Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Problems with work, stressed out

I just got a call from my immediate superior at my job saying that she is having to submit to their "third party investigation company" regarding my intermittant absences. I guess from a work standpoint it looks worse when you miss one or two days here and there, rather than one long block (i.e. a week). Of course, with IBS, you're much more likely to have intermittant days, and because I'm still undergoing testing to even make sure it is IBS, I've missed even more.

I know I don't really have anything to worry about because my doctor will advise them that I do require periodic days off, it's just that they're trying to come up with an "allowable" number of days (i.e. 3 per month is permitted) and I don't like that because it makes me stressed out. I can't control what happens and so I don't like knowing that I get so many days, any more and I'm going to be let go.

I'm so stressed and frustrated, I don't know what to do. I try really hard to do my job and do it well, but I can't help it when I get sick. Monday I got up, showered, had my herbal tea and was good to go, and about 1/2 hour before I needed to leave I got the most crippling cramps I have ever had, and ended up not making it. So then I felt terrible because it was such short notice, but I could barely even get to the phone to call and tell them...obviously they wouldn't want me at work like that.

I don't know what to do anymore...just needed to vent I guess. I'm not too happy that I'm being "investigated" even though I know that all my absences have been completely legitimate. Does anyone else have trouble holding down a job? Any advice?
Kelly

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator