Newly diagnosed IBD: first-week Foundation pathway
Selected Crohn's & Colitis Foundation educational content and Marks are used on IBDPal under license. This page summarizes how to use Foundation patient education and links to the original Foundation sources. The Foundation does not endorse IBDPal or MediVue. Education only, not medical advice.
Day 1 to 2: orient with trusted education
Read Foundation What is IBD and your disease-type page so vocabulary matches what your GI said.
Save the Foundation IBD Help Center number for education questions that are not emergencies.
Avoid drastic DIY diets or stopping medicines without clinician guidance.
Day 3 to 5: build your visit kit
List medications, allergies, surgeries, and top three goals for the next appointment.
Start a simple IBDPal log for stools, pain, food, and energy.
Ask about labs, imaging follow-up, vaccines, and who to call after hours.
Day 6 to 7: support and sustainability
Look up your Foundation chapter or a support group if peer connection would help.
Share one Foundation page with a caregiver so they learn from the same source.
Plan sleep, hydration, and work or school adjustments with your clinician's advice.
Practical tips
- Emergencies go to urgent care or ER pathways, not Help Center education lines
- Write questions before each specialist visit
- Return to Foundation basics when relatives send conflicting advice
Common questions
Should I read everything online in week one?
No. Stick to Foundation basics and your clinic's handouts first. Too many unverified sources raises anxiety.
Can IBDPal replace my first GI visits?
No. Tracking supports visits. Diagnosis and therapy plans require your care team.
Related resources
- Foundation patients and caregivers
- Foundation IBD Help Center
- What is IBD? Foundation basics
- Newly diagnosed hub
- Visit prep
- Foundation resources hub
Educational only. Not medical advice. Work with your IBD care team.
Read the full interactive version on ibdpal.org.