Six Steps for Having a Life with IBS

With a chronic condition like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it is essential to have a qualified, trustworthy physician to serve as a guide and resource. As a patient, you can do things to ensure that you get the maximum benefit from your appointments with your doctor:

• Write down your questions and concerns ahead of time.
  Doctor appointments can be anxiety provoking, so do your part to minimize this by having a written list of the issues you want addressed. This way you won’t have to worry that you might be forgetting something important. Due to their busy schedules, doctors generally welcome a neat list as it allows them to get directly to the heart of the things that are important to you.
• Remember that doctors are only human
  Your doctor cannot cure your IBS, nor can he remember everything about your body. Your doctor is just an important part of your treatment team. You are the boss: It is up to you to coordinate the various aspects of your own health. It is also your job to speak up if you do not agree with something that your doctor has said or recommended, or if you feel that your doctor is overlooking something that is of significant concern to you. Recognize and respect your doctor’s expertise and view them as the valuable resource that they are.