Talking with Your Gastroenterologist

Because ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition, it’s in your best interest to develop a good relationship with your gastroenterologist and other healthcare professionals whom you will be seeing regularly. Always talk to your gastroenterologist about any symptoms or concerns you may have. The more information your gastroenterologist has, the better chance he or she has to help you control your ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Here are a few suggestions for maintaining open communication with your gastroenterologist:

• Prepare in advance. Write down your symptoms, allergies, medicines, previous medical procedures, conditions, and diseases. Show this list to your gastroenterologist. For further help characterizing your current experience with ulcerative colitis(UC), use our online UC Control Quiz.
• Ask a friend or family member to join you. He or she can take notes or help you listen.
• Take notes. Bring a pen and paper to write down your gastroenterologist’s answers to your questions.
• Talk about your biggest concerns first. Let your gastroenterologist know about symptoms that bother you the most, and do not hesitate to talk about your feelings.
• Be specific. If you have pain, describe its location and how bad it is. Words like “aching,” “throbbing,” “sharp,” and “burning” can help your gastroenterologist judge the severity of your pain.
• Tell your gastroenterologist about side effects. Letting your gastroenterologist know about any unusual changes you are experiencing will help him or her develop treatment that's best for you.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you know what to expect from your treatment and how long it will take.

For further information about communicating with your gastroenterologist about ulcerative colitis, please consult the following resources:

• Questions to Ask Your Gastroenterologist
• Tracking Your Symptoms
• UC Control Quiz