How to manage work and IbS

[MichaelJ8]

any suggestions or tips is welcomed

[BabsyWabsy]

I suppose it depends what you do for work. If you are office based, be open about your issues, at least with your line manager. I did this and found there were actually three of us with bowel issues in an office of about 20 people.

[MichaelJ8 in reply to BabsyWabsy]

Idk how to talk about it. I have already intimated him about my condition and after that he seems to give certain concessions

[BabsyWabsy in reply to MichaelJ8]

He might appreciate you being completely upfront and straight with him. You are asking for his support. If he is aware of your issues, it may help you because it will be one less thing to stress about. I found it embarrassing at first, but these days, I can talk shite with anyone 😂. People are usually Ok about it, and it is surprising how many will admit to similar issues.

[Poppywoman in reply to MichaelJ8]

Hi. I was a senior manager & suffering with constant IBS(d). Chairing long meetings & giving direction & making decisions was fine, but the needing the loo frequently wasn't! Constant travel was another nightmare! Didn't help that the majority of my team(s )were young ambitious males so sharing my problem wasn't an option! The only way I could stop needing the loo frequently was to overdose on Imodium! Unfortunately, my limited down time was dominated by extreme pain, chronic wind & then trying to clear out my bowels ready for the new week!! Not too much fun for my Hubby I guess? Interestingly when meeting the team at the airport, one of them was anxious to know where all the loos were. I said I know where they all are as like you I need to know! He was surprised & relieved. Seems he thought he was the only person in the world with IBS! In short, Managers have IBS but can't share. Team members can & they will be surprised how much they can be supported.

[JayJJ23]

Hi I'm going through the same thing, I'm due to go back to work tomorrow and having things put in place to help me feel more comfortable and stress free. Stress can be a big trigger without you even realising it. See if you can but put somewhere out the way and near a toilet if it makes you feel more comfortable.

[MichaelJ8 in reply to JayJJ23]

Thanks for your suggestions jay. I have moves to a a bin near the toilet stating a different reason. But still hard to mange meetings

[Edith0]

when I was initially diagnosed with IBS I was off work for a few months and I agreed with my manager that a referral was made to occupational health. They were brilliant and supported me so that I got a change in job that allowed me to be office based and near the loo’s. It also meant that any sickness related to IBS was considered under the disability discrimination act, as it’s a condition that last longer than 12 months, and therefore it would have been very difficult for them to discipline me for my sickness. I would therefore say if you have an occupational health service then ask for a referral to them. If not maybe you could speak to your GP and ask that they write a letter outlining your particular symptoms and how that affects you at work and what if any changes may also help you. It also helped that my colleagues knew what was happening, they were incredibly supportive.

All the best