Do you ever have dreams about not being able to find a bathroom when you need one? Perhaps you dream about finding a bathroom but it is horribly unclean or somehow unusable? I have these types of dreams all the time, usually when I am under some kind of stress. And, truthfully, it has happened often enough in real life that I encounter a bathroom that is less than perfect. This is why I have tissue, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer in my car and in my purse at all times.

Dreaming about toilets isn't at all unusual for people with IBD. People who have a chronic health condition commonly have dreams closely related to their illness or sometimes even dream about death. The bigger problem is that these dreams can disturb your sleep. How do you deal with sleep problems?

More about sleep:

• Dreaming of Toilets
• Does IBD Keep You Up At Night?
• How Do You Get Better Sleep When Your IBD is Flaring?
• IBD and Night Sweats

_{Photo © Stuart Miles}

Every so often I read a news report that refers to someone with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis as being a "sufferer" or as "suffering" with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). And it kind of ticks me off.

Now, I'm not saying we don't suffer all manner of pain, indignities, social stigma, isolation, and economic hardships. All of these and more come along with a chronic digestive disease. What I object to is being referred to as a "sufferer." Or worse -- "victim." Yes, my life has been adversely and unalterably affected by ulcerative colitis, but I certainly don't think of myself as one who has been victimized. These words imply that one has given up, has been beaten down, has given in to their hardships. And if I know anything about people with IBD, I know this: we are certainly not beaten down and we absolutely do not give up.

As a medical writer, I've been taught to refer to patients in a more inclusive way, such as "people who have IBD" or "patients with diabetes." In the early days of my writing career I may have also used the more negative terms, because that's what I saw other writers doing and just copied suit. I now realize that how we refer to ourselves and how others refer to us is very important in defining how we see ourselves, and how society perceives us.

What do you think? Are you a "sufferer?" Click on "Comments" below and tell me about it, or tweet me at @AboutIBD

_{Photo © Ohmega1982}

I've done it. You've done it. Sitting in the movie theater, waiting for a break in the action so that you can run for the bathroom. You may wait for a love scene or a slower conversation to make a break for it. Upon returning to your seat, you ask your companion in a whisper "What'd I miss?"

No longer! You can now check RunPee.com to find out the best times to run to the toilet during a movie. Some movies have multiple opportunities. And, this site lets you know what you have, or will, miss while you're dashing into the lobby. Plus -- it's also available as an iPhone application.

After so many years with ulcerative colitis, I've gotten pretty good at judging when to make a run for it. But I could have used this site years ago!

With all the symptoms associated with IBD, it is sometimes difficult to decide what you should call your gastroenterologist about immediately, and what can wait until your next office visit. After a while, living with such serious symptoms as pain and bleeding can just seem normal, even though those things are anything but normal. Here are some of the signs and symptoms that should be reported to your doctor right away.