Living with Crohn’s disease means navigating a journey of ups and downs, with symptoms that can vary in frequency and severity. Understanding your symptoms and treatment is crucial for managing the condition effectively. Here are the questions you should be asking yourself to help you along the way:
1. Assessing Your Symptoms
What symptoms should I pay attention to?
Some common symptoms of Crohn’s disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and blood in the stool. Additionally, you may experience symptoms outside of the digestive tract, such as joint pain, skin rashes, or eye inflammation. It’s important to monitor these symptoms and report any changes to your healthcare provider.
How frequent and severe are my symptoms?
Keep a symptom diary to track the frequency and severity of your symptoms. This can help you and your healthcare team identify patterns and make informed decisions about your treatment.
Have they progressed while on current treatment?
If you notice that your symptoms are worsening or changing despite your current treatment, it may be time to reassess your treatment plan with your healthcare provider.
2. Understanding Remission
What is remission, and am I in it?
Remission in Crohn’s disease means that your symptoms are significantly reduced or completely absent. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to determine if you are in remission and how long you can stay in it.
How can I tell if I am in remission?
Signs of remission may include the absence of symptoms or a significant reduction in their frequency and severity. Your healthcare provider may also use imaging tests, such as a colonoscopy or MRI, to assess the inflammation in your digestive tract and determine if you are in remission.
How long can I stay in remission?
The duration of remission can vary from person to person. It’s essential to follow your treatment plan and attend regular check-ups to monitor your condition and prevent relapses.
RELATED: Is Your Crohn’s Getting Worse? 6 Ways to Tell
3. Assessing Your Treatment
Why is it important to assess my treatment and identify unresolved symptoms?
Assessing your treatment helps ensure that it is still effective in managing your symptoms. Identifying unresolved symptoms can indicate the need for a change in treatment or additional support.
How do I know if my treatment is still working?
Regularly reviewing your symptoms and discussing them with your healthcare provider can help you determine if
