IBD
Do you ever feel uncomfortable telling people that your are having GI symptoms?
February 14, 2022
in IBD
Even after 25 years of dealing with GI symptoms, I often still catch myself being embarrassed or uncomfortable telling friends that I am experiencing "high output" (really just a fancy way of saying diarrhea.) It still feels taboo to discuss "bathroom habits" despite the fact that it is a major part of my life. If I have to miss an outing with friends, or cancel a date with my boyfriend, I still tend to give a fluffy answer, "oh im sick" or "my stomach is having a bad day."
It feels a little ridiculous when on the other hand I am keeping track of in's and out's, symptoms, even BM descriptions.
Anyone else have a hard time talking about GI symptoms?
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1 - 6 of 6 Replies
Care Partner of Adult
I get your discomfort, but for me, I've lived with the talk my whole life. My mother had UC (and lost her colon), and then my son followed suit (right down to the surgery as well). Also my ex-husband. So poop talk has been as natural in my life as discussing clothing, grocery shopping, or any other mundane aspect of life. But I feel for you because most people are not as comfortable talking about the most human thing ALL of us do; it's just that those with IBD do it a lot more!
I hate talking about it and for sure use the same lines -- "oh, my stomach is just having a rough day." I don't like talking about it with anyone, not even my husband. Frankly, if it's not causing any issues if you sugarcoat things like that, then I don't really think it's a problem. My husband knows now that if I say "my stomach doesn't feel great," I don't mean that I have mild stomach upset that could be solved with a little bit of Pepto Bismol. He knows that I just need my space and to not push me to do things out of my comfort zone. On the flip side, if those around you aren't getting it and you're being forced to push yourself, then I'd say it's worth being more direct about it.
Patient
I embrace it...it was not easy for the first 15 or so years (especially in work settings where I felt like I actually had something to lose) but now, it's easy. The more you talk about it (and I use levity!), the more comfortable you'll hopefully get.
Patient
YES! I try to push my own comfort level with this when I can though. This week started with a small bowel obstruction for me, and when I talked to my clients about why I was out of the office, I told them that. It felt a little weird at first but I also wanted them to understand the severity and often "I'm sick" or "stomach problems" just doesn't convey that.
I pick and choose when I'm really honest. My intestine is often real loud and I get a lot of "oh you must be hungry" from people and I do try to correct them and let them know that it just makes a lot of noise. I don't know why I do that, it would be easier to just tell them I'm hungry, but it feels like a small educational moment.
Basically if it helps you to give the full truth, I say do it. If it will just make things more complicated sugar coat it.
Patient
Learning moments...for everyone, young and old ;)
Patient
Have you had to approach this topic with anyone since you posted this @celiafairbanks05? If so, how did it go?