Has anybody else had to give up work. I suffer from severe bouts of diarrhoea pain &bloating several days a week!

[bickerton]

[Boogie]

Hi, I've not had to give up work yet but had to cut my hours and under constant monitoring of my performance and risk I may be sacked if I get sick with anything never mind the bowel stuff. I just do my best but they are entitled to sack me as I cannot do what I did before I became ill. That's just life. If they do I'll get a job closer to home with manageable hours and easy access to a toilet. Yes it may be minimum wage but I don't care - I'm not as well as I once was and so long as can pay the bills, will have to do till I get better.

I had a long spell of daily D - have you had the bile acid (SeHCAT) and/or hydrogen breath tests done? If not ask your GP for a "GI consultant" referral specifically for these tests - they look for abnormalities that can be treated that cause daily D.

Good Luck

[nanabud]

I had to leave my job last may, I have mainly IBS c, but get IBS d from time to time. It affected my work performance and with a boss who was unsympathetic, I decided to leave before I was pushed!! I was with the company for over 6 years, and due to changes within the company, there was more stress which resulted in a worsening in my symptoms. Not an easy thing to do, but I have been so much better since. Financially its brought its own nightmare but I'm getting used to it and cutting corners, I also eat at regular times and cook all my own food, which was'nt always possible when I was working. I now know the the saying 'your health is your wealth' is not just a cliché, I'm proof of it. I'm definitely not IBS free, but as close as I could wish for and so much less stress which is a huge trigger.

[nodramas in reply to nanabud]

New ere what is IBS c and IBS d please

[Hidden]

C is constipation-predominant, D diarrhoea-predominant and A alternating between the two (sometimes called M for mixed).

[nodramas in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I have been getting bad diarrhea for a about six months now on and off which usually happens when I eat it is wearing me down, seen doctor and waiting for a camera test could this be IBS .

[Hidden in reply to nodramas]

Yes, it could be IBS, but push your doctors for as many tests as poss to eliminate anything else.

[nodramas in reply to Hidden]

I will thank you.

[hippygirl]

I too struggle with working as I often feel so drained and exhausted, which is not helped by my assistant who not only wants my job but is totally unsympathetic with my condition and unfortunately I am not in a position to give up my job, still mustn't moan there is always someone worse off in the world than me.

[dipsy14]

I've been waiting to see if anyone else has this problem - I got no replies which was very scary as I haven't been at work for 6 months (signed off sick). Don't know what to do because I don't seem to be able to get myself better whatever I try and I've tried just about everything (FODMAPS, removing dairy, wheat, keeping diet diary, reflexology, reikie, yoga, colonic, probiotics, laxatives, SSR's, list of other drugs from the doctor too many to mention and the list goes on. What happens when you cant work anymore is what I would like to know but you need an income. Life - I have no life anymore!!! So you are not alone and I guess as frightened as I am. Want to sound positive but I am so weary of it all (over 2 years of misery) If anyone else has any suggestions about the work issue would love to know...... and what is the medical profession about? They don't get it and seem not to be able to treat it!! Where have these problems come from? HELP someone please. Sorry folks this is my rant.

[bickerton in reply to dipsy14]

thanks for that good to know others are in same boat. Doctor not very sympathetic sure he thinks all in my imagination.!

Have has all tests waiting for results from barium follow through x-ray.

But do not hold out much hope that it will show anything.

Was claiming ESA but guess what failed their biased health assessment.

Unless you are completely incontinent and can not go out unaccompanied you do not qualify!!

[dipsy14 in reply to bickerton]

What is ESA? I too have numerous tests to no avail! I have had 2 wonderful doctors over the period I have been suffering (lost one to retirement and 1 who emigrated) and 4 others. The one I have currently got doesn't seem to get it, she seems to be under the delusion you can work when you are in pain all the time, bloated and like you wish you could "throw up" just to clear the feeling.

Anyway you are def. not alone and you have my sympathy ++++++++++++. Its hard to advise you how to proceed. My employers rather I would be at home off sick instead of being there one minute and the next gone. Maybe you should go and see another doctor in your practice if you have more than one on offer. Different view point and all that and discuss where you go from here. At least I am signed off which takes some pressure off and when I am really bad I don't have to worry about contacting work again and again.

Good luck with it - let me know how you get on.

[nodramas]

Can you get ESA

[bosslet]

I have IBS-D and am in full-time work and it is difficult. However, I am lucky enough to have a very sympathetic employer and this helps enormously but I realise that not everyone has that good fortune. In terms of employment, IBS can be viewed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 where the conditions chronic and impairs normal daily activities. There have been some tribunal cases, notably Norcup vs Inland Revenue 2002 which was a ruling under what was then the Disability Discrimination Act. Employers have an obligation to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees and can be liable if they do not. If you think your employer is trying to build a case to sack you because of your IBS then you should take legal or union advice asap. The following link may be of interest: theibsnetwork.org/equality-...