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lack of concentration and anger

Thu, July 08, 2010 1:19 PM

I guess I just need to vent, but I am fed up right now. I don't know how to explain to people what I have. They keep asking me if it is what I am eating that does it? I have to break appointments and sometimes I am just so tired and disgusted I cannot show up. I am angry too.

What do you say to people? I try to keep it to myself, so I don't go around telling people what I have and when I am sick, but this isn't working too. Just don't want to socialize at this point want to hide. Mokie

mokie
Joined Apr 16, 2008

Tue, August 03, 2010 5:03 PM

Reply posted for mokie.

I have been and still continue to go through day/episodes where i can't get up because I don't have energy or I just dont feel well enough to do anything. People think I'm lazy which is the last thing I am. I have come to understand that people are just ignorant to our disease/illness and if they had what we have, they would feel the same exact way at some point. Give people this site and tell them to read posts in the forum. They can learn about the disease if they wish. Give them the resources and they can do the rest if they are interested.

I isolate too. Like to be alone and shut out the world. It's not healthy and I try not to. Try to get outdoors in the sunshine, call a friend. It helps.

Be blessed & hope this helps

alivein315
Joined May 30, 2009

Wed, July 28, 2010 12:00 AM

Reply posted for mokie.

I know what you mean. People say things like "I've heard of IBS" and you have to say "No it's IBD" Sometimes I feel like carrying around a fact sheet and handing it to people. I think people would think that was wierd though...

tilkka
Joined May 9, 2010

Fri, July 09, 2010 12:00 AM

Reply posted for mokie.

It is so frustrating, isn't it? This disease in general, but the particulars of it, too. The way people misunderstand it and misunderstand you. Even the ones who sort of "get it" can never really understand because they don't feel it. That's why it's good to know others who have the same disease, because they can relate. But it is so important that you maintain your relationships, too. Do everything you can not to break appointments. I know how hard it is, and I do my fair share of cancelling, but do everything you can to be there because it is so good for your spirits to be around your friends. It helps you to feel more like you are in your "normal" routine. Don't you think?

Also, when explaining this to other people, I've found that what works the best is to use tangibles. People don't understand what it means to say your organs get inflammed. Yea, so who cares? It doesn't mean anything to them. But if it's appropriate, I will give a detail like "I haven't had solid food in two weeks" or like I told another poster, I showed my HR manager all of my medicine and I had about 30 different scripts. Or that I have to use baby wipes and diaper rash ointment. Visualizations seem to have a big impact. But it should probably be an appropriate situation. Cuz I agree w/ the other person that sometimes the least amount of details is better.

debbates101
Joined Jun 23, 2010

Fri, July 09, 2010 12:00 AM

Reply posted for Joe.

Thanks Joe. I am going to try to say what I have the way you mentioned. There are groups in my area, I will look for one.

mokie
Joined Apr 16, 2008

Thu, July 08, 2010 10:41 PM

Reply posted for mokie.

Sick people and well people do not mix very well. Just tell them that you have a disease of the intestinal tract that is not curable. The less said the better. People mean well, they just want it all wrapped up in a neat little package like religion and baseball, etc., etc. Are there any support groups in your area (Crohns & Colitis Community)? It is hard enough to deal with well meaning people when you are well, impossible when you are chronically ill. Hope you can find other IBD people.

Joe