What happens during an IBD check-up?

If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you’ll probably have regular check-ups with your IBD team. These appointments help your doctors see how you’re feeling, check how your body is doing, and make sure your treatment is working.

You might feel a little nervous before an appointment, especially if you’re not sure what will happen. The good news is that most check-ups are just a chance to talk, ask questions, and make sure you’re getting the support you need.

🩺 Talking about how you feel

Your doctor or IBD nurse will usually ask how you’ve been feeling since your last appointment. They might ask about:

• Whether you’ve had tummy pain, diarrhoea, constipation, or blood in your poo.

• How often you go to the toilet.

• Whether you’ve been feeling tired or low on energy.

• How well you’ve been eating and sleeping.

• Whether you’ve had any problems with your medication.

• How things are going at school, with friends, and at home.

They might also ask how you’re feeling emotionally. Living with IBD can sometimes be stressful, and it’s okay to talk about worries, embarrassment, or anything else that’s bothering you.

Remember: You can be honest about your symptoms, even if they feel embarrassing. Your IBD team has heard these things before, and they’re there to help you.

📏 Checking your growth and weight

Your doctor or nurse may measure your height and weight to see how you’re growing.

IBD can sometimes make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients or get the energy it needs to grow. Inflammation and some medications can also affect your growth and weight.

These measurements help your team check that you’re growing as expected and work out whether you need any extra support with food, nutrition, or treatment.

You might also talk about puberty and the changes happening to your body. Everyone develops at their own pace, and your doctor can help if you have any concerns.

🩹 Having a physical examination

Sometimes, your doctor will examine you to check how your body is doing. This might include:

• Gently feeling your tummy to check for pain or tenderness.

• Listening to your tummy with a stethoscope.

• Checking your mouth for sores.

• Looking for signs of problems outside your gut, such as sore joints or skin changes.

• Sometimes your doctor may also perform an ultrasound to get a closer look at your tummy and see what’s happening inside your body.

Your doctor will explain what they need to do before examining you. You can ask questions at any time, and you can tell them if you feel uncomfortable or worried.

You should always feel respected during your appointment.

🩸 Having blood or poo tests

Your IBD team may arrange tests to check what’s happening inside your body, even if you feel well.

Blood tests can help check for inflammation, low iron, anaemia, and other signs that your body might need extra support.

Poo tests can measure a substance called calprotectin. This helps doctors look for inflammation in your gut.

Sometimes, your team may ask for other tests, depending on your symptoms, medication, and treatment plan.

You won’t necessarily need every test at every appointment. Your team will explain which ones you need and why.

💊 Checking your medication

Your doctor or nurse will usually ask how your medication is going. They might check:

• Whether your medication is helping your symptoms.

• Whether you’ve missed any doses or found it difficult to take.

• Whether you’ve noticed any side effects.

• Whether your dose needs to change.

• Whether you need blood tests to check that your medication is safe.

If you’re struggling with tablets, injections, remembering doses, or side effects, tell your team. They may be able to help you find a solution.

Never stop or change your medication without talking to your IBD team first.

💬 Asking questions about your IBD

Your check-up is not just about answering your doctor's questions. It's also your chance to ask about anything you want to understand better.

You might want to ask:

• Is my IBD under control?

• Are my symptoms normal?

• Is my medication working?

• Can I still play sport and do the activities I enjoy?

• What should I do if I start feeling worse?

• Is there anything I should know about growing up with IBD?

If you forget what you wanted to ask, try writing your questions down before your appointment or saving them on your phone.

There are no silly questions, and you deserve to understand what’s happening with your health.

🔄 What happens if something needs to change?

Sometimes, your check-up shows that your IBD is well controlled and your treatment is working. Other times, your doctor might find signs of inflammation or discover that your medication needs adjusting.

If something needs to change, your team will talk to you about the options and explain what happens next.

You might need more tests, a different medication, or another appointment sooner than expected. This doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. IBD can change over time, and your team is there to help you manage it.

😊 How to prepare for your check-up

A little preparation can help you feel more confident before your appointment.

• Write down your symptoms. Include anything new or different, even if it seems small.

• Make a list of questions. This helps you remember what you want to ask.

• Bring your medication list. Include any vitamins or supplements you take.

• Speak up about your worries. Tell your team if something is making you anxious.

• Take someone you trust. A parent, carer, or another trusted adult can help you feel more comfortable.

As you get older, you may start taking a bigger role in your appointments. You can practise asking questions, explaining your symptoms, and understanding your treatment one step at a time.

💙 Remember, your check-up is about you

IBD check-ups help your team understand how you're doing, even when you feel fine. They can help catch problems early, keep track of your growth, and make sure your treatment is right for you.

It's completely normal to feel nervous, bored, or even frustrated about having regular appointments. But you are an important part of your healthcare team, and your thoughts and feelings matter.

Your job isn't to know everything about IBD. It's to tell your team how you're feeling and ask for help when you need it.