UC and how to tell your children you're sick

Hello everyone:

I wanted to ask you how to explain your kids that you have this disease and hopefully share your experiences.

In my case, I have a 3,5 year old and I'm currently on remission so he hasn't seen my symptoms and hasn't realized that something is wrong with me.

However, the other day I run off meds and I panicked a little because I couldn't find them anywhere. We were in the car going to the third drugstore and I mentioned to my husband that I only had one suppository left. My kid immediately started asking questions... Mom, are you sick? Are you going to get better? You still have one?. I could tell that he was worried and distressed. I finally told him that I was fine and that we were looking for my vitamins. I don't like lying but I don't think that he can understand the situation at his age.

Do you have any ideas of how to approach this?
Thanks in advance

I was diagnosed when my boys were 3 and 6. We told them that my tummy was sick and that I get priority for the bathroom no matter what. They know quite a bit more now that they are 9 and 12, they know what UC is and how it makes me sick. my oldest is really into the how the body works (my mother in law and two of my sisters in law are doctors) so they get a lot of exposure to simple, direct medical jargon and my oldest is thinking of going into research for auto immune conditions so I can be "cured" some day. Or he might just design video games, he isn't sure yet;) . I am a big believer in telling the truth at a level in which the kids can understand and reassuring them that I will be ok. When I was really sick this winter, I did call school to let them know that my kids are more anxious than usual because I was very ill. Teachers and the school counselor were a huge help so take advantage of the support systems in place when you need them.

Thanks!
I agree that honesty is the best approach. I'm not sure how much info to give at his age.
It's also good idea to mention the teacher the condition if it worsens

I was pregnant during my first flare and have a daughter who was two at the time. I told her I was sick; not all the gruesome details, but just that mommy's tummy wasn't feeling well, and that I needed to rest a lot. I think letting them ask questions if they want and giving simple answers (again, not evasive, but not a bunch of detail) is best. I tried to be matter-of-fact and optimistic about getting better whenever the subject came up (not easy when you think you're going to die)! Just my two cents. : )