Sick Days
Tue, June 18, 2013 9:14 AM
I have Crohn's, and was diagnosed in 2003. I've been working for a small company for the past four months, and had my GI fax my boss a letter when I first started stating that I had Crohns. I'm usually pretty good, as long as I watch what I eat and take my medication. Well yesterday I was not feeling well AT ALL. I came into work only to have to leave an hour later. My boss flew off the handle! He asked me why I needed to go home, and was the pain really that bad?! He then demanded I go to the doctor and get another note to be excused for the day.
Am I being overly sensitive, or is this a bit over the top?
rose4975Joined Jun 18, 2013
Thu, June 20, 2013 11:42 AM
Reply posted for rose4975.
Hi Rose,
I'm sorry you have to deal with this and yes, I do think your boss is overreacting. I had a similar situation right after I was diagnosed (only a couple months ago.) I had been in pain for a few weeks but had already missed a bunch of work due to tests or just not feeling well. So I made myself shower and drive in to work, only to tell my boss right away that I would have to go back home. Of course I had to sit there for a few minutes because I was in too much pain to walk all the way back to my car again.
My boss was understanding but unfortunately not all employers are. Some aren't understanding about any illnesses, but I also think there's just a general lack of knowledge about IBD which can contribute to the problem. People seem to think that it's all about going to the bathroom all the time and not everyone realizes how bad the pain can be. I hope your boss comes around, but if not don't feel guilty for putting your health and well-being ahead of your job. As long as you haven't run out of sick days, there shouldn't be much your boss can do. If you're getting close to running out of days, I'd suggest talking to your boss and/or your HR department before you get to that point to see what your options are. Best of luck to you!
amb1981Joined May 2, 2013
Thu, June 20, 2013 11:37 AM
Reply posted for rose4975.
If my boss's actions showed inconsideration in regards to my Crohn's I'd flat out quit... b/c I believe in putting my health first and b/c I don't like supporting intolerant people - and when u work for then thats pretty much whats going on.
Im not saying quit after the first confrontation but if they continue to show an inability to work with your circumstance perhaps its worth looking elsewhere.
In the mean time, I suggest sitting down and trying to actually explain to your boss what Crohn's is - not just an overview but what your case looks like on a dayly, monthly, yearly basis. Explain it is a chronic and debilitating disease and explain what your persistent symptoms are; explain its not just a matter of flares and remission but an entire spectrum of symptoms. Stay professional and let them know that while you dont wish to leave it is necessary when u feel your work is hindered/ at risk due to experiencing symptoms and this is uncontrollable by u (for example if you're in customer service and sit there gritting your teeth and clinging to your abdomen it's time to go home because that can have negative repercussions on the business).
I hope this was of help. Remember that a job is replaceable but your body is more difficult and needs to come first. Recognize when theres an issue and do what needs to be done; whether thats speaking to your boss as an adult as well as having your GI send a letter, handing your boss information on the disease, quitting. what ever it takes.
If theyre a good employer theyll understand that for you to do your best you need to place your health first, and if they appreciate your work there should be a certain amount of wiggle room to work with, u need to figure out where they stand and let them know where u stand. As well and good as a doctors note is, it does nothing to help your employer see where youre coming from and thus its impossible for them to give u whats necessary.
geekyraJoined Jan 17, 2013
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