Thinking about work.

Hi there everyone, hope you're all alright? I've been thinking about going back to work recently, it'll take some time to regain my confidence but it's something i really want to do. I was wondering how you working IBS sufferers cope with it all? I used to work a busy bar and as much as i loved it it wasn't ideal at all when i had an IBS attack. Any thoughts?

[jenishpatel87]

Hi.. I am fine. Thanks .

When I went back to my work after having some horrible experience of IBS attacks, it was initially scary for me as I tend to forget lot of things. But I just accepted that fear and it transcended me to a new level where I can stand & start working again. I take sometime off from work in lunch time or afternoon and take a small walk. Slowly slowly it regained my confidence and started working

Hope you will find the same soon!

[Hidden]

Hi Sarajayne, can you do office work, or some type of work where you are free to pop off to the Loo if needed?

[dachshund]

My thoughts are be as prepared as you can be every day, i.e. carry whatever you take "just in case", with you, be it Buscopan, Immodium, Parcetamol etc. and wear pads and take spares. If you take this sort of a "self insurance" and have the assurance every day that you have everything with you, it might help to alleviate extra anxieties about "What if"................And I know "What if" quite often happens.................... When you start working, might be an idea to take Immodium anyway as an insurance/precaution, until you get used to the job and facilities.

[sandybeach12066]

i am wishing I could not work with my ibs /colitis. its very difficult its a battle everyday. I miss a lot of work and at times wish they would lay me off or I could go out on a leave. good luck to you !

[mich631]

Hi Sarahjayne, I work full time and work in office all day. I used to worry tremendously about having an attack of 'IBS' and people going to the toilet after me. But now, my life and worries have completely changed. No more 'attacks', no more horrendous noises and smells, more like 'normal' toilet habits again, forgot what normal was! I take Regucol powder which can be purchased at Holland & Barret, two teaspoons in a glass of water twice a day, this has Psyllium Husk in, which is one of the 'miracle' ingredients. I also take Probio7 capsules from Holland & Barrett alongside the powder. You should try it, you'll be amazed how well they work, your confidence will return, you'll stop thinking about toilets as much, because you know you'll have time to reach one, as you won't have that horrendous need to run to the loo at a seconds notice. Please, please try it, they are marvellous, I can't give enough praise for what these 2 wonderful remedies have done for what was a very bad case of IBS for me. Good luck x

[jenny89119 in reply to mich631]

Hi:

I have tried everything. So you think the above you mentioned works for IBS/C.?

[mich631 in reply to jenny89119]

I have IBS/D and it work, and i'm told it's a 'miracle' remedy and it alters bowel habits depending on habits. i.e. if have diarrhoea gives you formed stools, if have constipation gives you loser stools. Buy a small tub and see how you go, I really can't recommend it enough x

[Pat1]

I also work full time in an office. Not working because if Ibs is not an option. Plus I have to use public transport. It is just something you get used to. I have had Ibs for many years and I have worked continuously. You have toilets at work, so you shouldn't have a problem. I sometimes have episodes where I have to go often, but that is something you have to contend with. You can't let Ibs stop you from working.

[Franjanu]

I kept leaving my jobs as the stress and workload only got larger then I had to travel for meetings and it was horrible. I work only part time now and have to rely on others for money too. It's sad but I don't really have a choice after 8 years of trying. also I live in Asia where we share 2 toilet cubicles between 3 -4 different offices so you cannot stay long or go often!

[Carrollar]

I am having a really difficult time at work with my absence at the moment. The only thing o can advise is be honest. Make them understand that there is a real chance of having an attack everyday and you need to have a plan, for me I need to be clear that I could have 'an accident' and that I would be very upset if this happened. My work are generally quite flexible with people working from home but for me they are putting their foot down at the moment, they say if I am ill I should be off sick, but at the same time I need to reduce my level of absence. What they basically want me to do is to make my absence stop my magically making my condition go away. I've battled with it for years and that with my anxiety has affected every job I've had. Just be honest and blunt with it, make sure you go to the doctor as much as you can to make sure there is an official record of it. At the end of the day o don't think my work can get rid of me without a fight and possible legal action, but I hope they don't push me that far!