Let’s talk dirty
It can feel a little awkward talking about IBD and there are some questions that you may not feel comfortable asking.
Luckily Grace Baird, a Crohn’s & Colitis UK Nurse Specialist, is here to answer some of the most common queries.
l Please visit: crohnsandcolitis.org.uk Will IBD affect my work? Do I need to tell my employer about it?
It’s completely up to you whether you want to talk to your employer about your Crohn’s or colitis.
If your colleagues know about your condition, they’ll understand what’s going on and will be able to support you with it.
The Crohn’s & Colitis UK Talking Toolkit has lots of handy tips about how to talk about IBD at work.
Can it affect your relationship or sex life?
IBD is different for everyone, and so are relationships, too.
It’s natural to worry about how your health might affect your sex life, especially if you’re feeling vulnerable.
I always tell my patients that talking is good! If you’re feeling anxious, then it’s best to be honest with your partner.
Do certain foods make flare-ups worse?
The thing about IBD is that it affects everybody differently.
Some people find that what they eat has little effect on their symptoms. But for others, certain foods trigger symptoms and cutting down on those foods can help.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer and it’s really important that people with Crohn’s or colitis try to eat a balanced, healthy diet, just like everyone else.
Does blood in your poo always mean it’s the worst-case scenario?
It’s not ‘normal’ to see blood in your poo, and there could be all sorts of reasons for it.
It’s natural to worry and it can also be tempting to pretend it’s not happening and hope it goes away.
The worst thing you can do is ignore it. If you’re seeing blood in your poo, please seek medical help. The sooner you know what’s going on, the better.