Managing IBS and work…

[Book_Worm5]

Here is the million dollar question…how do you all manage IBS and work?

This is something I’ve been struggling with for years. The dreaded commute in traffic, too few bathrooms at work and no privacy - it adds up to an anxiety nightmare. Calling in sick regularly seems like my only option when I’m at my worst.

I’m dental hygienist which means busy days of up to 15 patients, few breaks and it’s almost impossible to leave the room mid treatment for bathroom breaks. I’m starting to think I cannot do this career anymore and need something more forgiving.

What does everyone do? Tips appreciated!

[xjrs]

Just wondering if you've tried anything to bring your symptoms more under control such as a good probiotic. Alflorex worked best for me (and I have tried many). It helped me have a more varied diet which is also good for IBS. There is also the Nerva gut directed hypnotherapy app to reduce stress and that tight intestinal feeling that can kick IBS-D off.

I am currently IBS-C, but years ago I was IBS-D and I'd get bad symptoms when going through a stressful period at work. It would calm down a bit when that stressful period was over. Wondering whether working on stress (such as cardio vascular exercise, meditation, yoga) might help. I find running to be brilliant for this since it eliminates 'fight or flight' mode from your body since you are literally fleeing and doing what your body has intended for it to do. There is also something called TRE (tension releasing exercises).

[Book_Worm5 in reply to xjrs]

Thankyou - I have been taking Symprove for a year now and I think it has helped a bit but it is quite expensive. I will definitely look into Alflorex and Nerva too. I do run a little but I live in fear of getting too far from home and needing to “go” 😩 Any tips for this?

[xjrs in reply to Book_Worm5]

Well, it's a bit of an expensive solution, but I have a treadmill at home, so I am near to a loo.

[Edgar77]

I suffered getting to work and at work for decades. Sadly in the end I took early retirement at 59 as it was a case of jump before you are pushed. Luckily we can survive on my husbands wages, but I miss work I lost all my friends cos I never wanted to go out or let them down at the last minute. At least at 63 now not so long till I get a pension. Sorry this is no help to you.

[Book_Worm5 in reply to Edgar77]

Thankyou for sharing - it’s really useful to hear other’s experiences as sometimes I feel like I’m the only person with troubles like this. IBS is very isolating - I’m feeling that also! I’m lucky too in that we could live on my partner’s wages but giving up work at 35 seems so drastic. I feel like there should be some disability allowance for us?

[xjrs in reply to Book_Worm5]

I saw this recently:

theibsnetwork.org/ibs-and-w...

[Nanabud8]

Sorry to hear of your predicament. I was the same, i had to drive a lot, i was a social worker n live in a very rural area. When some other staff left, i had to fill their jobs which meant extra work load for me. My ibs got worse with the stress and workload, so like Edgar 77 posted on here, i had to retire early. My gp said 'your health is your wealth' , try telling that to my bank account!! It really is a catch 22 situation, you feel guilty missing days n that adds to the stress n ultimately the ibs gets worse. I do hope you can find a balance as i know what you are dealing with. Best of luck x

[b1b1b1]

It is very difficult and I sympathize with you. My problem is that I cannot make any plans to leave the house before 10 AM as I know I will most likely have to use the bathroom before then. It is a very stressful problem for all of us to have. x

[Edgar77 in reply to b1b1b1]

Just like me. I miss out on all the morning activities. Even if I don't need the loo I'm feeling too awful before 11am. I can't commit to anything.

[Book_Worm5 in reply to Edgar77]

This seems to be a common theme - IBS always worse in the mornings! My drive to work is a race against time ☹️

[Blue_Grey]

I will be starting an internship soon and subsequently a full time job, and I feel very worried about going to work in an office with people around. I feel supported by my uni right now as they allow me to take classes online and write exams in smaller rooms. But I doubt that any company would make such arrangements if I disclose my IBS.I believe I'd have to bear with the panic attacks, anxiety and symptoms of IBS at least during the internship, as any disclosure could affect the conversion to full time role. Would love to hear any advice from you all!

[Book_Worm5 in reply to Blue_Grey]

I feel for you and totally understand how difficult it can be but I guess all you can do is start the job and see how it goes - you might be pleasantly surprised!

My survival tips are to be prepared - I always pack spare clothes, wipes, immodium etc for worst case scenario. Try to get some time alone at lunch away from everyone - eating and being around others all day just worsens my anxiety. And in terms of commuting - will you be driving or getting public transport? Either way, plan a route that allows toilet stops if you can and give yourself plenty time.

[Blue_Grey in reply to Book_Worm5]

Hi Book_worm, thanks for your response and all the tips! Really appreciate it. It feels like someone can understand what I'm going through. My IBS symptoms are more related to bloating and trapped wind than diarrhea. I do struggle with diarrhea early in the morning but for the rest of the day, I have to put up with loud stomach gurgling, wind, bloating, stomach churning but no bowel movement etc.

Just staying with people in close quiet spaces gives me anxiety and sometimes I have even had panic attacks. My uni fortunately has been very accomodating. But I'm very much worried about going to work like you. Although my job doesn't need a lot of in-person interaction and can be done remotely, I'm afraid that I'd be losing a lot of great opportunities just because of my health condition

[Book_Worm5 in reply to Blue_Grey]

Do you think there would be any chance of you working from home?

Sometimes I think it’s good to remember we didn’t ask for this condition and shouldn’t be hard on ourselves for not being able to be the super high achiever at work - we have other things to deal with 👍🏼 I will admit I do the bare minimum because that’s all I have to give! I don’t like it but that’s my situation just now.

[Blue_Grey in reply to Book_Worm5]

Thanks for your response again! I totally get your part about not being a high performer or achiever. I do envy my peers sometimes who can simply go to classes and meetings without any fear, while I'm worried about IBS 90% of my day. I'd love to work remotely but I'm worried that the company (especially large corporates) might not consider me for full time job if I ask them for remote work during the internship. I know that they legally can't discriminate against me but they can always try to intentionally state that I didn't do a good job. Nevertheless, I'm trying to find remote jobs in smaller companies that are more flexible but still offer a decent pay and learning opportunities. I truly hope that I find a company that can understand and accommodate my needs.

I'm sorry that your job doesn't allow you to work remotely. Have you tried disclosing your IBS to your employer? Do you think there are any other adjustments that might make it a little easier for you to work? In the UK, legally, the employer is supposed to make reasonable adjustments if IBS interferes with the employee's daily activities. I suppose that's the case in some other countries too. If possible, do reach out to your employer and check what kind of support they can provide.

[Liz1234ty]

Hi, I'm not sure this will help you, but I work from home. I set up my own business about 10 years ago and it takes away so much stress and worry. I know that more and more places of work are allowing work from home days at least a few days a week, but with your career I don't see how that would be a practical solution so perhaps its more a case of being prepared for different eventualities.