Talking to Your Doctor

Have you ever walked away from a doctor’s visit thinking, “Why didn’t I remember to ask that?” From appointment to appointment, new questions about your UC are going to come up. That’s why it’s a good idea to prepare for your visit before you arrive.

Think about the specific questions you have on your mind and write them down. If it helps, run your list of questions past a family member or good friend beforehand. If you’re not sure of what questions to ask, try using this Doctor Discussion Guide.

Talking to your doctor
BUILD YOUR DOCTOR DISCUSSION GUIDE

Since symptoms of UC can vary from person to person, it’s important for you to ask questions and discuss issues that are of specific concern to you. Whether you are newly diagnosed, experiencing UC flares, in remission, or acting as a caregiver for someone with UC, your questions may change over time, depending on where you are in your journey. Use this interactive guide to prepare a written list of topics and questions to bring to your next appointment. It’s quick and easy, and may help you leave your doctor’s office with some answers.

DIRECTIONS (click to expand)
1

To add a topic or question to your custom Doctor Discussion Guide, click or tap the "+" icon next to it. Your selection will appear in the preview pane on the right of the page. To delete your selection in the preview pane, click or tap the "-" icon next to it.

2

Print or email your personalized discussion guide using the buttons below the preview pane. Use this guide at your next doctor's visit.

NEW TO UC
UC MANAGEMENT: UC FLARES AND TREATMENT
Select your topics and questions below.
Managing UC
  • How often should I see you?
  • Will I need to see any other doctors or specialists?
  • Can you recommend any educational resources about UC?
Medication & treatment options
  • What are my treatment options for UC?
  • Do you think I will need surgery?
  • What possible side effects of treatment should I be aware of?
  • What are the goals of my UC treatment?
  • Why should I treat my UC?
Medication & treatment options
  • What factors did you consider in choosing a treatment for me?
  • Should I be concerned about taking too much UC medication or taking UC medication too long?
  • What should I do if I forget to take my medication?
  • Which tests will be part of my overall treatment plan? How often will I need to repeat them?
  • Is there any new research about treating UC?
Symptoms
  • I'm experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain or cramping, diarrhea or fever.
  • I've experienced UC symptoms __ times in the last 6 months.
  • I have UC symptoms as often as __.
  • My most recent experience with UC symptoms lasted __.
  • I have __ bowel movements per day.
Symptoms
  • I sometimes/often have rectal bleeding or bleeding with bowel movements.
  • I sometimes/often feel the urgency to have a bowel movement.
Managing UC Symptoms
  • I have recently made changes to what I eat/drink.
  • I often/sometimes lack energy or feel tired when I'm experiencing UC symptoms.
  • I have noticed changes in my sleep habits.
  • When I am not experiencing UC symptoms, I am worried about when they will occur again.
Managing UC
  • Can stress help cause a UC flare?
  • Should I avoid certain foods when I'm going through a UC flare?
  • Are there certain foods or drinks I should add to my diet during a UC flare?
  • Are there particular foods that can make my UC symptoms worse?
  • Are there activities or exercises that can help relieve or reduce my symptoms?
Medication & treatment options
  • Once I achieve remission, is continuing treatment still important?
  • Is it possible that I will need surgery?
Symptoms
  • During a UC flare, I'm experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain or cramping, diarrhea or fever.
  • I've had a UC flare __ times in the last 6 months.
  • I have UC flares as often as __.
  • My most recent UC flare was __.
  • My most recent UC flare lasted __.
Symptoms
  • During a UC flare, I have __ bowel movements per day.
  • I sometimes/often have rectal bleeding or bleeding with bowel movements. 
  • I sometimes/often feel the urgency to have a bowel movement. 
  • I have lost weight since the last time I saw you.
  • Between UC flares, I feel __.
Symptoms
  • I am experiencing symptoms between UC flares.
Managing UC symptoms
  • I have made changes to what I eat/drink because of UC.
  • I often/sometimes lack energy or feel tired during a UC flare.
  • My sleep is often/sometimes interrupted because of UC symptoms.
  • When I am not having a UC flare, I am worried about when the next UC flare may occur.
Taking your medication
  • I have/have not been taking my medication as prescribed.
  • Overall, I am not satisfied with my current UC medication.
  • Overall, I am concerned about my personal UC management plan.
Use this space to add your own questions:

Thank you! You have selected all possible topics and questions for your Doctor Discussion Guide.

Your Topics & Questions
  • Start your guide — add questions from the lists below or type your own questions in the provided field.

EMAIL DOCTOR DISCUSSION GUIDE

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