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friends


Thu, September 20, 2018 6:57 PM

I used to not be very open when I was first diagnosed about my experiences and the affects Crohn's has had on me. However, I have advocated for teens with Crohn's and think awarness is important. This being said, medical details like this seem too private to introduce to my friends. Has anyone grappled with this uncertainty of how much to tell people, or to tell anyone at all? Crohn's whether I would like it to be or not, is a large part of my life. Often times people will ask where I'm at or where I've been, and I just kinda say I had a doctors appoinment and leave it at that. Looking for some advice on how much of my personal life I should share with my friends. 


FPO samzim19
Joined Sep 20, 2018

Thu, November 08, 2018 6:03 PM

Reply posted for charbs.

I agree, I only share what my audience is comfortable with. 
I am a very open person, and I am not afraid to lay it all out there but I have to know when I'm making others uncomfortable. 

I'm lucky to have friends that are very much like me, we share everything with one another. 

I have had friends in the past that would constantly make me feel bad for not going out with them, and they knew I had Crohn's disease.  I would constantly feel like I was in the wrong, but I learned I wasn't. Through trial and error I have finally learned who my real friends are, and now I know who I can rely on for support and understanding. 

I say, tell them what you're/they're comfortable with and it may even help you to talk about it!


FPO nicolieolie90
Joined Nov 8, 2018

Wed, October 31, 2018 11:24 AM

Reply posted for samzim19.

I’ve found it is better to be open with people but short on details. If you just say I have Crohn’s and leave it at that, they can Google the rest.  If you go in details too deeply, they may have a TMI reaction. I’ve told people it’s nasty but not fatal.  One of the ,most useful phrases I’ve used was, “when I say I have to go to the bathroom, you’d better get out of my way.”

FPO charbs
Joined Oct 31, 2016

Sun, September 23, 2018 1:27 PM

Reply posted for samzim19.

I’ll tell them as much as they want to hear, but you need to know your audience.many don’t want the full details.  Respect that.  Start out with general information and tell them you’re willing to tell them as much more as they want to know..  I have four daughters, one of them is very open about her period issues, the others are not.  I’ll go with whatever their comfort labels are.

FPO charbs
Joined Oct 31, 2016

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