The Bathroom Dream
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
Are You A "Sufferer?"
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
Need to Run to the Bathroom During a Movie?
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!
When Should You Call Your Gastroenterologist?
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.
Why Do Beans Cause Gas?
Is it true what they say -- that beans can cause more gas than other foods? Or do beans just have a bad reputation? And what can you do to enjoy your baked beans this summer without the fear of driving away your guests? Learn more about beans and why they're known to cause gas in most people.
Blogger Profile: Being A Patient Isn't Easy
When I came across Michael Seres' blog, I was completely transfixed. His story is gripping, and he often tells it from a hospital bed. I would tell you more, but he's pretty much covered everything already in this interview I did with him.
Q: What made you start blogging about your health?
Michael: At the beginning I started the blog as a way of letting family and friends know what was happening without having to phone everyone the whole time. Very quickly it also became a theraputic exercise for me to convey what was happening and how I was really thinking. At that point I realised that it could be of benefit to other patients and families. I guess I am hoping that people can see that there is always a future however bad your Crohn's is.
Q: What do you hope to get out of your blog?
Michael: I hope that the blog can achieve a number of things. In the first instance I would like it to help raise awareness of bowel transplantation. Whilst it is still a very uncommon transplant (I was the 11th patient to have it at Oxford) it is an alternative for patients that end up with short bowel or intestinal failure. In my case after over 20 operations for Crohn's I had intestinal failure and faced long term total parenteral nutrition (TPN). This in itself can damage the liver and even lead to a liver transplant so by having the bowel done you can have a real shot at getting your life back.
Aside from raising awareness I hope that I can show people that however bad things get there are always options. Never give up. When you suffer with a long term chronic condition like Crohn's it is easy to get caught up in the day to day. I hope that my blog will enable people to think of alternatives.
I also hope that my blog will help to demonstrate the impact that long term ill health has on your family and close friends. They are often the forgotten ones as people tend to worry about the patient. My kids have grown up only knowing dad goes in and out of hospital. This has to have an impact on their lives and I hope people might understand that the best way is to be open and honest with your kids. Telling them as it is works best. Read More...
IBD and Your Appendix
How To Pack For The Hospital
People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be hospitalized from time to time in order to deal with a flare-up, or even for surgery. Some of these hospital visits are planned, but in many cases, the situation might be more unexpected. On more than one occasion I have gone to a doctor visit or to a scheduled colonoscopy and found myself an inpatient afterwards. Should you have a bag packed and ready to go in case this happens to you? What should you put in your packed bag? It's not a vacation, so you won't need much, but having a toothbrush and a few other items can at least make you feel like there's some continuity of your daily routine.
On the flip side, there are things that you shouldn't bring with you to the hospital. You should either leave them at home, or have a visitor take them home for you. For one thing, you probably won't need valuables or electronics, and for another, you don't want them to go missing while you're in surgery or away from your room for testing. Find out what I think you should and what you shouldn't be taking to the hospital.
Photo © Stuart Miles
Turning Crohn's Treatment On Its Head
David Rubin, MD, who you may remember from an interview I did with him and Ally Bain a few months back, has suggested instead that these guidelines be turned around. This would mean that people with severe Crohn's would instead first be treated with anti-TNF drugs. Dr Rubin's group analyzed Crohn's patients who were treated under the traditional guidelines and compared them with patients who were treated first with anti-TNF drugs. It turned out, in this analysis, that patients started on anti-TNF drugs fared better and were less likely to need surgery.
Source:
Rubin DT, Uluscu O, Sederman R. "Response to biologic therapy in Crohn's disease is improved with early treatment: An analysis of health claims data." Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2012 Feb 22. doi: 10.1002/ibd.22925. [Epub ahead of print]
Spring And Summer Necessities
Summer means long weekends, fragrant nights, and vacations with the family. When you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), summer does not necessarily come with the same anticipation it does for other people. But there are things you can do to take care of yourself and have fun this summer.
One of the chief dangers of warmer weather is dehydration. If you've got diarrhea or vomiting, you are even more at risk for developing dehydration. Be aware of how much water you are drinking during the day, and be sure to drink extra if you are exercising in the heat. You may want to consider sports drinks (without caffeine!) if you are really sweating it out in the sun.
We are all at risk for skin damage and skin cancer from being out in the sun. In addition, people with IBD may be taking medications that have a side effect of sun sensitivity. Be aware of the potential side effects of your medications, and cover up during peak sunlight hours with either clothing or sun block to prevent burns.
What's your favorite summer activity? Tell me about it.
More about safe fun in the sun with IBD: