Time off work

[mithical]

So, even though you are medicated. How much time do you have off work, because of your IBS?

[Hidden]

I'm sure it's different for everyone.

Are you having time off?

[mithical in reply to Hidden]

I know it is different for everyone. That's why I asked.

I am not off work with my IBS, but I missed a shift. Also my symptoms change, and can last days.

[Eliana5]

I don't think there is any defination of amount of time one can take off due to IBS, because, (but I may be wrong) there is not yet a cure. Everyone is different, with a different tolerance for pain. If one is having loose stools all day, or gastritis, etc to where they feel that it interferes greatly with their quality of life..some people go on SSDI disability, or SSI. Others, until they feel they can work an 8 hour, (etc,) day, can go on medication, and when feeling better can go on "short term disability" until symptoms get better. I guess it all depends. If you feel it interferes with being able to work, there is no weakness, or shame. I know many people have it so badly they are constantly in pain, they can apply and usually get SSDI.

[mithical in reply to Eliana5]

My question was general, as to whether people have a day here and there. Or if they are off for longer at times.

I feel my organisation's sickness policy doesn't take into account, long term conditions, that are only manageable not curable. Flare ups can happen even when medicated, and I don't think that is understood.

[Eliana5 in reply to mithical]

Okay..I'm a bit confused as to what you are really needing and asking. No ones responses seems to be good enough. I guess the best thing..maybe a Doctor's note? Or talking to your human resources or Personnel dept. Maybe others will chime in with any help. Take care, and hope you feel better. ☺

[mithical in reply to Eliana5]

I was just trying to find out if people, like me had a few days where they needed to be off work, or if they mostly had singular days. I realise everyone is different.

Every reply is appreciated. I think perhaps the answers were 'deeper' than I needed them to be. I am looking for other personal experiences.

[Kilgh]

Up until now I have only taken the occasional day off and usually work through the once in a while bad days. However, I have a bad flare up now that has finally made me give in. After trying to deal with it for 8 months on my own and it only getting worse I am taking a few months off. Luckily as I haven't used much sick leave in the 11 years I have been at my current workplace (to the point they are freaking out as I "never get sick") I had 60 days owing. This is the first time in 25 years of fulltime work that I have been bad enough to "tap out".

[mithical in reply to Kilgh]

I hope you can get some help to make things easier for you.

[Kilgh in reply to mithical]

Trying a drug treatment now. Really hoping it works. Haven't had to use chemicals much before to control it. But need something new right now. 14 years of not having this. Forgot how bad it is.

[Ravenclaw1991]

I might be chiming in several months too late, but I have just had 3 days off sick with bad cramps, diarrhea and headache. Don't think it's gastritis and probably more menstrual combining with some poor food choices, the heat we are experiencing and IBS type D which causes some pretty nasty cramps.

[mithical in reply to Ravenclaw1991]

Hope you are feeling better. Thank you for your reply.