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Questions to Ask When Looking for a Doctor to Treat Crohn's

If you think or know that you have Crohn's Disease, you probably have a number of questions that need answering. You may want to change doctors because the one you have is not communicating effectively to you, and open, honest communication is essential in controlling this sickness. Taking time to investigate doctors will save you time and pain in the long run. Because it is your life after all and you want it to be the best life possible.

A week before the appointments start keeping a list of all your symptoms, no matter how big or small. If you are suffering stomach pain or discomfort, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, put it on your list for discussion. You should make notes about the frequency of your bowel movements as well as if you have experienced any changes in your normal toilet habits. It is important to keep track of the foods that you consume, making note if any of them causes a flare up or two or three. The detailed information that you can provide the doctor the better you will be able to see if he or she can really help you.

On the day of the appointment take along a notebook so that you can write down the answers to the questions for your own benefit later on and to compare with the answers if you interview more than one doctor.

Some of the questions you should ask include:

1- Is it really Crohn's Disease that I have, or can it be something else? This is where your list of symptoms that you have been suffering, come into play. Your past medical history would also help at this time.

2- How do doctors diagnose Crohn's Disease? Diagnosis usually comes following a battery of tests and X-rays.

3-What is the treatment for Crohn's and how do you manage it? If your doctor is traditional, then lifestyle changes and medication will be prescribed. Surgery may come into the conversation in an extreme case. Or your doctor may subscribe to the new school of thought about using diet changes to fight the symptoms and flare ups.

4-Ask about the efficacy of conventional treatment options, and which ones will best fit your normal lifestyle.

5-Ask about the effects of food, medications and potential side effects of each.

6-Ask about the causes of flare ups and go over the list of foods that you normally consume. Certain foods are known to trigger attacks and the doctor should be aware and make you aware if you're eating them.

7-Ask about the need to restrict social activities, if at all. Consult your doctor about the kinds of exercise you regularly take part in.

8-What about over the counter drugs, should you continue to take them. What about pain medications? Or even, what about relaxation therapy? Will it help?

These are suggestions for some of the questions that you need to ask. While the physician is answering the questions, ask yourself how comfortable you feel talking to this person. Do they relax you? Or are you edge and feel you just want to escape? Are they giving you enough information? Or do they seem impatient as if they really don't want to talk? Remember, again, it's your life and your body, so take all the time you need to make up your mind about the doctor to treat you.

by: Richard Verkley

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