Social interactions

That happens to me also. I think it's because while I'm out especially I have so much anxiety about getting a sudden urgency attack, it's constantly something I'm thinking about. Trying to hold a conversation and trying to have a good time, pretending nothing is wrong with that on your mind is really exhausting.

The longer I'm out the worse that gets....because if I've been doing relatively well I know it's just a matter of time before an attack comes, and it gets harder for me to ignore it.

I'm wondering if I'm i ever get into remission (or get surgey) if this is something that will go away...probably over time. Have to get into remission first though!

I've found that it is impossible to have any semblance of social energy when I don't have my health in order. My mental state aligns pretty well with my physical state. Flares do change the balance of our neurotransmitters in our body so that could be one reason why.

That's why I would sacrifice just about everything to have good health first... even friendship and family. I think everything starts falling into place once that happens.

Are you not finding any relief yet from the Humira Chrissy?

IBD is exhausting, inflammation alone can bring that on let alone frequent trips back and forth to the toilet and that commonly leads to not really wanting to socialize because it's stressful when you're not feeling good (that's why I don't know how so many are able to hold down jobs along with everything else that needs to get done) so it's important to get as much rest and relaxation you can get...I hope you start to feel improvements with the Humira soon, I still get tired (though I still have my frequency issues with the IBS) but it's a little better compared to when my flare would get severe on me.

Were you prone to introversion and social anxiety prior to UC? Perhaps that is simply being magnified now that you have UC to deal with as well. I would say that is completely normal.

One of the biggest problems is getting those around us to acknowledge that what we have is serious and not just some collection of common GI symptoms. The usual eye-rollers for me are "you should cut out gluten!", "you need to do a detox!" or "I know a great nutritionist!". It's not their fault, but it can be tough to have to smile and nod when what you really want to do is slap them in the face. Sometimes I tell people I have Crohns (I don't), just because more people are familiar with that one.

I started Remicade yesterday. When people found out I was spending half a day in hospital with an IV in my arm, I had this sudden rush of texts and messages from people wishing me well. As if they all collectively realised that this thing is serious.

Post Edited (kiwi-) : 4/20/2015 1:30:03 PM (GMT-6)

And isn't it sad that this disease can affect every aspect of our lives, that we can so easily become hermits just because it seems easier to stay at home where it feels safer but really it's just chipping away at our confidence to do something as simple as socialized eating...it's cruel, just cruel what this disease does to our poor souls.

I'm fine with social events, now that I'm in remission, but I also went while simmering uc symptoms were present. I've never been a socialite, but do enjoy the occasional drink/dinner with friends on the town. I totally get how uc makes one more anxious about it though. If you're not flaring badly, I'd say go and have some fun.

I'm very antisocial, and this was before I got UC!! I simply cannot be bothered to make the effort to meet new people anymore, it takes it out of me somehow, and when I have made the effort to meet up with people in the past I then need to recharge my batteries afterwards for quite some time, and so I would rather not bother. Also its tricky if people want to eat out, I can't really do that anymore being gluten and dairy intolerant, its just too much hassle and so I would just rather cook at home now.

I do think that some people are simply happier on their own.

What I don't like about meeting new people is that they are wont to ask lots of questions, which of course is quite natural and normal, but I struggle with small talk, I can't seem to keep it going, Lord knows I've tried!! and so I can't see that changing any time soon, and with regard to shopping, like yourself I prefer to be on my own because if I have someone with me, I then feel like it's my responsibility to keep them happy and entertained, which of course just exhausts me even more Ha ha!

I love shopping alone too. It's the best!!! I am the same way as you guys I am really effected by others and interacting etc.pb- I think I am lactose intolerant. What's cool is I did get this yogurt that has lactase in it and it didn't make me sick!! also about the restaurants, that is one of the most stressful things for me. Especially when people are like why can't you have that etc. and when I have dinner at my family's they many times forget about my intolerance. Only my mom remembers lol so I get sick :((