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Please tell me, how in the world am I supposed to keep a job when I have to run to the restroom several times a day?? What employer would put up with that...?? How do you guys do it?? I'm sooo stressed out today...I'm tired of living like this!! I just want to be like I used to be. Sorry, just venting!!

 Reply posted for ucshawn.

You are not alone. I think that people are not educated enuough about Crohns and Colitis so it is hard for them to undertand. I am thankful that I get to work from home and I substitute teach some just to get out of the house. However, I havent subbed much due to flare ups. I just got my Insurance Licesnes to sell Legal Insurance. I am licensed with the state of TN. This is something new to me because I have never sold Legal Insurance. I like doing that because I can work from home alot and I dont have much stress. I also substitute teach some because I love being around and helping kids. I am learning to get over my fears of accidents, etc. I am starting to come to terms with everything but it hasnt been easy. Hang in there!!  

Shannon

 Reply posted for upssius.

Hello -

I also know you're concerns.  I have two jobs of which both employers are understanding.  My career is in accounting, I remember one incident a few months ago where I was having a bad day and did not make it to the bathroom in time.  Luckily I was in the office alone that day.  Have faith and the right job will be there.

On a personal note - I just sometimes get so frustrated with running and I mean literally running to get the bathroom on time.  How do you all cope?

 Reply posted for upssius.

That will be a very mixed bag. Some positions will have much less flexibility by their very nature, Some companies/supervisors will be more flexible than others. 

 Reply posted for upssius.

I have two jobs that are both very understanding of my condition.  My part-time job is in retail at customer service.  The manager knows that when I need to go, I NEED to go.

I agree that a more relaxed environment is best.  My full-time job is in a real estate office.  My boss is flexible with my many doctor appointments and bathroom use.  As long as I am able to do my work, he is happy.

It may take time to find the right match, but good jobs are out there.

 Reply posted for upssius.

-"I should think ducking out to go to the bathroom a few times a day won't be an issue for any employer."

I wouldn't be that optimistic.  All I can say is that you need to stay away from retail and related jobs.  Most things that have a 'fast-paced' environment are going to be hard to keep, even if they claim to understand.

My wife was working for a retail store, and was given fire paperwork after having been tardy due to her condition three times.  The manager's were notified of the disability upon hiring, but the district manager was there that day getting rid of new hires that weren't up to the company standards.  After having informed the lady that she had a disability and firing her for this reason would be discrimination, she went back to the district manager who returned with new fire paperwork listing the reason was downsizing... my wife wholly regrets not having saved the first set of papers.  Either way, even after filing a suit with the EEOC, they replied that they would be unable to prove a 'pattern' of discrimination and that we would need to find our own lawyer to make a case.  Not being so financially inclined, my wife filed for unemployment and received a small portion of her income until finding another job three months later.

One manger there then tried to fire her for tardiness, then gave up after upper management set her straight.  However, my wife then began to get 'written up' for every thing that manager could find.  Everything.  After hearing word that she would likely be fired soon due to these other infractions, we filed complaints with corporate, who sided with the manager and so my wife quit that job.  She has been without work for two months. 

The jobs are out there, as I have one that's perfect.  If only I could switch with my wife. Keep trying.

 Reply posted for upssius.

An amazing number of employers are very understanding. ("you know what a stomach ache feels like? Get a stomach ache and then STAB YOURSELF WITH A KNIFE") Especially if you explain the issues. Many of them will even google it, so they can get a better understanding.

I have four jobs, and all four of them are well aware of my issues. There have been days when I've been too tired to go to work after a flare-up, and they just let me call out, knowing that I can't help it. I should think ducking out to go to the bathroom a few times a day won't be an issue for any employer.

 Reply posted for upssius.

I do understand how you are feeling.  I havent worked since Jan and have been battling a flare since.  I just recently tapered off of Prednisone and am still using Humira and I felt ok not great but ok while on the steroid and now I can feel the flare coming back full force.  I know I will not be able to work anytime soon and it makes me crazy.  I wish for my normal life again also.  I have thought about applying for SS and hate the thought but at this point I really dont know what else to do.  All I guess you really can do is make the most of what you do have and be grateful for what you do have and not what you lost or what changed.  I hope you feel better soon.

 Reply posted for upssius.

Don't apologize....venting is what we're here for.  I had to stop working in April and was lucky to have a long term disability policy with my employer.  I was going to the bathroom so much and running out of meetings that it just got to be TOO embarassing.  After having an incident at work that ultimately caused a flood in the ladies' bathroom, I decided that I would not go back to work until I had this disease under control.  I ultimately decided to have colectomy surgery and still have to go to the restroom a lot to empty the bag;  My reversal surgery is next week and I'm just hoping and praying that everything works and my days of running to the bathroom are over.  If you don't have disability insurance at work, you may want to consider applying for Social Security. 

Bless your heart...I hope things get better for you soon!

best,

Shawn