Learn
What is IBD? A clear place to start
Understand inflammatory bowel disease, the difference between Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, and useful questions for your next appointment.
3 minute read Practical guide
The IBD Community journal
For the questions
between appointments.
Practical guides you can read, save, and bring into a conversation.
Learn
Crohn's disease: understanding your diagnosis
Learn the basics of Crohn's disease, common symptoms, how it is assessed, and questions that make your next GI conversation more useful.
3 minute read Practical guide
Learn
Ulcerative colitis: the basics and your next questions
A plain-language introduction to ulcerative colitis, common symptoms, assessment, and questions to discuss with your GI care team.
3 minute read Practical guide
Learn
IBD vs IBS: similar names, different conditions
Understand the main difference between inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, and how to prepare for a diagnostic discussion.
3 minute read Practical guide
Learn
IBD tests: what to ask about blood, stool and endoscopy
Understand the role of common IBD tests and prepare practical questions about results, preparation and follow-up with your care team.
3 minute read Practical guide
Learn
IBD treatment options: preparing for the conversation
Understand the broad goals of Crohn's and ulcerative colitis treatment and prepare questions about benefits, risks, monitoring and daily life.
3 minute read Practical guide
Everyday life
Before your next GI visit, write these three things down
Prepare for a gastroenterology appointment with a short summary of changes, daily-life concerns and the questions you most want answered.
3 minute read Practical guide
Everyday life
IBD fatigue: explaining what tired really means
Learn why fatigue deserves a conversation with your IBD team and how to describe its effect on work, sleep and everyday life.
3 minute read Practical guide
Everyday life
A food diary that helps you ask better questions
Use simple food and symptom notes to prepare for a conversation with your IBD team or dietitian, without turning every meal into a rule.
3 minute read Practical guide
Research
Considering an IBD clinical trial? Start with your questions
Understand IBD clinical trial participation, informed consent, practical questions, and places to explore research opportunities without pressure.
3 minute read Practical guide
Everyday life
Navigating Relationships While Living with IBD
Practical ways to explain IBD, ask for support, cancel plans and set boundaries while protecting the privacy and relationships that matter to you.
3 minute read Practical guide
Everyday life
IBD care: common pitfalls and questions to ask
Practical ways to discuss medication barriers, follow-up, supplements and confusing online advice with your IBD care team, without blame.
3 minute read Practical guide
Everyday life
Newly diagnosed with IBD? Start with one next step
A manageable starting point after a Crohn’s or colitis diagnosis: organize your questions, understand your next appointment and find support.
3 minute read Practical guide
Everyday life
A low-energy day with IBD: make a smaller plan
Build a realistic plan for an IBD fatigue day, with essential tasks, flexible plans, room for rest and notes to discuss with your care team.
3 minute read Practical guide
Everyday life
IBD at work or school: plan the conversation
Practical ways to discuss IBD at work or school, identify everyday needs and prepare a clear request without sharing more than you want.
3 minute read Practical guide
Everyday life
Travelling with IBD: a plan that leaves room for life
Plan an outing or trip with Crohn’s or colitis: personal supplies, restroom stops, medicine questions and a flexible backup plan.
3 minute read Practical guide
Everyday life
The emotional side of IBD deserves care too
Make space for the emotional impact of IBD, find words for a care conversation and understand what wellbeing questionnaires can and cannot tell you.
3 minute read Practical guide
Everyday life
Supporting someone with IBD: small things that help
Practical ways to support a friend, partner or family member with Crohn’s or colitis: listen, offer specific help and respect their choices.
3 minute read Practical guide
Everyday life
Finding an IBD community that feels right for you
Explore support groups, practical email resources and ways to connect with people living with Crohn’s or colitis, at your own pace.
3 minute read Practical guide
Everyday life
Eating out with IBD: make the plan work for you
Practical planning for a meal out with Crohn’s or colitis: choose a venue, communicate your needs and leave room to change plans.
3 minute read Practical guide