Living with IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that needs long-term medical treatment. The following simple tips can help you to get the most out of your treatment and take control of your life.

1.  Build a good working relationship with your healthcare team

Do your homework and don't be afraid to ask them questions. You will also need to be honest about changes in your condition and whether you have been taking your medicine as prescribed. Trust your healthcare team and be willing to follow the advice they give you. If you are unsure about anything they suggest - ask them more about it. Be assertive - if you feel that you and your doctor are not communicating very well, raise this issue so that you can work together to try to find a solution.

Consult the talking with your doctor pages for further information.

2.  Stay informed

Learn as much as you can about IBD - read books, surf the Internet, join national and local support groups. Knowledge is power and the more you know about the condition that is affecting your life, the more in control you will feel.

3.  Keep yourself healthy

Get plenty of rest; identify and avoid foods that may worsen your symptoms; eat a healthy, balanced diet; take regular exercise and try to avoid stressful situations.

4.  Educate your family and friends

People close to you will almost certainly want to help you, but they may not know what to do. Help them by giving them information to read and perhaps ask them to an appointment to meet your healthcare team.

5.  Follow the advice of your doctor

Take care to use your medication as instructed by your doctor.

Of course, you will have ups and downs. But the support of your healthcare team, family and friends, and the fact that you can make informed choices about how to respond to your difficulties will enable you to overcome the hard times.

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