Helping Others Understand

[odeto]

Does anyone else have trouble getting their friends or family to understand how serious this disease is when it gets bad? When I tell them I have Crohn's, some of them believe it to be just bad indigestion. It's really frustrating sometimes. I'm looking for some guidance on how to enlighten those that are misinformed. Thanks!

 

[xX_LittleMissValentine_Xx]

It is really hard.
You have to understand that to some extent - people will never understand.
I guess just trying to explain as much as possible how the illness effects you or what the risks/worst case situation is.
Explaining that actually you won't ever get better completely, even if it goes away for a while.

 

[leahsmom]

If you ever figure it out let us know, I agree it's ver frustrating. I have to say most teachers have been understanding.

Mom of 15 yr old with crohns

 

[CDJ]

Oh, yes I get this all the time. My son is the one with crohns and was pretty ill recently and in hospital for 3 weeks. I still get asked if it was caused because of something he ate [ including my ex and his grandparents] :ymad: I do try to inform people as to what crohns is but most of the time they don't understand.

 

[ProspectorsQuartet]

My experience is that the people who were ever going to "get it", only need to have Crohn's explained to them once. They sometimes even come back to me saying that they read up on it in their free time and understand how serious the condition is.

Sometimes I also tell people who won't "get it" ( and I usually know ahead of time who these people are) that I have some type of an auto-immune disease that happens to be similar to lupus or multiple-sclerosis.

Whatever works I say.

 

[JoFowler]

Yes, some people are understanding, others, not so much! I am slowly learning to accept that certain aspects will never be understood, no matter how many times I explain lol

My husband recently told someone that I am the healthiest person he knows!

Translation: Because I don't drink or smoke anymore and I lost weight

LOL I said to him "I recently found out I have a lifelong incurable disease, pretty sure I am not the healthiest"

Try not to worry about it too much. I know, way easier said than done!

 

[JoFowler]

Oh and PS: I find the more I come here for support with people who "get it", the less I need from other others who don't

 

[Astra]

Hiya odeto
and welcome

I read your story, so pleased the Humira is working for you, can't help with the finance tho.
Regarding your question. I had the same problem, people just didn't understand. So I invited all my friends round for wine and food, and my Power Point Presentation on Inflammatory Bowel Disease!
It was a huge success, everyone loved it, and now everyone who is close to me understands it!
Good luck xxxx

 

[JoFowler]

Hiya odeto
and welcome

I read your story, so pleased the Humira is working for you, can't help with the finance tho.
Regarding your question. I had the same problem, people just didn't understand. So I invited all my friends round for wine and food, and my Power Point Presentation on Inflammatory Bowel Disease!
It was a huge success, everyone loved it, and now everyone who is close to me understands it!
Good luck xxxx

Omg, I love it!

 

[Laura Dawn]

Jeez, yes, most people DO NOT get it. Are you stressed? Eat something bad?
I like the idea of bringing people together and doing an educational presentation. I think I'm going to try that.