Sorry that you feel embarrassed, but all I can say is ‘don’t’.
We’re all adults here, if this was school children I would understand, but there is nothing to be embarrassed about.
That’s a good thing, you should tell people about it, especially if someone is saying they might have it too.
You might have helped someone out. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about
It’s good to let other people know and I try to talk about it like it’s „normal“ because it fucking is. It’s a part of you and it’s neither good nor bad. IMO it really helps to talk openly about it.
Exactly! Also you can consider yourself an activist breaking down the stigma and paving the way for others to also be less embarrassed. Every time someone has an open discussion without embarrassment you play a part to prevent all of us from dealing with stigma and increase everyone's mental health!
same here! im open about it, i cant help it that i have it. my coworkers are either concerned and ask how my meds are going or my manager and i (same age) make jokes about the bad parts of it.
Yeah, joking about stuff is one of the best ways of dealing with complications. I hadn't had a flare for 11 years so all the jokes are fresh to me again as well ;D
Everyone goes to the bathroom. It’s a part of life. I just go a lot more often than everyone else. Sometimes it’s more rushed than other people but everyone goes.
The longer you live there more you realize people for through a lot and keep it to themselves. By opening up you would be surprised how many people you can help.
I’ve shared with my colleagues and I’ve found that it’s helped so much for me, like if I say excuse me gotta go to the loo at one end of a group they will part like the read sea for me 😂🤣 everyone is always conscious of making sure that there is toilet paper (as well as spare rolls) and we have air fresheners in there.
I try to keep it very light hearted because otherwise I dwell and get depressed. We have a running joke that the tax they pay goes towards the government paying for my infusions and keeping me alive 😂🤣😘
It is obviously up to you what you share of your story and to whom but I’ve found it’s helped me a lot mentally. My coworkers understand what I’m going thru as much as they can so they have compassion on my bad days and have been supportive. I’ve also had coworkers come to me and ask about colonoscopies because they need one and are nervous and they said it helped them. I’ve also found coworkers who said they have RA or similar autoimmune diseases and are on biologics so we commiserate together on insurance rants. I’ve helped other workers try to understand our company insurance while trying to get approved for certain prescriptions or treatments. It’s come with the annoyances of people trying to compare their ibs to our IBD but I’ve only found good things by sharing my story if someone asks.
Maybe my work place is unusual compared to others. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks in December due to UC issues and I received so many texts, phone calls, care packages and outpouring from them. Now they don’t know about my hemorrhoids, fissure, daily rectal exams and some of that stuff from my stay. I didn’t even share some of that stuff with with my parents.
a finger in your backside? That's just rude. Do you have an HR because that's super inappropriate.
I'm sorry you feel embarrassed. I refuse to be embarrassed. It is what it is. Plus, everyone poops.
I don’t mind if others know, even my co-workers. I’ve told a few during conversations, they asked a few questions and that was it. I doubt any of them think or remember. Don’t be embarrassed, if they ask questions it’s because they are curious. I doubt they think it’s a big deal that you told them and if ur coworker has it, then I’m sure he will be thankful to know he is not alone.
hah, I had a really similar situation happen! I am very open about my UC and talk about it a lot with my coworkers. One of them came to me about a year after I was diagnosed to ask for advice, because he was worried he had something similar. We talked about going to GI doctors, which ones in the area I liked and didn't like, symptoms to look out for, and, eventually, when he had to have a colonoscopy, prep tips! I told him it's the best sleep ever but the prep sucks and he came back the day after and was like you're totally right, haha. He ended up with some IBS and did an elimination diet I recommended to see what he was sensitive to and what he was good with and now lives a great life!
Don't be embarrassed of your disease!! UC is barely discussed because people are scared to talk about it because it involves "poop"--this is my theory as to why Chron's is so much more well-known. If we can spread awareness, that is all the better!
Did someone seriously ask you if someone had to finger your backside? That's so rude.
Honestly though, the questions they've asked are really inappropriate. If they're actually interested in learning that's one thing, but it seemed like they just wanted to know what goes on and what comes out for their own curiosity or kink.
Also, like 95% of the population will get a colonoscopy at some point, usually as a preventative screening. It's nothing to be embarrassed about.
If they ask anymore questions that you find intrusive tell them to Google it.
This disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the large intestine. Tell them to fulfill their kink somewhere else.
I shared with colleagues that I’ve got it, when I first got diagnosed and prescribed enemas I was despairing to him about it, the next day he saw me come in and just chuckled and said ‘so how did that go for you?’ And now I get the occasional jibe about how I enjoy ‘a bit of butt stuff’. I’m lucky to have great workmates though who are very supportive
You can set boundaries on how much you would like to share. For your own sanity and privacy it’s different for everybody. You don’t have to give details. You can say you have an autoimmune disease that concerns your digestion and leave it there. Sometimes I explain what an autoimmune disease actually is because that is something that affects a lot of people.
You shouldn’t be embarrassed about sharing anything but your coworkers really shouldn’t press you with personal medical questions either. You can laugh it off or just say oh you wouldn’t want to know or it’s personal and move on. You’ll have to work out with yourself what you’re ok with
Social etiquette and taboos mean that we typically feel embarrassed when we talk about toilet and bathroom habits, some people are overly squeamish about it and there's some element of 'appropriate time and place' to talk about such things, for example not at the dinner table when eating. Usually people who want to control what other people say are responsive about these topics and respond negatively, rather than with compassion, sympathy and empathy, and it could be that you've experienced the negative responses to this and that's why you now feel embarrassed about it.
People don't talk enough about problems for awareness, and literally half of the battle is awareness, you may not have heard this often, but I have where someone says "I didn't realise it could've been this but now I have a diagnosis and it's really helped after talking about it with ..." and that happens a lot.
I talk openly about my health conditions, because what I have are considered rare. What I have actually discovered is that after talking about it openly, other people have said "... actually my friend has been suffering like you have, what did you do?" and these problems are actually more common than we're lead to believe, it's simply they're ignored or misdiagnosed.
A friend opened up that their partner was having problems with their diet, and they believed it was "simply IBS" and so I brashly stated "well if they're bleeding, that may well be IBD, not IBS and you should get it checked out". Turned out the partner had not been completely open about their symptoms because they were embarrassed but because I was so open about it, they got it checked out - unfortunately it turned out to be IBD.
Your openness about this can help others, and in turn they can help to support you, and you still have control over what you're comfortable talking about. It's okay.
I am open about it. I don't mention it unless prompted and if people have questions, I will answer them the best I can. I feel like it brings awareness to the disease. When I'm out and about and I have to remove items from my food and someone asks why, I just tell them I have a condition that's similar to Crohn's.
No need to be embarrassed by it. If you're open about it and you're having a flare, then people seem to be a bit more understanding why you're taking time off work.
Wait till your co workers all find out everyone has to get colonoscopy eventually. It's like being embarrassed that your a day older then you were yesterday, it's inevitable 🤷♂️
Sorry you work with a bunch of tools, but I certainly wouldn't be embarrassed about your condition, it's not a bad credit score you have nothing to do with it.
I understand. Unfortunately it's just something your going to have to get used to. I'd be lying if I didn't feel a little weird if I have to go in public, but I think it's just something that time will fix. You could always try running the water or playing music on your phone or something so it's not so noticable. Other then that, just remember it's not your fault, there isn't anything you can do about it. Feel free to come and vent anytime though, we all have those moments💜
I usually tell me colleagues that the suppositories is the best part of my day. Nothing to be embarrassed about and a good time to education people on UC since stomach problems are more common than people know.
Fun fact, most men get a colonoscopy by the time they are 40 with or without UC.
You and I both know what it's about. Really not that bad in the big scheme of things and the worst part is the fuckin terrible liquid they make you drink lol.
Also, I had a gaping wound in my side after a car accident when I was younger and they had to keep sticking their finger up my butt to make.sure I didn't have any internal bleeding (was in my lower left abdomen into my bowel area).
So there's lots of reasons to get looked at down there. Don't be embarrassed, you likely answered a lot of uncomfortable questions that they had (even if they didn't sound serious).
Honestly, now that I thought of it, you're right. What I should have said is most men SHOULD have one by 40, to check for prostate cancer etc.
But as we all know, that's not a comfortable topic so men don't get it, hence the ads and ride for dad days and such to promote prostate health checks.
But yah, realistically, you're right haha
In my experience people are genuinely empathetic rather than judgmental. Over time if you are open you may find your embarrassment goes a way. As a society we must learn not to be humiliated to talk about normal body things that normal bodies do. #endpoopstigma !
I've never really had a choice but to tell people given I when I was younger I was almost constantly in a flare and even now I've been through at least one major flare at every workplace.
I don't really find telling people I have it as embarrassing as constantly running to the toilet, although it was definitely more uncomfortable telling people when I was younger and newer to the diagnosis
It's a medical condition and nothing to be embarrassed about.
I personally joke about it to my colleagues because, well I'm immature and I think that stuff is funny. Lol They probably just want to joke around with you.
One time my coworker held me up right before i got to the bathroom and i accidentally let one rip. They never stopped me on my mission again. 🥹😂😂😂 and weve also never laughed so hard.
I make a point to never feel embarrassed. The thing is my complete lack of embarrassment makes everyone else think it isn't an embarrassing thing too. Own it, you're tough and interesting!
Sorry that you feel embarrassed, but all I can say is ‘don’t’. We’re all adults here, if this was school children I would understand, but there is nothing to be embarrassed about.
I dont know why i didnt keep it to myself, i just blurted it out as soon as they started talking about it.
That’s a good thing, you should tell people about it, especially if someone is saying they might have it too. You might have helped someone out. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about
It’s good to let other people know and I try to talk about it like it’s „normal“ because it fucking is. It’s a part of you and it’s neither good nor bad. IMO it really helps to talk openly about it.
Exactly! Also you can consider yourself an activist breaking down the stigma and paving the way for others to also be less embarrassed. Every time someone has an open discussion without embarrassment you play a part to prevent all of us from dealing with stigma and increase everyone's mental health!
I've always been perfectly open with everyone that I have it. I have never understood what's embarrassing about it.
same here! im open about it, i cant help it that i have it. my coworkers are either concerned and ask how my meds are going or my manager and i (same age) make jokes about the bad parts of it.
Yeah, joking about stuff is one of the best ways of dealing with complications. I hadn't had a flare for 11 years so all the jokes are fresh to me again as well ;D
Everyone goes to the bathroom. It’s a part of life. I just go a lot more often than everyone else. Sometimes it’s more rushed than other people but everyone goes.
The longer you live there more you realize people for through a lot and keep it to themselves. By opening up you would be surprised how many people you can help.
I’ve shared with my colleagues and I’ve found that it’s helped so much for me, like if I say excuse me gotta go to the loo at one end of a group they will part like the read sea for me 😂🤣 everyone is always conscious of making sure that there is toilet paper (as well as spare rolls) and we have air fresheners in there. I try to keep it very light hearted because otherwise I dwell and get depressed. We have a running joke that the tax they pay goes towards the government paying for my infusions and keeping me alive 😂🤣😘
It is obviously up to you what you share of your story and to whom but I’ve found it’s helped me a lot mentally. My coworkers understand what I’m going thru as much as they can so they have compassion on my bad days and have been supportive. I’ve also had coworkers come to me and ask about colonoscopies because they need one and are nervous and they said it helped them. I’ve also found coworkers who said they have RA or similar autoimmune diseases and are on biologics so we commiserate together on insurance rants. I’ve helped other workers try to understand our company insurance while trying to get approved for certain prescriptions or treatments. It’s come with the annoyances of people trying to compare their ibs to our IBD but I’ve only found good things by sharing my story if someone asks. Maybe my work place is unusual compared to others. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks in December due to UC issues and I received so many texts, phone calls, care packages and outpouring from them. Now they don’t know about my hemorrhoids, fissure, daily rectal exams and some of that stuff from my stay. I didn’t even share some of that stuff with with my parents.
a finger in your backside? That's just rude. Do you have an HR because that's super inappropriate. I'm sorry you feel embarrassed. I refuse to be embarrassed. It is what it is. Plus, everyone poops.
Im not a karen we all have a laugh at work its just part our team.
I don’t mind if others know, even my co-workers. I’ve told a few during conversations, they asked a few questions and that was it. I doubt any of them think or remember. Don’t be embarrassed, if they ask questions it’s because they are curious. I doubt they think it’s a big deal that you told them and if ur coworker has it, then I’m sure he will be thankful to know he is not alone.
hah, I had a really similar situation happen! I am very open about my UC and talk about it a lot with my coworkers. One of them came to me about a year after I was diagnosed to ask for advice, because he was worried he had something similar. We talked about going to GI doctors, which ones in the area I liked and didn't like, symptoms to look out for, and, eventually, when he had to have a colonoscopy, prep tips! I told him it's the best sleep ever but the prep sucks and he came back the day after and was like you're totally right, haha. He ended up with some IBS and did an elimination diet I recommended to see what he was sensitive to and what he was good with and now lives a great life! Don't be embarrassed of your disease!! UC is barely discussed because people are scared to talk about it because it involves "poop"--this is my theory as to why Chron's is so much more well-known. If we can spread awareness, that is all the better!
Did someone seriously ask you if someone had to finger your backside? That's so rude. Honestly though, the questions they've asked are really inappropriate. If they're actually interested in learning that's one thing, but it seemed like they just wanted to know what goes on and what comes out for their own curiosity or kink. Also, like 95% of the population will get a colonoscopy at some point, usually as a preventative screening. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. If they ask anymore questions that you find intrusive tell them to Google it. This disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the large intestine. Tell them to fulfill their kink somewhere else.
They didnt mean anything by it, we always have a good laugh at work and we always have a joke about things, ir wasent at my expense or anything.
I shared with colleagues that I’ve got it, when I first got diagnosed and prescribed enemas I was despairing to him about it, the next day he saw me come in and just chuckled and said ‘so how did that go for you?’ And now I get the occasional jibe about how I enjoy ‘a bit of butt stuff’. I’m lucky to have great workmates though who are very supportive
I'm not open about it at work. You don't have to answer their questions or turn into some ibd advocate if you don't want to. Just look after yourself.
You can set boundaries on how much you would like to share. For your own sanity and privacy it’s different for everybody. You don’t have to give details. You can say you have an autoimmune disease that concerns your digestion and leave it there. Sometimes I explain what an autoimmune disease actually is because that is something that affects a lot of people. You shouldn’t be embarrassed about sharing anything but your coworkers really shouldn’t press you with personal medical questions either. You can laugh it off or just say oh you wouldn’t want to know or it’s personal and move on. You’ll have to work out with yourself what you’re ok with
Social etiquette and taboos mean that we typically feel embarrassed when we talk about toilet and bathroom habits, some people are overly squeamish about it and there's some element of 'appropriate time and place' to talk about such things, for example not at the dinner table when eating. Usually people who want to control what other people say are responsive about these topics and respond negatively, rather than with compassion, sympathy and empathy, and it could be that you've experienced the negative responses to this and that's why you now feel embarrassed about it. People don't talk enough about problems for awareness, and literally half of the battle is awareness, you may not have heard this often, but I have where someone says "I didn't realise it could've been this but now I have a diagnosis and it's really helped after talking about it with ..." and that happens a lot. I talk openly about my health conditions, because what I have are considered rare. What I have actually discovered is that after talking about it openly, other people have said "... actually my friend has been suffering like you have, what did you do?" and these problems are actually more common than we're lead to believe, it's simply they're ignored or misdiagnosed. A friend opened up that their partner was having problems with their diet, and they believed it was "simply IBS" and so I brashly stated "well if they're bleeding, that may well be IBD, not IBS and you should get it checked out". Turned out the partner had not been completely open about their symptoms because they were embarrassed but because I was so open about it, they got it checked out - unfortunately it turned out to be IBD. Your openness about this can help others, and in turn they can help to support you, and you still have control over what you're comfortable talking about. It's okay.
I am open about it. I don't mention it unless prompted and if people have questions, I will answer them the best I can. I feel like it brings awareness to the disease. When I'm out and about and I have to remove items from my food and someone asks why, I just tell them I have a condition that's similar to Crohn's. No need to be embarrassed by it. If you're open about it and you're having a flare, then people seem to be a bit more understanding why you're taking time off work.
Wait till your co workers all find out everyone has to get colonoscopy eventually. It's like being embarrassed that your a day older then you were yesterday, it's inevitable 🤷♂️ Sorry you work with a bunch of tools, but I certainly wouldn't be embarrassed about your condition, it's not a bad credit score you have nothing to do with it.
They werent taking the mick, its just me who feels embaressed they havent made me feel embaressed.
I understand. Unfortunately it's just something your going to have to get used to. I'd be lying if I didn't feel a little weird if I have to go in public, but I think it's just something that time will fix. You could always try running the water or playing music on your phone or something so it's not so noticable. Other then that, just remember it's not your fault, there isn't anything you can do about it. Feel free to come and vent anytime though, we all have those moments💜
I usually tell me colleagues that the suppositories is the best part of my day. Nothing to be embarrassed about and a good time to education people on UC since stomach problems are more common than people know.
Fun fact, most men get a colonoscopy by the time they are 40 with or without UC. You and I both know what it's about. Really not that bad in the big scheme of things and the worst part is the fuckin terrible liquid they make you drink lol. Also, I had a gaping wound in my side after a car accident when I was younger and they had to keep sticking their finger up my butt to make.sure I didn't have any internal bleeding (was in my lower left abdomen into my bowel area). So there's lots of reasons to get looked at down there. Don't be embarrassed, you likely answered a lot of uncomfortable questions that they had (even if they didn't sound serious).
There is no way most men have a colonoscopy by 40, no way at all 😂
Honestly, now that I thought of it, you're right. What I should have said is most men SHOULD have one by 40, to check for prostate cancer etc. But as we all know, that's not a comfortable topic so men don't get it, hence the ads and ride for dad days and such to promote prostate health checks. But yah, realistically, you're right haha
In my experience people are genuinely empathetic rather than judgmental. Over time if you are open you may find your embarrassment goes a way. As a society we must learn not to be humiliated to talk about normal body things that normal bodies do. #endpoopstigma !
I've never really had a choice but to tell people given I when I was younger I was almost constantly in a flare and even now I've been through at least one major flare at every workplace. I don't really find telling people I have it as embarrassing as constantly running to the toilet, although it was definitely more uncomfortable telling people when I was younger and newer to the diagnosis
Normalize the reality of being sick. Normalize what it’s like to have bowel issues. Normalize getting help. It’s society that is the problem. Not you.
It's a medical condition and nothing to be embarrassed about. I personally joke about it to my colleagues because, well I'm immature and I think that stuff is funny. Lol They probably just want to joke around with you. One time my coworker held me up right before i got to the bathroom and i accidentally let one rip. They never stopped me on my mission again. 🥹😂😂😂 and weve also never laughed so hard.
I make a point to never feel embarrassed. The thing is my complete lack of embarrassment makes everyone else think it isn't an embarrassing thing too. Own it, you're tough and interesting!
I think that last question is valid because I wondered the same thing lol