Around 1.6 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). IBD is the umbrella name for several autoimmune diseases, primarily Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, but can also include Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. These diseases are not the same as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), not matter how minor the commercials for medication make IBD seem to be. The severity and health status of any given person with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis varies wildly, from long-term healthy to currently flaring and hospital-bound. One of the many disadvantages of having IBD is that for the most part, people affected by these diseases look perfectly healthy, and that can lead to judgement and alienation by friends, co-workers, and family--as well as people telling us "we're just faking."

So, here are 14 things people suffering from IBD would like those who are fortunate enough not to be to know.

1. I wish people understood that even though we may look healthy on the outside, we are fighting a serious battle on the inside! (Amanda C.)

2. I wish that my friends were there. If you don't know what to say or do sometimes a simple how are you does wonders. Or even just watching a movie at home makes me feel normal. (Alexandra J.)

3. We are not late to things, work or appointments because we are disrespectful, it's usually because we can't leave a bathroom without serious anxiety. (Melissa P.)

4. IBD is not something with a common denominator. We have all lived different lives. We are brought together by a disease with no rhyme or reason and no common cure. (Martha H.)

5. We may look healthy, but spend a lot of money on medicine that other people can spend how they wish. (Caeri D.)

6. Nobody truly understands how physically and mentally challenging IBD symptoms are. They can be intense to a point where the only solution is a radical modification of our daily lives. (Kyle R.)

7. I wish people understood that NOTHING I did while I was pregnant caused my son to be diagnosed with UC when he was 9. Hell. I wish I understood that! (Jill P.)

8. I wish my family understood that the UC diagnosis is only a first step...now there's no guarantee that any diet or treatment will improve my symptoms. The possibilities are endless, and I need patience to figure my body out. (Samantha A.)

9. I wish people understood that I'm doing the best I can. (Sarah L.)

10. I wish people would understand how fatigued I get...I really don't care if others understand what I'm going though, but it really sucks that those I hold dearest don't...I guess I would rather have them understand how sorry I am to have UC. Because ultimately, it doesn't just affect us, it affects those we love. (Frank L.)

11. I wish people understood that "changing my diet" will not fix this. Sometimes food that's been OK for years suddenly is no longer OK. (Ree D.)

12. Nope, your mum's friend's daughter wasn't cured of IBD. Nope, it's not IBS. Nope, it's not like IBS. Nope, I will continue to eat gluten, thanks very much. Nope, it's not because I'm stressed. Thanks. (Ben C.)

13. I wish people understood how hard it is to get up every day and how hard it is to make plans. I don't know when I'll be sick, and I don't know when I'll be ok enough to go out. Be patient with me. (Rachel K.)

14. I wish that people knew how hard it was to make others listen and understand how ill you are without feeling like you're making excuses for yourself. It's not easy to ask for help or battle silently. (Kylie M.)

15. UC is not just a stomachache! It affects everything. Yes, one minute I'm okay, but the next minute I might be throwing up or so nauseous I can't eat for a day or 2. Most of the time when I say I'm sick and have ulcerative colitis they just say, "oh." They are clueless. (Leslie C.)

16. We are not late to work because we are lazy, we can't get off the toilet (but we try like heck too)! We can't eat like everyone else, and sometimes we can't eat at all - otherwise we end up in pain and/or in the bathroom. The pain is like a clamp that is inside, as tight as possible and twisting our bowels/intestines. It's not something that is going to go away with going to the UC/ER - it's our lives! (April D.)

17. I wish people could understand that UC affects many of us in many ways, such as depression, worries, fear, and just because you were a little fuller in weight and know you've lost a substantial amount (in my case 15 pounds) doesn't mean I'm on a diet or if I don't have that much appetite. It's not because I'm watching my weight, it's my illness. (Patricia B.)

18. UC is hard to explain to people. But it's no joke, the abdominal pain can be excruciating! You never know when the symptoms will hit. I constantly pray each day that I'll have no flare ups going through the day. (Contessa B.)

19. Recently got diagnosed with UC and it has changed my life and the way I do things. I over think everything now because I do not want to have a flare up like my first. You honestly sit there feeling like you're dying and I always get so tired doing the simplest things. I'm trying to live with it, but it's a lot of changes. You are constantly worrying about the disease, and it turning into something more like colon cancer. It's tough, but glad I'm not alone (Jenica C.)

20. When you have UC it doesn't just affect us it affects everyone: your children and your spouses. It's a very unpredictable disease. One minute you're happy go lucky and feel like you're on top of the world, next you're running, trying to hide while you feel like the world is crushing your insides. (Joanna S.)

21. I wish people understood it's a life-altering thing. Just because it's not seen on the outside doesn't mean you're not constantly in pain or worried about where the bathroom is. Even if you'll make it to the bathroom... It's not that we're antisocial, but have a lot of planning we have to do in order to enjoy ourselves. (Elizabeth M.)

22. I wish people knew it affects every aspect of their lives. And it leaves you helpless. I'm the parent of a child with UC and there is little I can do. I can't rest assured everyday that he's going to make it through the day without something bad happening. I can never go to work and not be concerned. I also wish people understood it doesn't just affect his colon. This disease and the medications used alter many different organs; it limits treatment for various other diseases and treatments, most notable: teenage acne. He can't take what others can because of his UC so life is a constant struggle. And kids with UC/IBD are extraordinary people. I want that out there. They are strong, wonderful, patient people. (Chelsea K.)

23. I wish people understood that it affects a lot of children. My son was recently diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and he didn't have a lot of the major signs, only delayed growth/malnourishment. I wish people understood that these hidden diseases can be very hurtful. A lot of people compare my son with his twin sister and comment on how little and small he is compared to her; some don't know he has Crohn's Disease, so that is sort of hard to take in all the time--the constant comparison. (Carla S.)

24. I wish people knew how badly it can hurt. Just because it isn't a visible thing, it doesn't lessen the pain and anxiety it causes. The first thing I do when I go anywhere is locate the bathrooms and sit near the door, in case I have to rush out. Seems like life revolves around a toilet. (Jaime M.)

25. This hidden disease affects the whole family. Medications, treatments, surgeries. Praying for all who suffer and the family. (Christine B.)

26. My son had U.C. His was so bad that he had his colon removed in 2007. It is NOT something one ever wants someone to have to go through. He is good now. He has a J pouch. I am so thankful to God for helping us when we were fighting this. God bless everyone who has this fight daily. (Julie R.)

27. Just because I look okay doesn't mean I am... Not only does it affect us physically but mentally as well. The life changes and the medications can cause severe depression. It is a mission just to get up out of bed and into work for a full 8 hour shift. By the time I get home after fighting traffic for an hour I'm done....hell, I was done before I left the house this morning. (Lori M.)

28. I have lived with UC for many years. At first when it started, the doctors didn't know what it was. Then finally one of my gastrointerologists took the initiative to send me to Houston to a professor and that's where I was diagnosed. Now, through several medication changes throughout the years and new medications added, I have finally been able to deal with this mess. I still look for the closest bathrooms wherever I go. I have learned to change my diet and leave stuff alone that I know will create a problem later...It's all through trial and error. I thank heaven every day for my fantastic gastroenterologist in Beaumont. He has helped me through a lot. No one said it would be easy, and it sure hasn't been. (Jo Anne G.)

29. I wish that when we are invited on a day trip with others and i decide to stay back to be near a bathroom, people would understand why I am not participating. (Theresa M.)

30. I wish people wouldn't invite me to eat out. Doing something else would be less stressful. (Kim H.)

31. I wish people understood that I am now unemployed because I physically cannot work due to the pain and fatigue, and if you see me doing something outside my home, it is because it is one of the rare days I actually feel like I have some energy, or because I am out of food and don't want to inconvenience my dear husband again. I miss my old life--working, caring for my patients, chatting with my co workers, traveling, going out for dinner and movies. I also wish people understood how much a kind act, like just a phone call can make my day...and how very, very grateful I am for the kindness and support of the understanding people in my life like my husband, and that more than anything, I wish I was able to do the same in return, although I wouldn't wish this disease on anyone. (Tracy M.)