Living with IBD

A full life is possible with the right treatment and follow-up

• Work
• Travel
• Exercise

The disease is part of your life, not all of it

A message of hope

Many patients study, work, travel and raise families. Living well with the disease starts with understanding it and sticking to your treatment plan.

You are not alone; the clinic team is your partner at every stage.

At work and in education

Work and study

• Talk to your employer when needed — about simple needs such as easy access to a toilet and flexible hours
• Medical reports — the clinic can give you a report explaining your condition and your needs
• For students — tell your school or university so exams can be arranged and absences related to treatment taken into account
• Plan your treatment appointments — to fit around your work or studies as far as possible

Travel safely

Travel

• Enough medicine for the whole trip plus extra — and carry it in your hand luggage
• Medicines that need to be kept cold — use a cool bag, and carry a medical letter for the airport
• Vaccinations before travel — some live vaccines, such as yellow fever, are not given with immune-suppressing treatments; see the clinic four to six weeks before you travel
• Beware of infections from food and water — drink bottled water and take care with food hygiene

Habits that support your health

Lifestyle

• Regular physical activity — such as walking and swimming; suitable for most patients
• Stopping smoking — all types, including shisha
• Enough regular sleep — helps you cope with tiredness and stress
• Avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers — such as ibuprofen and diclofenac; paracetamol is usually a suitable alternative. Do not stop aspirin prescribed for your heart without advice

Your mental health is part of treatment

Mental health

Anxiety, stress and low mood are common with long-term conditions and can make you feel your symptoms more. Asking for support is a sign of awareness, not weakness.

Tell us if you feel persistently distressed; you can be referred to a mental health specialist.

Tiredness is not laziness

Fatigue

• Look for the causes with your doctor — such as anaemia, low iron, low vitamin D, and disease activity
• Build up activity gradually — regular light movement improves energy over time
• Organise your day — and take short rest breaks between tasks
• Talk about it in clinic — tiredness is a real symptom that deserves assessment

Living with the disease: the summary

Key messages

• A full life is possible with treatment and follow-up
• Plan ahead for work and travel
• Physical activity and stopping smoking support your health
• Avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers without advice
• Your mental health is part of treatment

Contact the clinic if you have:

• A need for a report for work or study
• Ongoing tiredness that affects your day
• A wish for help to stop smoking
• Plans for travel or vaccinations
• Ongoing distress or anxiety
• Symptoms while travelling

If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain or a very high temperature, go straight to the nearest emergency department.