How do you talk to acquaintances about your IBD?

I want to find out how some of you talk to folks you don't know so well about your illness. I talk to my family and close friends in vivid detail (certainly more than they would like sometimes!) about my UC ... I am not timid about sharing details of my symptoms, from the fatigue to the BMs. But when it comes to acquaintances and coworkers, I get stuck. When I get comments like "you were out of the office last week" or "you look tired" I find myself responding with "I haven't been feeling well lately" ... which immediately leads them to cover their nose and mouths and assume I have a nasty cold or flu! Then I find it difficult to course correct without revealing all the gory details. If someone seems interested, I will explain that I have Ulcerative Colitis but god forbid they ask what that is ... OY! I don't want to go there at work!

When my team members at work ask if I am feeling better, I know they are wondering why I am OOO every other day. While I know it's "none of their business," the truth is that I want a way to casually, and vaguely, explain that I have an autoimmune disease that is causing me to miss work, run out of meetings to the bathroom, look tired, lose weight, leave work suddenly, etc.

So my question is - what do YOU say to bosses, coworkers, your teams, casual acquaintances, neighbors, etc?

How do you respond to "are you feeling better?" when you return to work after a bad day at home on the toilet?
What do you say to the nosey neighbor wondering why you are home from work more often?
How do I avoid saying "I've been sick lately" which certainly doesn't tell the whole story.
I feel at a loss for just the right phrasing.

Thanks for all your help - I am grateful for this community.

I usually tell folks I have an auto immune disease that impacts my digestive system which leaves me feeling fatigued since my body does not absorb nutrients properly all of the time. I also say I have good days and bad days, sometimes many of one kind in a row. If people want to know more, I share, but with a warning that some details are a bit gross. I also encourage them to look it up on the internet if they feel so inclined. Most folks are happy with my basic explanation.

I find being open about it is the best way. I just tell people I have ulserative colitis I have found most people know about it or know Somone else who has it. The few people who don't I just say google it or give a brief explanation. I think if you try hide or keep quiet about about it it makes things harder.

Tell them whatever you feel comfortable with. Telling them you have an autoimmune condition that gives you a lot of fatigue and pain, with good days and bad days is likely sufficient.

I've told coworkers before that i had UC and they always forget whether it's IBS, UC, and Crohn's and use them all interchangeable when talking to me lol.

I generally find that any explanation I give is met with an awkwardness that isn't reserved for other conditions, which makes me mad - like seriously get over it people. My ex was the first (and only person) who treated me like it wasn't a big deal, and so I found myself not seeing it as a big deal and was finally free to live my life with someone who didn't care if I went to the bathroom all the time, made a racket etc. it was very limiting and just served to highlight how small-minded and ridiculous people are. It shouldn't be an issue other than you are suffering and that's not good. That being said, that's the way the world is, even my mother who made me feel as if it was some sort of shameful, disgusting secret and so I generally just stick with "I have an autoimmune condition that attacks my digestive system periodically" and if they want to ask more questions they can, most don't.

In the beginning I was always so nervous and embarrassed to talk about my symptoms, even to nurses etc. In time, I got past that stage and had no fear of telling anyone and everyone who inquired about my health. I made it very public on my Facebook page as well so all my friends and coworkers knew what I was dealing with. I also got to the point where I would crack jokes about what I have dealt with trying to lighten the mood. I had no choice but to tell my management at work and I had no issues explaining in detail what I was going through. They needed to know the extent of what the disease has done to me over the years. I will happily show my surgical scars to anyone who asks. By giving them all the details of what this disease can do, I also hope and feel that I make people aware of UC and what the disease is and can do and how debilitating it can be on the body. The management at my office always tell me that with all I've been through they were always surprised I did so with a smile on my face and so calm about the experience no matter how bad it got for me

thanks for all the advice! Already put some of it to good use with coworkers this week. I try to stay away from saying "I've been sick lately" anymore because that just causes major confusion about how I could be in the office every other day

Saying I have an auto-immune disease seems to be enough for the timid. And the "internal bleeding" statement as a follow up, if they press, is good advice

Thanks everyone