Community Forum

 Hi I'm Sarah and I'm 24. I will be graduating with my masters degree in a few months and I'm having some anxiety around applying for jobs. I'm unsure if I should even mention having ulcerative colitis to a potential employer because I don't want it to ruin my chances for a potential job, but then how long should I wait to share this info. once I have recieved the job? Any suggestions on what others have done would be great!

 Reply posted for Sarah.

Hello I have had Crohns for about 13 years.  It's been my experience that being up front and honest about my disease has benefited me and my employers.  Planning appointments, and keeping my employer informed has helped to keep tensions low.  Even when the testing is frequent.  You have to keep in mind that your employer is in business to make money, and hires to fill a need. So if you can keep them informed it will help them schedule for your absences.  It's only fair and responsible.  Don't be afraid to discuss your disease with potential employers.  If you let them know ahead of time you will weed out the chumps that will only give you a hard time, and increase your anxiety when you find your self looking for another job.  I had a interview today, and spoke up boldly. I was offered the job I was seeking.  Good luck!!

 Reply posted for mdbk.

Mdbk,

Greetings, I hope you have been doing well and this reply finds you in good times.  Im a 27 y/o professional firefighter in Iowa with three years on in August.  I was diagnosed with UC in 2004 shortly after completing a fire academy in Colorado.  I made several list throughout applying and made it past two health evals including the appointment to the department Im employed by now.  I disclosed all information as it pertained to my health Hx, including the diagnosis of UC and the medications that I was prescribed for it.  The physicians in both cases merely asked me how I was doing with the disease and quite frankly left it at that.  I am confident that my diagnosis of UC was of no significance in the eyes of the physician as being unfit to perform the duties of a firefighter or first responder.  In retrospect, as you are, I was nervous about disclosing the information.  I did however, feel confident after talking to my GI Doc when first being diagnosed about my aspirations of being a career firefighter and he too was confident that the disease did not deem me unfit to preform as one.  Ive gone four years now and just recently had a severe flare up that has put me out for a month or two.  I didnt have the appropriate measures in place after establishing myself in a new city and with new health care, kinda just thought I wouldnt ever have a problem again.  DUMB!! Make sure you stay on top of your health.  Luckily, with my union brothers and sisters there for me all my shifts have been covered and my family is being supported in many ways.  It is truly amazing what firefighters will do for one another! As one to another, I wish you the best of luck and dont give up if FDNY doesnt snage you, keep testing, its the best job in the world.

Garrett Soldati, FF EMT-I

 Reply posted for Sarah.

It sounds like you have to issues to consider: To tell before you're hired and assuming you don't, if and when you tell after you've been hired.  I would encourage you to focus on your strengths when interviewing.  There doesn't seem to me to be a need to tell them about your illness.  After being hired I would suggest telling your work only if it seems to be interfering with what you're required to do.  Hopefully at that point you will have proven your work ethic and your employer and co-workers will be more than happy to help in any way they can.  I developed UC in the fourth year of my current job.  I'm a high school teacher, which can be demanding even when healthy.  I've kept my boss up to date when I'm having problems and he has been understanding.  Knowing my boss and co-workers understand my condition has lessened some of the stress related to the disease.  My days are often very tough, but the support of my colleagues does make things easier.

 Reply posted for tahani.

I am in the process of applying to be a NYC firefighter and I was wondering ig they could not hire me because of past history of colitis.  I have a medical exam coming up and I have to complete a disclosure form that specifically asks about past history of gastro-intestinal disorder.  I was diagnosed with colitis/proctitis 2 years ago, took asacol for about a month or 2, and have been without symptoms since then.  Could I be disqualified because of this?  Does anyone have any comments?

 Reply posted for Apryl.

Until my recent flare-up, I have been in remission for 7 years.  I thought I was invincible and that the UC was behind me for good.  (You know, the "Super Woman" complex that career women tend to get.)  This flare-up has hit harder than those past, which I've now learned is typical. 

 Reply posted for Sarah.

I'm a lawyer and Crohn's patient, and the founder and Executive Director of Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness.  There are only two reasons to EVER tell a job you are sick: if you are requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or if you are requesting leave under the Family & Medical Leave Act.  Otherwise, this information is confidential and irrelevant to your employer.  You have no legal obligation to inform prospective employers of your diagnosis.  For myself, I have usually waited until my employers are convinced that I'm a really hard worker before telling anybody in the workplace that I'm sick. 

If you have more questions, you can email me at patient_advocate@sbcglobal.net.  J

 Reply posted for kelleyw.

 Hello, I have had UC now since 1994 and it has affected my being able to work. I went into remission for about 3 years with no symtoms and I thought well maybe they made a mistake, but it came back with a vengence, one because with the flare ups being so bad that I had to be hospitalized and missing work, being let go I would be without insurance so couldnt afford the meds which made it worse, then having the problem of havine people think that you werent really sick because this is nothing you can see, but it has been really hard to keep a job because of fatigue, nausea, pain, and flare ups. You are lucky to have such a supportive boss. But some days it is just hard to make it to work and people just dont understand.

Good Luck

 Reply posted for Sarah.

 When I applied for my job I was up front about my condition. I didn't want to be out with a flare-up later, and have them complain about my not telling them. It worked out pretty well. I have been out with flare-ups over the years, and was glad they knew in advance what was going on. As for not hiring you, you might want to check up on job discrimination laws. As long as you qualify for the job, I'm wondering if they can legally refuse to hire you.