Questions & Answers

Index of Questions

1.	What is the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?
2.	Will I always have to take medication for my IBD?
3.	Can alcohol affect IBD?
4.	I have IBD, but my doctor says that sometimes my symptoms are due more to IBS. Can I have both, and what are the differences between the two conditions?
5.	I am a student with IBD and will soon be looking for employment. What should I tell my employer?
6.	Whenever I get stressed my IBD flares up. Is there a link?
7.	My friend has Crohn's and has to follow a special diet. Can a diet help my colitis?
8.	I am having trouble getting insurance because of my IBD. What advice can you give me?
9.	I have IBD and I am planning to go abroad on holiday. What special precautions do I need to take?
10.	I have been on medication from my doctor for IBD but nothing seems to work for long. Can alternative therapies help, and which ones might be most beneficial?
11.	I have been told to give up smoking, as this is bad for my Crohn's disease. Is this true?
12.	I am a young girl with IBD. Will I be able to have children?
13.	Can I take my usual medication safely during pregnancy?
14.	Will my children get IBD too?
15.	I have had to give up my job because of my IBD. What financial support am I entitled to?
16.	I have to take long-term medication because of my IBD - can I get free prescriptions?
17.	Where can I find more information about IBD and access to support groups that might be helpful?
18.	What causes IBD?
19.	I have just been told that I have IBD, does this mean I will end up with a 'bag'?
20.	Can IBD ever be cured?
21.	What can I do to prevent a flare-up?
22.	Can you tell me which foods can aggravate IBD?
23.	How do I know if I am having a flare-up?
24.	What should I do if I think I'm having a flare-up?
25.	I have heard that patients with colitis have a greater risk of developing bowel cancer. What can I do to prevent this?
26.	How can I tell the difference between my colitis symptoms and cancer symptoms?
27.	My colitis has not responded to medication and I am now thinking of having my bowel removed. I have read about a 'pouch' operation which means you don't need a 'bag'. Can you tell me more about this?
28.	I have just had an operation to remove part of my bowel due to Crohn's disease. Why do I need to keep taking my medication?
29.	I have been getting painful and stiff joints lately - is this related to my IBD?
30.	Can other parts of the body be affected by IBD?
31.	I have Crohn's disease affecting the anus and have just developed a fistula that goes to the vagina. Is it safe for me to have sex or is it likely to cause any damage?
32.	I have IBD and have needed steroids in the past to control my disease. I am now getting worried about osteoporosis. How will I know if I have got it and how can I prevent it?
33.	My child's teacher doesn't understand what IBD is. How should I explain it?
34.	Can exercise help control my IBD?

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