Living with IBD
With new ways to identify IBD and evolving medications to treat it, patients now have additional methods to help manage their IBD. However, IBD also affects a patient’s lifestyle since it can affect patients anywhere and at any time.
One of the biggest challenges with IBD is managing your day-to-day life outside of the doctor’s office. How can patients learn to help themselves to lead the most fulfilling life with the lowest disease burden?
Options for facing your IBD symptoms include:
- Locate bathrooms at your destination and along the way
- Look at restaurant menus ahead of time and plan out your meals
- Take care of your mental and emotional health
- Maintain a positive body image
- Know your triggers to be better prepared to defuse them
- Get regular exercise
- Educate your family and friends
- Find time for yourself every day
- Download apps for meditation, relaxation, and IBD information
Additionally, open communication is very important. Ask your clinician as many questions as you can think of, and bring a family member or friend to doctor visits so they are informed as well. Request as much follow-up as you need to answer any questions. Remember, your caregivers are there because they want to help you. Working together with them is one of the most important aspects of your care!
References
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Mental Health. Navigating Daily Life with IBD. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/mental-health/navigating-daily-life-with-ibd
DISCLAIMER
This site is NOT considered medical advice. It contains general information about IBD, and patients must not rely on the information as an alternative to advice from their healthcare provider. Patients should never delay seeking medical advice, discontinue medical treatment, or disregard medical advice based on the information on this site.