IBS and work
#75061 - 05/31/04 06:12 PM
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ivy
Reged: 03/31/04
Posts: 38
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Hi all - I'm fairly new to the boards. I was wondering how you all handle your IBS at work. I am an "A" and, though I don't miss work days much, some days I spend a lot of time in the ladies room!
I have a pretty demanding management position and have pretty high ambitions. But sometimes, I'm really concerned that the IBS will prevent me from being able to move forward in my career because I'm concerned that the stress of additional responsibility will make the IBS worse and it will be more difficult to manage. Just the thought of having a bad IBS day on the same day as an interview is concerning.
So, I thought I'd check in with you all to see what kind of jobs you have and how you handle IBS at work. As I've read posts, I've noticed that some have taken time off to work through IBS issues. Please let me know your stories and tips when you have a chance.
Thanks!
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Re: IBS and work
#75064 - 05/31/04 06:34 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Hi Ivy,
I had the same question when I too was fairly new to the Boards, and I posted the same query. Check it out -- and the responses: Can You Work?
Since my post, I've managed to get myself stable. In fact, I don't recall the last attack I've had that I can't attribute to something stupid I did. Now I can honestly say I think I could probably return to work, although I confess I've gotten comfortable with retirement. I've been out of work now for a little over 3 years.
The stress you mention is a valid concern, but you can overcome it through the incredible hypnotherapy offered through the link to your left. A lot of us have gone through it, including me, and I swear by it. Here's my story: web page
Also, stock up on Equalactin. It's marvelous stuff that calms down your tummy when you're anticipating one of those interviews.
By the way, I'm a D.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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I can totally understand where you're coming from. My IBS (or whatever is wrong with me - no official diagnosis yet) has wreaked havoc on my work life. I was a full-time university student, which worked good for me because I was at a big school so I didn't have to attend class (no one would notice) and I would just do the work from the bathroom if necessary!
But, I couldn't afford to keep going to school without working, so now I work full-time for a bank in a call center environment, and it's really hard. I'm chained to a phone and there is no bathroom nearby, so it's very stressful and I do find myself missing more days than I would like. I'm lucky in that my boss has been supremely understanding, but everytime I have to call in sick it depresses me. And not working is not an option as I support myself 
Even though I manage to get through most days, the thing that bothers me the most is that I know with each day I call in sick I'm likely ruining my chances for advancement, plus, work takes so much out of me it's taking me way longer to do my school courses. Eventually I had wanted to be a pharmacist, but at the rate I'm going, I may be too old before I'm even done 
Oh well, I'm still hoping to get things more stable and then maybe it won't be a problem anymore.
Hang in there!
Kelly
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Dear Ivy,
I understand your worries. I work for a Congressional Commission in Washington, DC dealing with religious freedom issues - great job, very rewarding, but VERY stressful. We sometimes have extremely long hours and there is alot of pressure to produce effective policy. Everyone here is way too smart, I'm the youngest one on staff and you always feel the competition. The other staffers are mostly quite freindly, but our bosses - all nine of them, all members of Congress, think that we do not have a life outside of their agendas. What do I do to cope that I would offer some advice to you - make freinds with other employees, the support is important to me. When some Member makes me feel like crap because they didn't like my most recent report, it's good to vent with someone who goes through the same experience on a regular basis (I sometimes think they're really not happy with anything - maybe it's their own issues). Also, drink lots of water and tea throughout the day and gobble your pepper mints. I chew on fennel seeds too, but they can get caught in your teeth if your not careful! Also, make sure you get your rest at night, I've seen lots of people here say how important sleep is with all this. And DO NOT drink coffee - regardless of how tired you are. I've been known to stand in front of my desk typing reports when I'm too tired to avoid putting caffein in my system - it is the worst trigger in the world for me. In the end, I think the most important thing is having a support system to deal with the stress, if you are less stressed out your symptoms will be easier (as long as the diet is in toon) and runs to the bathroom will be less frequent (although I must admit, I get worried too if the pot is too inaccessible) we just do what we can to feel better. Hope you feel better and be happy that this week is only four days for us at work!
Min
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Hi Ivy,
You are totally not the only one with these concerns - in fact, I think we all have them to some degree. I have done several different jobs in the last couple of years and I have a different level of IBS related stress with all of them, it seems. It would be nice to have an ideal job, for IBS sufferers but I haven't found one yet!
If you read my last post, you'll find I am fed up with my current job and get quite a lot of stress from it, IBS and otherwise - and I only work in a bar! I find being on my feet all day is difficult and the thing I hate the most is that when I have to run to the toilet (I am IBS-D), I have to tell someone so they can watch my section - it's not like I can just sneak off and sneak back without anyone noticing. I have a lot of stress regarding embarassment, etc. But then I am so scared to ask to go home when I feel poorly, I find myself staying and just running back and forth and making myself feel worse and worse.
The last job I had was actually pretty well suited to IBS - I worked in a travel agency call-in centre. My desk was really close to the bathroom, and I could just put my phone on 'not available' if I had to go to the toilet. Since I realised I was okay at that job, I even found myself having way less attacks because I didn't have the anxiety. In fact, while I was at that job I went about 2 months with no attacks at all. I was eating pizza, and ice cream, and fries and I was fine. Weird.
I am aiming to find a good job like that again when I get back to Canada (December), but am worried I will end up in a similar situation that I am in now! I would love to spend all my time searching for the ideal job, but that's not really financially possible for most of us.
--Steph
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~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.
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I think a lot has to do with who your superiors are and if they are understanding of the problem of IBS. I work for a financial services firm down in the Wall St area of Manhattan. Thats a pretty good combo of stress right there. I have been quite lucky that the people I work with have been very supportive of me. I have been feeling better lately and I attribute part of that to a good base of support. In fact, I am in line for a promotion soon (keep your fingers crossed for me everyone!).
Good luck to you, i am sure you will be fine!
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Steph,
I've done restaraunt work and it can be the most frustrating stuff on earth! It's just amazing when you're dealing with the masses of humanity how stupid most of them can be! It's also hard being on your feet too - not easy on the body - get some rest.
Min
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Thank you all for your responses! I really appreciate all of the tips -- Bevrs, I'm going to check out the Equalactin. I am almost finished with the first 100 days of hypno. I love it and feel less anxious, but think I might do it again for more stomach improvement.
Thanks again!
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