Get Informed

Get Informed : Typical Day

A Typical Day for a NOT so Typical Disease...
By: Elliott Gordon, Richmond Hill Chapter

There are no straight answers to most questions in life. A well-known business school in Toronto uses the motto “It Depends” to respond to most open-ended questions.

Likewise, for patients suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), there are no ‘typical’ days…it depends on many factors. In any case, we will try to outline what you might expect if you are in a flare-up situation and are unwell.

Morning

As Garfield the Cat puts it: morning found me! Morning can be difficult at the best of times…for IBD patients, morning might feel like an extension of the previous day due to a lack of sleep the previous night. Oftentimes, patients will experience general fatigue and sluggishness when they wake up. When sick, or in a 'flare up', you can expect to spend some prolonged morning time in the washroom and you might not feel like eating breakfast (although do your best as this important meal should never be skipped).

Midday

During the day, as in the morning, patients will likely experience periods of sleepiness. This might mean that you find yourself taking power naps (20 minute naps) in the middle of the day. This can help you to get through the day; however, depending on your situation, this might not always be possible.

You might also feel tied to the washroom. This may or may not affect your work/school and/or social schedules. The nature of the illness is such that on day x you might not be able to get up and go to school/work but on day y, everything feels normal again. It can be confusing and difficult to manage a schedule with this kind of roller coaster but you will get to know your own body.

Depending on your level of comfort, it might be wise to disclose your diagnosis to your boss or a couple of close school friends. This will make it easier on you if you have to “call in sick” or if you are absent from classes and require notes or homework. You do not need to publicize the fact that you are a patient with IBD, but personally knowing that you are taken care of in the event that you fall ill might give you a level of comfort and help to alleviate some of the stress associated with missing work or school.

Depending on the individual, your appetite might be suppressed or greatly improved.

Night

Despite being exhausted, sleep might not come easily at night. When it does come, it can be restless and you might find yourself waking in the middle of the night due to pain or the urge to run to the washroom. A hot water bottle or a heating pad placed over the abdomen can help to soothe the pain. Listing to soft music might also help to ease you back into sleep.

(Written by Elliott Gordon, YAC Member)