What do I tell my friends?

Now that the gastroenterologist has told you that you have Crohn’s disease, you should be better able to understand why you feel the way you do sometimes.

Still, what do you say to your friends when they ask you why you have to go to the bathroom so much or why you’re too tired to hang out or play sports with them? Worse, what if some jokester decides to say things at school about your condition that aren’t true?

You’ll want to be ready for questions and comments. Here are a few statements to keep handy when you talk to your friends and classmates.

• Crohn’s disease is not contagious. You cannot catch it from me. You can share the same bathroom as me, drink from the same water fountain and sit next to me at lunch. If you think you can’t, then I’d be happy to give you some information that will explain my disease better to you.
• Yes, I have to take medication. My medication helps to reduce my symptoms and make me feel better.
• Sometimes I may not feel well. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to be your friend or that I am angry. Please be patient with me while I deal with symptoms. I will feel better eventually.
• I look smaller right now because my condition sometimes causes me to lose nutrients that I need to grow. But I am dealing with that by making sure I get a lot of vitamins, minerals and protein in my diet, as well as proper treatment.
• Having Crohn’s disease does not mean I am less intelligent or strange or anti-social. I am the same person I always was. I just have an extra health challenge that I am dealing with.
• I can still go to parties, take school trips and even date if I want to. With proper treatment and a healthy lifestyle, I can still do what I enjoy.

Next: Daily Crohn’s Diary