If you’re new to the world of IBD, you may be confused by all the acronyms and terminology that are used.

Ask your doctor to clarify what part of your intestines are affected. We break down the different parts of the digestive system in this article so you can better understand the anatomy of your disease.

You should also ask your doctor what type of IBD you have. IBD is broken down into two main types, so it’s helpful to learn whether you have ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD).

When discussing your IBD with your doctor, it’s essential to always be honest about your symptoms. Your doctor has heard everything, so there is no need to be embarrassed. Plus, not telling your doctor about a potentially severe symptom could be harmful to your health.

Here are just some of the symptoms that you should be discussing with your doctor:

• Appearance of blood in your stool
• Abdominal pain
• Changes in your bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, etc.)
• Weight loss
• Inability to engage in everyday activities

It’s very important to tell your doctor if you believe you are having a flare of your IBD symptoms. If you’re having abdominal pain, take note of the specific location or locations. You should also ask your doctor for a full list of symptoms that they consider to be an emergency.

When it comes to treating IBD, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Your doctor has likely provided you with treatment options for managing your disease and may be asking you to decide how you would like to move forward. At this point, it’s important to discuss your options with your doctor in order to understand the risks and benefits and make an informed decision.

After being diagnosed with IBD, your first few appointments will likely focus on addressing inflammation and putting together an action plan. But don’t forget about managing your IBD in the long-term.

Ask your doctor if there are any other tests that they recommend. You should also find out how often they want you to come in for appointments and how frequently you should get follow-up testing (like colonoscopies).

While learning you have IBD can feel overwhelming at first, your doctor and treatment team are here to help you navigate managing your condition. It’s essential to talk openly with your doctor about the details of your IBD and to understand your treatment plan in the short and long-term.