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Explaining fatigue/symptoms to others

Thu, December 25, 2014 4:08 PM

Hello, I was diagnosed with UC in 2010. This has been an exceptionally tough year for me and my symptoms have sent me into a flare again. How do I explain to others the reason I'm always tired and wanting to sleep instead of being the normally active person I am going to the gym is because of my condition? I feel lost and feel like people don't understand. I feel guilty for having to leave family and friend gatherings early due to blood in stool, severe fatigue, and more. Any suggestions? I'm looking for friends of this community to help me get through this rough flare. Thank you so much!

emily kate
Joined Jan 25, 2011

Mon, February 09, 2015 8:58 PM

Reply posted for emily kate.

Hello! I've had only one flare since being diagnosed with UC in 2012, and I found it hard to explain to people what was going on. Actually, it was only my family and my best friends who knew I was having a flare. I would try to go about my daily life as normally as possible, but I would get so distracted sitting in class. I would tell people that I wasn't feeling good because of my UC and they would respect that and sort of leave me alone instead of pestering me with questions.

I took it day by day, not sure if I was going to need surgery or not, and fortunately I didn't. I think it was due to me constantly being stressed out about things. I think that being laid back for awhile and talking to those close to you about how you feel would make you feel better overall. I know it helped me having friends who knew what was going on. People won't make it a big deal if you don't want them to, and they won't judge you for anything. I know a flare can be really scary and hard to deal with, but having some people to talk to and be there to support you is always a good thing. Anyway, I don't think I really answered your question, but hopefully this was a little comforting. Good luck, and feel better!

appleblossom24
Joined Feb 9, 2015

Fri, January 30, 2015 9:08 PM

I feel your pain. I have been battling ulcerative colitis since January 2012. My job as a physical therapist assistant has suffered, and so have my coworkers. I am now the outcast at work. People ignore me and talk about me behind my back (my boss told me this).<br /> No one truly understands what we go through. Like trying your best to stay hydrated when you have constant diarrhea. Or just trying to stay awake long enough to put your 40 hours in.<br /> The truth is, no one can really understand IBD unless they have it. I wish I could help you. But I want you to know that I know what you're going through. And I'm sorry. We all must realize that not everyone is going to understand our condition.

saydani
Joined Jan 30, 2015

Tue, January 27, 2015 1:43 PM

Reply posted for emily kate.

I hate that you go through this, but I get it. People want to assume you're well now, and somebody who hasn't had Crohn's can't comprehend the symptoms, or the embarrassment. It's taken me years (I was diagnosed in 1990), but I have come to the point of simply being open about it. Tell people how you feel. Not that they'll fully understand, but so many hear I have Crohn's and, because I don't look sick, assume it's in remission and I'm fully well. Most don't understand that Crohn's is an every day thing. Hang in there!

keving
Joined Jan 27, 2015

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