Work and IBS-D

[Just-hanging]

Hi all

So for the past 2 years since my son was born I developed IBS-D and although some days/weeks I have a better control over it sometimes for no reason at all, out of no where sneaks some cramps which lead into a toilet rush and a flare up.

Now my son is abit older I’m looking at going back to work. I’ve always worked in nurseries and before pregnant worked my way up to manager level. But I’m thinking this time a less stressful job would benefit me.

I’m wondering how I would manage work and IBS. Does any one have any tips or their own stories on what they’ve done in this situation

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[Kilgh]

I am off work dealing with this right now. My advice is that stress will make IBS worse. So it doesn't matter what you do, you need to get your head right first. I work in a very stressful job so I am working on not letting it get to me. I got a flare up from some medication for an unrelated minor thing. I tried to work through it myself for 8 months. Mistake number 1. Then I tried taking a holiday but put pressure on myself to be all well for my first day back to work. Mistake number 2. I didn't get better and allowed my stress levels to soar. Mistake number 3. I have now taken it more seriously and have engaged both a Gastro and a Psychiatrist on to my case. Am now trialling a new drug under their supervision.

Long story short: Stress is bad.

[Just-hanging in reply to Kilgh]

Thank you for your reply. I understand stress makes it worse, I have a two year old who can be quite stressful.

I’m sorry to hear you became so unwell, I hope the new drug is helping x

[spzgirl51]

Hello Just-hanging ,

I am in my 50s an recently discovered that giving birth can sometimes affect bowel control of urgency issues due to to a bad tear or type of delivery? It may be your problem is not all ib s and stress related?

best wishes to you.

[Kilgh in reply to spzgirl51]

My mother had that except it caused bladder issues.

[Just-hanging in reply to spzgirl51]

Hi thank you for your reply.

I did think the same thing and my mother also questioned this but doctors won’t consider this. I had awful pelvic dysfunction during pregnancy and still have quite a weak pelvic floor. I had a natural birth with forceps&suction cup but haemorrhaged a lot.

I think I’m going to research this again and push my doctors to consider it.

Thank you

[spzgirl51 in reply to Just-hanging]

Good luck xx

[Hidden]

I would recommend dealing with your IBS-D before going back to work. Afterwards you probably won't have time.

You know when it started up. If you work with someone to go back to why it started and the situations/feelings that went with it, it is likely you could unstitch the trigger loops. sickofibs.com/ibs-triggers/...

Having a baby brings up lots of emotions and fears, from the pregnancy, to the actual delivery experience we have, to learning to become a great mother and any relationship issues with our own mother. It's loaded!

And often we push our needs to the side and look after the baby that needs our attention. And then we push our needs aside and go back to work.

[Maureen1958]

Hi, I worked with IBS for about 7 years before I gave up work to have my son. I was a secretary so I could disappear to the loo without it necessarily being noticed, but after I had my son (emergency cesarean) my IBS got worse. I don't think it was to do with the birth, my son has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and was extremely difficult to deal with. He screamed the whole time he was awake as a baby. I think the two together were too much to deal with and I had no family on hand to help.

I have come across other IBS sufferers during my life and one worked in a nursery before she had her child but always said she could not go back to nursery work because you can't just run to the loo when you want, as you have to have the right ratio of staff to children. Just thought I would mention this, although you would be aware of it, but might not have thought it through. Perhaps another type of job would be easier.

[Just-hanging in reply to Maureen1958]

Hey, thanks for your reply

I’ve luckily have had a very supporting partner but have suffered with depression a lot over the years. I’m so sorry you had such a rough time.

I defiantly have thought about staff ratios within a nursery if I was to go back. Too many times I had to wait for someone to cover to nip to the loo. Although for a quick wee it isn’t a big deal but if I was to have a flare up and needed some time it would be, which is why I was thinking something abit more low key.

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[Just-hanging]

I will do, my mum defiantly thinks it’s all related and so do I.

I do need to strengthen my pelvic muscles but am having trouble doing so.

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