IBD FAQs

It is not yet know exactly what causes Crohn’s and colitis, research believes that it may be a combination of different factors including genetics, viruses, bacteria, diet, smoking, certain medication and stress have all been listed but there is no definite evidence.

There is no single factor that may have caused your IBD, however it is thought that interaction among these elements may have contributed to the development of IBD.

There is currently no cure available, however we can use medicine to achieve remission of symptoms and bowel wall healing. You can also adapt lifestyle choices to help with your disease, such as management of stress and anxiety, stopping smoking and adapting diet and exercise. Surgery may be an option at some point.

You can email the team at: nwangliaft.medicineopbkingteam@nhs.net

If they are unable to help, you could try the IBD admin email address: 

• Peterborough:  nwangliaft.ibdsnteam@nhs.net  
• Hinchingbrooke: nwangliaft.hhibdnurseteam@nhs.net

There are no specific diets that will completely stop your symptoms or prevent a flare up in the future. Most people find when they are having a flare up they are better if they eat foods that are lower in fibre as a temporary measure.

Crohn’s and Colitis UK booklet “Living with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis” is free to download from their website and gives lots of useful advice about diet. You can access it here.

If you need more help and advice about your diet, especially if you are losing weight and struggling to eat because of your symptoms, please ask your IBD team or GP to refer you to a Dietitian. There are Dietetic teams at the Hospital or in the Community.

Anti-inflammatory medications (also called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs /NSAIDS) eg ibuprofen (nurofen), voltarol and aspirin can worsen your bowel symptoms. Where possible you should avoid taking these types of medications.

Paracetamol based medications are best for pain relief.

Take your medications as prescribed and do not stop them even if you are feeling better. Ensure that you have adequate supply of your medication and get your repeat prescriptions in good time.

If you are suffering from a flare, prompt action can often prevent a flare      from getting worse. If your symptoms are flaring for more than 48 hours      then please contact your GP or the IBD nurse helpline for further advice.

Many patients report that their symptoms of IBD worsen in stressful periods. Being mindful to stressful situations and adopting stress management techniques can be helpful.

Try to avoid situations that could lead to a gastrointestinal infection. So  store, prepare and cook your food appropriately. Pay attention to your      hand hygiene. Take appropriate precautions during foreign travel.

You can access practical advice here.

Your hospital consultant has overall responsibility for care of your IBD, but the treatment of your IBD is usually shared between your GP and your IBD team. Whilst we see many patients with IBD, your own GP may only have a few patients with the condition. Some GPs will defer a lot of the decision making about your care to the hospital IBD team, whilst others are happy to manage problems at their own surgery but we try to adopt a shared care approach.

Always tell your IBD team if you are thinking of starting a family. The recommendation is to try to be in remission from your condition before you try to start a family.

Most patients with Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's disease can expect to have a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby; however there may be some risks. This is why it is important for your discuss your pregnancy with the hospital IBD team. It is important not to stop any medication until you have spoken to your team. There is also some useful information sheets on the Crohn's and Colitis UK website

Blood tests are needed to monitor your condition and the medication you are on. When you're ongoing with biologic medication, you will receive a virtual clinic letter. This letter gives you information on when to have your blood tests for your next prescription, and contains the blood test forms. It is the patient's responsibility to book this blood test. Once the team has received the results they will be able to issue your next prescription.

You can then take the forms to the blood test department at Peterborough or Stamford hospital or your GP surgery. If you live out of our area it is very useful to contact us on the advice line the day after you have had them done so we can request the results. Some blood tests can take two weeks to return, we normally write to you or phone you if there are any concerns with them.

Patient Panel top tip: When you receive your virtual clinic letter, make a note in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone of the date to book your blood test.

It is normal to have times when you feel sad and anxious. This can happen more often if you suffer from any chronic disease, including IBD. You are most at risk of anxiety or depression when your symptoms are worse but living with the unpredictability and fluctuations of IBD means you may experience mental health problems even if your IBD is well controlled.

If you do need to speak to someone regarding your mental health then there are many helpful services available that you can self refer to. You can also speak to your IBD Team or GP.

In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough there is the CPFT Talking Therapies

In Lincolnshire there is the Steps2change service

In addition you can visit the Mind website

Using a suppository or enema can be an extremely effective way of getting medication directly to the inflamed part of your bowel and can help to get your symptoms under control more quickly. We would recommend that if advised, you try them. Occasionally some people do not tolerate using them if this is the case inform your IBD team.

This is a test that shows us how much active inflammation you have in your bowel. You need to put about an inch in depth of bowel motion (solid or liquid) into a pot, fully label the pot and then take it to your GP or hospital the same day. The result takes a week to return.

The professional that requested the test should then contact you either by a letter or by phone if there is any concern with the result.

If you're living with gut pain, bloating or changes to your poo, you're not alone. This link explains what your GP may do and the tests you might need. It can help you: Support for adults