IBD and You

There are a number of things you can do to play an active role in the management of your IBD:

• Be involved in the proactive management of your own health every day
• Know when and how to take care of your general health
• Follow your management plan and take your medication
• Ask questions if you are concerned and seek help if a problem arises
• Follow your doctor’s instructions about taking medication (even when you are feeling perfectly well). Taking your maintenance medication can significantly decrease the chance of flare-ups and increase the time where you are free of symptoms and feeling well

Maintain a positive outlook: Although inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a serious chronic disease, it is not a fatal one. Most people with IBD are able to lead rich and productive lives.

Remember, although most of the time you can live life normally, sometimes your health will need to take priority. Taking responsibility for managing your condition will mean you will be better equipped to deal with the effect that IBD will sometimes have on your life.

What do I need to know?

The first step in taking charge of your condition is understanding what you are dealing with. Seek out comprehensive, trusted information about IBD to build up your knowledge.

As well as understanding what IBD is, you also need to understand what it isn’t. Having knowledge about IBD will help you work out whether the symptoms you are experiencing are related to your IBD or not. You will also understand that you have not done anything to cause your IBD (although there are things you can do to lessen some symptoms).

The best way to cope with IBD is to keep it under control. The best way to keep it under control is to take your medication and make some positive lifestyle changes.