A key to successful ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment is developing a good working relationship with your doctor. In fact, studies have shown that when you’re open and honest with your doctor, you may be more successful in managing your own health.
However, a survey of doctors and patients indicates that communication is not always what it should be, resulting in some significant “perception gaps” between people with UC and the doctors who treat them. In this survey, patients admitted they don't report all of their flares to their physicians, which makes it difficult for physicians to understand the impact of UC on their patients' lives and how their patients are responding to treatment. This survey also showed that:
- Patients reported they experienced, on average, 8 UC flares in the past 12 months, but doctors said they thought their patients experienced, on average, only 3 flares per year
- A third of patients (34%) surveyed said they are sometimes reluctant to tell their doctors about their flares, and 27% said they told their doctors about less than half of the flares they experienced
- While doctors stated they thought about half their patients (48%) had their UC completely or mostly under control, only about 21% of patients felt this was the case for them
These findings illustrate why it's so important to be open about your UC with your doctor. You have a better chance of getting the results you expect from your treatment plan if you report every flare to your doctor and let him or her know how your symptoms impact your activities and daily routine.The more your doctor knows about your UC symptoms and the impact they have on your life, the better the two of you can tailor your treatment plan.
What to look for in a doctor
Your doctor is the best source of information and support for managing your ulcerative colitis. Look for a doctor who will:
- Listen to your concerns about your UC symptoms
- Help you understand your options
- Let you include family members in care decisions
- Not discourage you if you want to get a second opinion
- Work through any cultural or language barriers
Preparing for your doctor’s visit
Before your appointment, check to see if your doctor has received the results of any recent medical tests related to your ulcerative colitis. Write down what you want to discuss and review it with a family member or friend. Be prepared with questions to ask and bring a list of prescription drugs, as well as any over-the-counter (OTC) medications, you are taking. Don’t forget to include vitamins as well as herbal and natural supplements.
Ask questions
Consider writing your questions down ahead of time, or create your own custom Doctor Discussion Guide. If you’re not sure what the doctor is saying, repeat it back for confirmation. It may help to bring a family member or friend with you to take notes for you.
Answer your doctor’s questions honestly
Your doctor needs certain information to help you determine the best way to manage your ulcerative colitis. It’s important to share details about your symptoms and how you are responding to your UC treatment. For example, you may want to keep track of such things as the number of trips you make to the bathroom each day and any side effects you may be experiencing from your UC medicine. Let your doctor know if symptoms are interfering with your normal routine or if you are avoiding certain activities because you are anxious about UC symptoms.
Stick to your treatment
To get the best results, it’s important for you to take your medicine as your doctor tells you to. One research study showed that people who did not take their UC medication as prescribed were 5 times more likely to have their UC symptoms return than those who took their medication.* So if you are not taking your medicine as prescribed, tell your doctor why. Together, you and your doctor may be able to consider treatment options that are easier to stick with.
*Lialda was not one of the treatments in this study.
This material is not intended to replace conversations with your health care professional team. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about your condition, please speak to your doctor or nurse.
