Crohn's Disease Health Center

It is important for patient's with Crohn's disease to have a good relationship with their doctor, and with a gastroenterologist. Communication between doctors and patients are the key to managing this disease. It might be helpful to come to appointments with a list of questions for the doctor.

Here are some questions that could be helpful:

• Could the symptoms be caused by something else?
• What tests are needed to find what is causing the symptoms?
• Should the tests be done routinely or only during flare-ups?
• What parts of the GI tract is the disease affecting?
• Are there any signs that the medication needs to be changed?
• If a dose is missed, or if medication is stopped, will there be any side-effects?
• How long should it take for the medication to work or for signs that the medication is not helping?
• Are there side-effects of the medication and if so what should be done if they appear?
• What should the patient do if the symptoms come back? Are there any symptoms that could be an emergency/
• Are there any over-the-counter medications that could help?
• Should the patient contact a dietitian or take any specific nutritional supplements?
• What lifestyle changes need to be made?
• How far apart should appointments be scheduled?

Organizations that might be helpful include:

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America
• American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
• North Amreican Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition