How do you explain UC to family/friends?

Well, I'm in the point that talking about my guts is not gross or embarrassing anymore Honestly, I have to stop myself before going too much into details as for me it is just a life, my day-to-day business
My family, they got it right away. Esp my mom and my MIL, they both are very supporting and carrying, even though they live in Europe. When I was diagnosed, I supposed my mom read anything she could about the illness. My MIL was on the verge of being diagnosed with IBS, but it was "just" nerves and stressing out. But still, she had few of the symptoms and felt the reality Right now, if they have any questions, I simply answer and explain.
How about the men in my family? My hubby is very supportive, but still probably doesn't get the clue. He is very healthy person, so it's always me with some health issues. I don't think my illness keeps him awake at night, but if I flare, I know he will be there for me. Dad and FIL? Well, they know what's going on from my mom and MIL, very few direct questions from them. But it's ok with me. Still, I know I can count on them when feeling down, and if they prefer to talk about my illness with their wives, that's ok with me.
And just to finish this up. In my circle of friend, it's only me with this illness, but I don't keep it secret. Last April, when I lost like 15 lbs in a week, there was a lot of questions If somebody asks, I just answer. And believe me, Polish name for UC is very long, very detailed itself and just saying it aloud makes you more sick

It goes like this:

I say I have Ulcerative Colitis.
Typically, they'd reply "Like Crohn's?"
"Uh, sure."
"Are you sure?"
"UC is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects people in their 20s and 30s, sometimes later in life. Picture having the worse flu bug for months. Having blood come out the wrong end, and somehow you're still alive. You're white knuckling the never ending ride, and wishing you could scream "Please kill me." But the Fates just have it in for you so you're stuck with it."

They usually go pale, look sympathetic, disgusted or revolted that I informed them of it. Sarcasm works for me, not for others apparently. Neither does brutal honesty. But hey, I try my best.

I usually only tell people I'm very close with. My family knows and a few friends. I told one person at work who I'm friendly with because she was telling me about her IBS, but other than that I don't feel comfortable telling people at work. I've found most people don't understand or don't really care to understand (seems that way at least). I ask them if they've heard of Crohn's and if they have I say it's similar to that. If they don't know what Crohn's is, I say it's a chronic disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in my large intestine. I don't get into the bloody diarrhea and all the other fun stuff. :)

Sibby said...
Having blood come out the wrong end, and somehow you're still alive.

Now I can't help wondering, which is the "right" end?


With my husband, he saw my colonoscopy pictures when I was diagnosed and said, "No wonder you've been feeling bad!"