Crohn's Disease
Patient Education

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Crohn's Disease

From your initial diagnosis throughout your treatment and care, you will have questions about your Crohn's disease. Below is a list of questions to discuss with your doctor so you can make informed decisions about your condition.

Question About My Diagnosis

• Are there any other conditions causing my symptoms?
• Can this be Irritable Bowel Syndrome? What's the difference?
• Can my medication or other conditions be causing these symptoms?
• Does this make me prone to cancer?

Questions About My Treatment

• Are there medications that I can take for relief? How soon after starting the drugs will they start working?
• Why did you choose this particular medication? What are the side effects of this medication?
• If I do not take the medication, what will happen to me?
• Is this condition progressive? Can it be cured?
• Will I need surgery for this in the future?
• Are there medications that I should avoid?
• Is there a clinical trial that I am eligible for?

Questions About My Lifestyle & Family

• Is this hereditary? Can my children get this?
• Is there a special diet that I should follow? Are there foods that I should avoid?
• Must I avoid drinking alcoholic beverages?
• Must I avoid all tobacco products?
• Are there special exercises that can help me?
• Is there a support group that I can join? Are there web forums?