Holding down a job with severe IBS

[vikkibubz]

Im really struggling with day to day life due to the fatigue and sickness and constant toilet trips and cant hold down a job because of it, does anyone else have this problem?

[lynne25ukuk]

Yes I don't work because my Ibs is so erratic. I don't know from one hour to the next how I'm going to feel and I don't see how I could be employable. What boss would be happy with someone needing so much time off. I started doing uni courses at home just for something to keep me entertained. Some people find there Ibs is less of an issue at certain times of the day, like mine isn't to bad at night so maybe night work could be an option

[Hidden]

Hi,

What methods have you employed to try and control your symptoms, e.g. dietary regimes, medication etc?

Roz

[whiteladder42]

I have not managed to hold down a job and was forced to leave my nursing course as well because of my IBS symptoms and the lack of understanding (sometimes downright discrimination). I am not eligible for any financial assistance at all and really struggle. It is a huge burden on myself and my husband-if anyone knows of any place to get help other than GP/hospital/useless local job centre please let me know! I wish you all the best and hope you manage to keep going.

[zapman in reply to whiteladder42]

I have ins for 10 years and the only thing that helped stop going to the toilet 8 times a day was panadine forte but unfortunately you can't take that forever. Try Lomitol the doctor gave me that and it has helped a bit

[Ibsr]

Vikki, Lynn, whiteladder, have you tried FODMAPS diet?

I discovered it two months ago and have noticed a HUGE improvement in pains, energy and concentration.

Lynn, I could have written your post above a few months back.

As Roz asked what have you tried? Post it here and I am sure someone will be along to offer their advice .....you can take control of your symptoms and be employable:-).

[vikkibubz]

Thank you all for replying I really do appreciate it, Ive tried all sorts of dieting and medication, Ive had colonsocopys, endoscopys and CT scans and still ongoing as it might be chrons, I havent worked for almost a year due to my sypmtoms getting worse and worse by the week, I tried working as a bar maid 4hrs a week but already have phoned in sick 2 weeks and my boss just told me my illness is an inconvenience :/

Are people with IBS eligiable for ESA or disabilty allowence?

what is this FODMAPS? Ive never heard of it

Thanks again for all your replys

[whiteladder42]

I have tried fodmap diet and it unfortunately didn't help I have been under the care of a dietician for years even though it is not food related. I have had every test and tried every medication under the sun-am unemployable and there doesn't appear to be any practical help available. I am not eligible for ESA because I was a university student when I fell ill-you have to have paid tax for two full years prior to your claim.

[Ibsr]

Sorry to hear that guys! Have you tried alternative treatments such as hypnotherapy or kinesiology?

Vikki check out some of the other posts and blogs..there are lists of FODMAP foods. Basically you cut out fermentable carbs..it seems to have helped quite a few.

What is ESA?

[Ibsr]

Also acupuncture

[whiteladder42]

ESA is the disability benefit (otherwise most unemployed people get job seekers allowance or JSA). ESA does not require you to actively look for work. Need to be signed off by doctors and have previously been in full time employment for minimum of two years paying tax to be eligible for either. It seems unfair because if I was an alcoholic who became too ill to work but had previously worked I would get ESA, or took drugs and crashed my car leaving me paralysed I would get ESA if I had previously been working. Spending 3 years as a student nurse wanting to become a gastro specialist nurse to help people like us with severe IBS and getting ill...no financial help available.

[Ibsr]

I bet the way that allowance worked changed this week.

[Chapdales]

I am new to this site , but most of the things i have read people don't seem to be as bad as i am, so it's really comforting to know i am not alone with such bad symptoms, I am under Professor Whorwell at Manchester Hospital and am on an elimination diet at the moment but like you I can not work because of it as I spend most of my time either on the loo or crippled with pain, I have tryed loads of different pills and now have Buscopan injections which work quit well but you can only have 3 per day and they run out a long time before your due another one, I am on the list for hypno therapy but do not know how long the waiting list is, does any one know if you are entitled to DLA ?.

Kindest Regards

Jo

[Ibsr in reply to Chapdales]

Lucky you. Whorwell is THE best ! Keep us updating as to how you go and what you have done. Never heard of buscopan injections!

[Chapdales in reply to Ibsr]

The injections work much better than the tablets, Professor whorwell said that when you take the tablet you only end up getting a 10th of the strength by the time it has been absorbed but with the injection, because they are inter-muscular you get the full strength and a lot quicker, If you don't mind the thought of injecting yourself why don't you ask you G.P about them.

Kindest Regards x

[nanabud]

Hi vikkibubz, sorry to hear you cant work work due to ibs! I am having the same problem, I am about to quit after struggling for years to hold my job down, ive missed so much time and, like you have constant trips to the loo, my company has just employed a new boss and there is no room for people who takes time off. This has put extra stress on me as I know i will need time off. I have just started on the Fodmap elimination diet and im ever hopeful that it will be a success. I have tried everything so far. I will get illness benefit (I live in Ireland) and I have already done my homework on this. My GP has always said I would be more relaxed if I cut back my hours, I did cut back my hours but no luck!!! I hate the idea of not working but i plan to try and work from home as this may be an option, self employed. Keep positive and try everything, just never give up.

[curedofIBS]

Try visiting both an osteopath and a kinesiologist. Search for a local one, I had a lot of success with both after years and years of stupid prescriptions and continual IBS despite the useless prescriptions and various pointless diet suggestions from my Dr. A kinesiologist can work out exactly what affects you as an individual. An osteopath can correct spinal misallignments that can cause IBS. Try and get a recommended one or do thorough research. I have heard that osteopaths can make you keep coming back and charge you each time, you should need only 3-4 visits, if they say it will take longer avoid them.

Ring them and discuss it with them, see what they have to say.