biologic therapies. They aim to suppress the inflammatory response caused by your immune system and prevent complications.
Here are some things you should ask your doctor about treatments for Crohn's disease: What treatments are recommended for the severity of symptoms you currently have? Why did the doctor choose this drug? How long will it take you to feel relief? What improvements should you expect? How often should you take each medication? What are the side effects of the drug? Does the drug interact with other medications? What over-the-counter medications can be used to help relieve symptoms, such as abdominal pain or diarrhea? When is surgery needed? What new treatments are being developed? What if you decide to refuse treatment?

In addition to dietary changes, changes in daily life can also help control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Ask your doctor the following if they recommend changing your lifestyle:
How often should you exercise? What types of exercises are beneficial? How to reduce stress? If you smoke, how to quit?

You may already be familiar with the common symptoms of Crohn's disease, but you also need to be on the lookout for some complications. Ask your doctor about each of the following complications so you can be better prepared if they arise:
Joint pain. Eczema . Malnutrition . Intestinal ulcer. IBD. Gastrointestinal fistula or perforation. Anal fissure. Abscess. Osteoporosis as a complication of chronic steroid therapy. Urgent symptoms. Symptoms of Crohn's disease can sometimes be unpredictable. It is important that you recognize when they become serious. Ask your doctor to review the symptoms or side effects of treatment to determine if there is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

If you are new to insurance procedures, check to see if the hospital accepts your insurance. In addition, some treatments for Crohn's disease are very expensive. Therefore, the ability to pay the full cost is extremely important so as not to cause delays in your treatment plan.
Ask your doctor about assistance programs from drug companies that can help reduce your drug payments and costs.

Consider asking your doctor or healthcare team for support team contact information. Support groups can be in person or online. They're not for everyone, but they can provide emotional support and provide information about treatments, diet, and lifestyle changes.
Your doctor may also have some brochures or other printed materials that you can take with you. They can also recommend you some websites. The most important thing is that after talking with your doctor, you are no longer confused about any issues.

Last but not least, schedule your next appointment before leaving the doctor's office. Ask your doctor the following before you go:
What symptoms does the doctor want you to pay attention to before your next appointment? What will the next consultation include, including diagnostic testing? Do you need to do anything special to prepare for the test at your next visit? How to get a prescription and ask the pharmacist? What to do in an emergency? How to contact your doctor (by email, phone or text)? If you have had any diagnostic tests done, ask the office staff when the results will be available and if they will call you directly to let you know.

Your health is a priority. So you need to be comfortable working with your doctor to get the best care possible. If your doctor doesn't take the time to give you the information you need, you can find a new doctor.