For patient education only · This guide does not replace medical advice

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Stage 5 · The Gastro Journey Guide

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Living well, day to day

Living well is about more than appointments and test results. Here are ideas and practical tips to help you manage daily life, plan ahead, and look after your wellbeing. Small steps can make a big difference.

01

Daily routines

Simple ways to build routines that support work, school, and family.

02

Food, travel & Ramadan

Practical tips for eating well, travelling safely, and planning ahead during Ramadan.

03

Support & wellbeing

Ideas to manage stress, seek support, and look after your mental and emotional health.

A person going about daily life while managing IBD
Small choices today can help you feel more prepared for everyday life.

"You don't have to put life on hold — small steps help you move forward, one day at a time."

01 · Live

Daily routines


Daily routines can help you notice patterns, prepare for appointments, and bring useful information to your healthcare professional. A routine doesn't need to be perfect — it only needs to help.

A person preparing their bag at home as part of a daily routine
Small daily routines can make managing IBD feel more manageable.

Plan your day

Choose one or two practical priorities and note anything you may need to prepare.

Keep notes nearby

Use a notebook or phone to record symptoms, questions, test results, or changes you notice.

Prepare for appointments

Bring your notes, recent test results, and questions to help guide the conversation.

Notice what changes

Watch patterns across good days and difficult days, and share what you notice.

Progress, not perfection

Celebrate progress, be patient with yourself, and keep moving forward — one day at a time.

Talk with your healthcare professional

Share what your routine reveals — it helps personalise your care.

02 · Live

Food, travel & Ramadan planning


Daily life includes many situations that may need a little extra planning. Thinking ahead can help you feel more prepared and support better conversations with your healthcare professional.

Food and meals

Notice what foods and drinks work well for you, plan regular meals to avoid long gaps, and talk to your team or dietitian with questions.

Travel and activities

Check travel insurance, keep a list of your medicines, carry a doctor's letter if needed, and plan rest stops.

Ramadan planning

If considering fasting, plan ahead and discuss early — every situation is different, so medical advice is important.

Plan ahead with confidence

Small steps today can make a big difference tomorrow.

Write it down

Note ideas, questions, and people you can speak to, so you feel more prepared.

03 · Live

Support and wellbeing


You don't have to manage things on your own. Talking with people you trust and sharing how you feel can make a big difference in daily life.

People who can help

Family or close friends, your healthcare professional, patient support groups, or a trusted colleague.

What to share

How you feel physically and emotionally, what helps and what's difficult, upcoming appointments, and any worries.

When to ask for support

If you feel overwhelmed, have trouble sleeping or concentrating, notice mood changes for several days, or need practical help.

Who can I speak to?

It may help to write down names and contact numbers of people you can talk to when you need support.

It's okay to ask for help

Lean on the people who understand and encourage you.

This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always talk with your healthcare professional about your condition and treatment.

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