Locations:
Search IconSearch
January 13, 2021/Health Conditions/Digestive

Why You Should See Your Doctor More Often If You Have Crohn’s Disease

4 reasons why it’s important to schedule a follow up

crohn's doctor visits frequency

Whether you’ve been battling Crohn’s disease since your 20s or are newly diagnosed in your 60s, there are times when living with this chronic inflammation of the digestive tract may seem overwhelming.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Confused as to whether you should tough it out or call your doctor? Gastroenterologist Benjamin Click, MD, offers some advice and gives four reasons to go see your doctor.

1. You’re not sure how to adjust your diet

There isn’t one “Crohn’s diet,” which can make figuring out what you should eat frustrating. The goal is a balanced diet, but try to avoid or minimize foods that seem to cause gastrointestinal symptoms. These foods will vary for different people and isn’t a one-size-fits-all. For example, if you have known intestinal narrowings, you should maintain a low-residue diet.

If you do have a flare-up, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation recommends talking to your doctor about dietary approaches to consider. Your doctor will double-check that your diet keeps you hydrated and meets your vitamin and mineral needs. Crohn’s patients often require certain supplements, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, calcium or folate.

2. You want to start a family

Having active Crohn’s disease can make it difficult for women to become pregnant. The good news is that getting Crohn’s disease under control can allow many women to conceive successfully.

It’s suggested the best time to become pregnant is when your inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is in remission for at least three to six months and you’re off steroids.

Advertisement

“Having the Crohn’s in remission prior to conceiving makes it more likely that the pregnancy will go smoothly,” says Dr. Click.

Another concern is whether medications are safe. While there are a few medications that should be avoided if you are trying to conceive or are pregnant, most medications generally are safe.

“As soon as you begin thinking about pregnancy, talk to your doctor. That way, you’re building in time to develop a medication plan,” says Dr. Click.

3. You have out of control flare-ups

If you are experiencing a flare-up that is out of control, ask for help. Flare-ups can be caused by infection, smoking, stress, not taking medicine as directed, or they can simply be part of the disease course.

Common flare-ups may be diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stools, frequent bowel movements or nausea. To get to the root of the problem, your doctor may recommend blood work, stool testing, a colonoscopy, CT scan, X-ray or MRI. These tests are done to find out if your symptoms are due to inflammation in the intestine, infection or scar tissue, for example.

“There’s no reason to suffer,” says Dr. Click. “Many new medications for Crohn’s are available with more being tested every day.”

4. You haven’t seen your gastroenterologist in a year

If you haven’t seen your gastroenterologist in more than a year, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Even if you’re feeling fine, it’s wise to have yearly contact with your gastroenterologist to talk about any changes, disease monitoring, find out whether you need lab work, or get answers to questions or concerns about the future.

Crohn’s is chronic. If you have Crohn’s, your best bet is to find a doctor you like and one who shares your treatment goals. That way, it’ll be easier to work closely with them.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person drinking glass of dairy product in kitchen, holding muffin in other hand
October 29, 2024/Digestive
How Lactose Fits Into (and Complicates) Your Diet

Lactose is difficult to breakdown and digest because of its complexity

Cactus coming out of a toilet bowel in bathroom, with healthcare provider with open book, gesturing toward the toilet/cactus
October 14, 2024/Digestive
The Best Ways To Get Rid of Hemorrhoids at Home

Try sitting in a sitz bath or taking psyllium husk to help relieve symptoms

Person at desk at work, eyes closed in discomfort, hand at base of throat
September 30, 2024/Digestive
What’s the Difference Between Heartburn, Acid Reflux and GERD?

While all three are different, they’re also closely related

Glass of pickle juice with metal straw and glass bowl of pickles
September 19, 2024/Digestive
Is Pickle Juice the Solution for Your Heartburn?

There isn’t any scientific proof that the tangy liquid offers relief for GERD symptoms

Person stopped on bridge during workout, wearing arm band and earbuds, to drink from water bottle
September 6, 2024/Digestive
Gut Reaction: Home Remedies To Help Manage Your IBS

Changes in eating, exercise and sleep habits often can help reduce symptoms

Teen walking into bathroom at home
September 4, 2024/Children's Health
Kids and Teens Deal With IBS, Too

Pediatric IBS treatment involves making dietary adjustments, getting mental health support and — in some cases — taking prescription medication

Person sitting on couch at home, with hand on lower back, grimacing
August 19, 2024/Digestive
Is Constipation Causing Your Back Pain?

It might be, but it’s more likely that your symptoms of constipation and back pain are caused by underlying conditions

Person sitting up in bed with abdomen pain
July 29, 2024/Digestive
Could Your Stomach Pain Be Gallstones?

A ‘gallbladder attack’ often happens after eating, and the pain can wake you from sleep

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad