A Guide to Questions to Ask at Your Next Doctor’s Appointment

Going to many doctor’s appointments is a part of the chronic illness lifestyle. When you’re done with one appointment, you’re on to the next. For me personally, it feels like a never-ending line up of doctors’ appointments to attend. Even though these constant appointments are frustrating, I go to them because I want to maintain my health. Sometimes these appointments can get overwhelming. I want to know what questions to ask and have them answered. It can be hard to know what to ask, so in this blog, I’ve compiled a list of different questions to keep on hand so you don’t have to think of them yourself.

Questions to ask when newly diagnosed

It can be extremely overwhelming to be newly diagnosed. When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at age 17, I wasn’t sure where to start. I had never even heard of this chronic condition before. I remember being given a pamphlet all about IBD, but I still had some questions.

Here are some helpful questions you can ask when you’re newly diagnosed to help gain some clarification on your disease.

1. What is IBD?
2. What’s the difference between Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis?
3. How will this affect my life?
4. What lifestyle changes should I make?
5. What are the medication options?
6. What are the usual treatments?
7. What kind of symptoms can I expect to have?
8. What does this mean for me long term?
9. Is there a support group I can join?
10. How can I educate myself on my disease?
11. Should I change my diet?
12. What are some signs of complications?

Questions to ask when switching medication

I am the Queen of Switching Medicine. I’ve been on Remicade, Humira, Stelara, Skyrizi, and now finally, Rinvoq. I know all of the best questions to ask when switching medication. It can be overwhelming, but these questions might help guide you.

1. What does the medication do to help the disease?
2. What are potential side effects?
3. What are the benefits?
4. Are there other possibilities out there if I don’t like this one?
5. What happens if this medication doesn’t work with my body?
6. What is the induction process like for this medication?
7. What is the timeline with starting this medication?
8. How do I take this medication?

Questions to ask at your follow-up appointment

Whether you were just diagnosed or have had IBD for years, there are questions that can be asked at your follow-up appointments. Here are a few examples:

1. How does my bloodwork look? Can you explain the results to me?
2. When is my next colonoscopy?
3. Should I continue taking all the medication I’m on? (or ask about individual medication if you have questions about those!)
4. Will I need any other tests? If so, what tests?
5. When should my next appointment with you be?
6. Can you send this information to my primary care doctor?
7. How can I manage my symptoms?
8. What do I do if my symptoms get worse?
9. What vaccines should I get (flu, covid, shingles, pneumonia, etc.)?
10. How are my daily habits affecting my health?

Ultimately…

Knowing what questions to ask your GI doctor, or any doctor really can be intimidating and sometimes confusing. I hope I could provide some insight on questions to ask.

Editor’s Note

If you can’t wait for your next appointment, still have questions, or need help finding the answers to your questions GWG may also be able to help:

• The IBD Academy resource is a medically reviewed resource available on our website and as a PDF download that covers the ins and outs of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), its treatments, and ongoing research.
• Girls With Guts’ medically reviewed Fact Sheets cover various aspects of living with IBD and/or ostomies.

For more on making the most of your doctors appointments you may also want to check out Kelly’s blog about Symptom Tracking!

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Emily was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s Disease in 2016 at age 17. Being 25 now, she wants to help bring awareness to IBD. Emily is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Education. She currently works as a substitute teacher but her dream is to be a first grade teacher. Outside of working, she enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, and reading.