Your IBD Consultation

Introduction - What is the purpose of your IBD consultation?

The healthy, the strong individual, is the one who asks for help when he needs it. Whether he has an abscess on his knee or in his soul.  (Rona Barrett)

What will happen at my IBD consultation?

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD (including both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), can affect many aspects of your life - such as your ability to work, have a relationship or go out with friends. With proper medical care, however, it is possible for you to get your symptoms under control and get on with your life. It is important, therefore, to make regular visits to a trained specialist in IBD (gastroenterologist) to make sure your disease is under control and continues to be managed well. You will usually have regular check-ups every 6 months to 1 year when your symptoms are well-controlled and more often if you having difficulties. Your IBD consultation is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and raise any concerns about your treatment plan.

Severe disease will usually need regular check-ups every 6 months to 1 year when the symptoms are well-controlled and more often if you are having difficulties.

What is the role of my gastroenterologist?

Your gastroenterologist is a trained specialist in IBD and is usually your main point of contact for treatment, managing your symptoms and ensuring your general health and well-being. He or she is there to help, and the more you are able to communicate your needs the better able he or she is to make decisions to help meet those needs.