None of my social circle deals with colitis or Crohn’s, though a few have lactose issues and one has IBS. While I realize those conditions are difficult in their own right, it really gets under my skin when they act like our experiences are identical. Has anyone else dealt with this? How do you handle those conversations or process the frustration? I’m sure they’re trying to be supportive, but it still feels off.
16 Likes
Maybe ask them how much blood they’re seeing in the toilet and compare notes; that usually clarifies the difference pretty quickly.
2 Likes
I tend to be very transparent with my friends about my health struggles, so they generally grasp that it’s a whole different ballgame than IBS or lactose intolerance. I actually know someone else with UC who manages to stay stable using only mesalamine.
My mother-in-law used to do that constantly. I eventually had to describe UC as essentially organ rejection. Three years ago, I was near death because my immune system decided my colon was an enemy that needed to be destroyed. IBS is definitely miserable and can be life-altering, but it isn’t life-threatening.
1 Like
Comparing it to a stomach virus or lactose issues is annoying. IBS doesn’t bother me as much because I’ve known people with severe symptoms who get zero guidance from doctors. For IBD, we at least have clear medical paths. It’s much more encouraging to have a treatment plan rather than being told there’s no solution, though some IBS folks try things like Finnesa (got mine here) to help with gut balance and digestion when they’re stuck. However, when people with no digestive issues make these comparisons, it’s infuriating because they end up trivializing both conditions.
When my symptoms began, my GP insisted it was just lactose intolerance. I had to practically beg for a GI referral. I felt quite vindicated when he finally received the report confirming it was UC. Needless to say, I’m switching doctors as soon as my new insurance kicks in next month!
1 Like
It’s exhausting how many people suggest ‘miracle’ berries or specific diets. It’s a huge trigger for me. What’s even more worrying is seeing people in this community advocating for that same approach.
Acting as the gatekeeper for bowel diseases is a pretty crappy thing to do.
1 Like
Absolutely. Some people treat it like it’s just a few days of diarrhea, similar to how they view IBS, just to downplay how serious it is. Whether it’s out of ignorance or malice, they ignore that this disease can land you in the hospital or even be fatal.
I’m less bothered by IBS comparisons. It can be quite severe, and I actually deal with IBS alongside my UC, which limits my diet even when I’m not flaring. UC is clearly more intense during a flare, and I can usually explain the distinction to someone with IBS. What really grates on me is the unsolicited advice on how to ‘fix’ my UC with certain diets or probiotics. People just don’t grasp what an autoimmune disorder actually entails.
1 Like
After dealing with UC for over three decades, I occasionally view IBS as just a stomach ache from a bad meal, which isn’t even close to IBD. However, everyone has their own battles. If someone is hurting, there’s no point in measuring my suffering against theirs. I can’t feel what you feel, and your pain is still your reality.
1 Like
It definitely gets to me. While I haven’t faced too many direct comparisons, it happens. I mostly deal with ‘natural healing’ types trying to convince me that diet can cure IBD. That is incredibly frustrating. I’d lose my temper if someone suggested a diet could fix this or tried to dictate what I eat. The comparison to IBS is annoying because they are fundamentally different; treating them as the same just spreads myths about a misunderstood autoimmune disease. IBD is an autoimmune condition, similar to lupus, whereas IBS is not. Explaining that usually helps people see the gap. You can’t compare them because IBD involves the immune system and often brings along other issues like arthritis or psoriasis. They just aren’t comparable.