Treatment of your IBD will usually be shared between the hospital consultants and your GP. We work as a Team. You may not be seen by the same Consultant each time, but we do our best to make this possible.
Your GP will be kept informed of any treatment or investigations you may have and therefore should be a good source of support and information for you between appointments.
Your GP may also be involved in monitoring your bloods if you are taking certain medications for your illness.
Frequently asked questions
Whilst every patient with Inflammatory bowel disease is different there are a number of questions we are commonly asked. We have compiled a short list of the frequently asked questions to help patients manage their disease.
Who will be in charge of my treatment?
When will I be seen at the hospital IBD Clinic?
Alll patients newly diagnosed with IBD will be seen at the IBD clinic.
Clinics are held at Ninewells Hospital (Tuesday pm).
At each clinic appointment you will be seen by either a Consultant Gastroenterologist or a member of the IBD team. This may include an IBD Nurse Specialist.
Clinics are held at Ninewells Hospital (Tuesday pm).
At each clinic appointment you will be seen by either a Consultant Gastroenterologist or a member of the IBD team. This may include an IBD Nurse Specialist.
What should I do if I can't keep my appointment?
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please contact the out-patient clinic you are attending to let them know as soon as possible so your slot can be given to another patient.
What will happen at my clinic appointments?
You will be seen and assessed by a member of the IBD team.
You may be started on some medication. You will either be given a prescription in clinic or asked to collect a prescription from your GP surgery.
Blood tests are often taken in order to monitor activity of your disease and the effects of treatment. You will be notified directly or via your GP if there are any problems with these.
Further tests or investigations (eg Xrays, scans or endoscopy tests) may be required from time to time to help the medical team assess your disease and help plan treatments. These should be explained to you and where necessary information booklets may be provided.
You may be started on some medication. You will either be given a prescription in clinic or asked to collect a prescription from your GP surgery.
Blood tests are often taken in order to monitor activity of your disease and the effects of treatment. You will be notified directly or via your GP if there are any problems with these.
Further tests or investigations (eg Xrays, scans or endoscopy tests) may be required from time to time to help the medical team assess your disease and help plan treatments. These should be explained to you and where necessary information booklets may be provided.
What do I do if I have a "flare up" between clinic appointments? (General Advice)
IBD is often unpredictable as to when and how it can "flare up" and rarely coincides with a planned clinic appointment.
You can contact your GP for advice between scheduled clinics and your GP can contact the IBD medical team if they feel necessary.
If a flare is suspected you may require blood tests to be taken or a stool sample to exclude infection.
You may also need to increase the dose of your usual medication, start a new medicine such as a steroid or start a rectal medication. If this is necessary it will be advised by your doctor.
if you wish more specialised advice about your care or treatment you can contact the IBD Nurse Advice Line. We may ask you to see your GP for a clinical examination or arrange for you to be seen earlier at the hospital clinic if we cannot answer your query over the phone.
For some patients we offer a self-management plan which is a written plan on how to manage a "flare up". This plan will be agreed with you and the hospital team. If you are interested in this please ask at your next clinic appointment.
You can contact your GP for advice between scheduled clinics and your GP can contact the IBD medical team if they feel necessary.
If a flare is suspected you may require blood tests to be taken or a stool sample to exclude infection.
You may also need to increase the dose of your usual medication, start a new medicine such as a steroid or start a rectal medication. If this is necessary it will be advised by your doctor.
if you wish more specialised advice about your care or treatment you can contact the IBD Nurse Advice Line. We may ask you to see your GP for a clinical examination or arrange for you to be seen earlier at the hospital clinic if we cannot answer your query over the phone.
For some patients we offer a self-management plan which is a written plan on how to manage a "flare up". This plan will be agreed with you and the hospital team. If you are interested in this please ask at your next clinic appointment.
Where can I find out more about IBD?
You may get more information from the national patient support group Crohns and Colitis UK. it is very useful for newly diagnosed patients but can also be of use in patients who have had the disease for some time.
There is an introductory pack given to all new patients. Please ask at your next clinic if you want one.
The IBD Specialist nurses can also provide you with leaflets and information booklets on a variety of topics such as medication, dietary advice, pregnancy, smoking cessation, fatigue etc. Please ask at clinic or contact them via the telephone advice line.
There is an introductory pack given to all new patients. Please ask at your next clinic if you want one.
The IBD Specialist nurses can also provide you with leaflets and information booklets on a variety of topics such as medication, dietary advice, pregnancy, smoking cessation, fatigue etc. Please ask at clinic or contact them via the telephone advice line.
