Tips to better explain Crohn's or UC to family and friends?
Whether it's a romantic relationship, a friendship, or someone from work - maintaining relationships while dealing with Crohn's and UC can be hard. Any tips to better explain Crohn's or UC to family and friends?
Hi
, I think for me the best way to explain it is to share what a doctor has said. This is because--sadly--I find that many people do not believe me (especially my family). When I share with them what the doctor has told me, they feel they are getting an expert opinion and they don't debate me or fight! -Eshani (IBD Team Member) 
Over 50 years living with the beast. My "truth" is diet that works for me and controlling stress. The stress factor is an absolute trigger. I don't need to live in a bubble. Daily stress is normal and the key to control is how you handle it. When you cannot find a constructive response to stress you have to learn to let it go.
Wise words. Thank you for sharing! -Elizabeth (team member)
Chrons = ulcers from top to bottom!
, absolutely, we hear you! Crohn's ulcers can be so tough. I'm linking an article here with some information about mouth ulcers from inflammatory bowel disease, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/symptoms/mouth-sores-and-other-oral-symptoms. And this one has information about mucosal damage, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/symptoms/complications/mucosal-damage. It sounds like you might be familiar with one (or both) or these? Do you have any tips or tricks that you use that are helpful? -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Informative videos. Not everyone will read articles, etc.
sharing videos is such a great idea. There are plenty of people who might be more willing to watch a video rather than read an article. What a great tip! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member) Hi
. Excellent point, plus some people simply learn better visually. While we are definitely predominately articles here, we do have some videos, such as this one from a doctor on diagnosing Crohn's and UC: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/video/diagnosis-crohns-colitis and this one from Kelly J. on the life of someone living with an invisible disease: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/video/invisible-me. Best, Richard (Team Member)
