Telling everyone
Wed, October 26, 2016 9:13 PM
Hi. Im 13 years old and I was diagnosed with Crohns disease about a year ago. This was after a couple months of struggling. I was only thought of to have Crohns because of family history. Without this I would have been misdiagnosed. I went on and off of prednisone, while also taking methotrexate and many other medicines daily but after feeling really lousy for a year I got to have another added medicine of Humira over the summer. Yay! After this happened I decided I wanted to start telling people because it is a struggle that affects my daily life. I have told my two best friends and even though I trust them like sisters it was still really hard. So basically I was wondering if anyone with similar problems had any advice on how to tell more people. P.s. Sorry for making it so long and for being sarcastic.
mda612Joined Oct 25, 2016
Mon, February 27, 2017 9:12 PM
Reply posted for sh1022.
I am now 21 and was diagnosed 2 years ago. Going to college and having a newly severe IBD diagnosis was quite a challenge. I was honestly more embarrassed the few years before my official diagnosis when I was experiencing symptoms. Telling people was a tough for the first month or two, since I was just learning myself about Crohn's and colitis.
However, I found that it is nothing to be ashamed of. I joined CCFA's Team Challenge and developed an amazing support system. Being surrounded by people who are experiencing the same chronic illness changed my perception of my disease. Team Challenge taught me to have an open mind, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor with my disease. I now never shy away from telling people about my chronic illness. Being open about my disease and treatments has made me realize who my real friends and closest family are. When you tell others about having IBD, when the time and place is right of course, they will be more understand and accommodating when you are experiencing a flare-up, have a specific diet, or are going through treatment such as Remicade.
Joined Feb 27, 2017
Sun, October 30, 2016 10:01 PM
I myself went through the same fears when I was diagnosed. I am 21 now, but was diagnosed at 15. My fear was the stigma around going to the bathroom and the sort of shame and embarrassment that went along with it. I got extremely sick this past year and had to leave college, and I came to the realization that it was just easier if people knew. My advice would be to just tell people upfront. No one has ever had a negative response to me telling them, which was a huge relief. It is hard to sum up the courage to tell someone, but once you do it truly is a big weight off your shoulders. The responses I usually get are "oh I know someone that has that" or "what is that?" I respond by saying its an autoimmune disorder that affects my digestive system. If they ask more, I tell them what I am comfortable sharing. All my friends and family know now, and I could not be happier. It is nice to not have to hide a big part of yourself, especially because IBD becomes a part of your life (at least in my case). I hope this helps a little!!
Joined Oct 30, 2016
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