Working with UC Flare Up

Well if it is not possible to work at all, ie no loos near enough, exhaustion etc, ask your GP for a letter to explain the complications to your boss. Also try Crohns and Colitis org (can't recall exact address) this should have leaflets that might explain your condition better and you can ask them for advice. If you are sick you are sick and make sure you don't feel bullied into coming to work, or if possible in your job, see if you can arrange work at home on bad days, there's always a way around these things. I've had Uc for 26 years, got bowel cancer 8yr ago, amongst many other immune disorders, I still work full time, so it is possible if not easy. At end of the day it's a job, and there are others out there if they persist in making life difficult, your health is more important.

https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/

Hi Carrie.

My job was an office manager. Most companies do not understand the disease...

Best thing you could do is maybe get a letter from your nurse or consultant explaining what has happened to you and keep a copy and sit down with your boss..

Maybe they can alter your hours or use some holiday to cover some sickness??

I had prob months off in total.

They were very good..they-morrisons had a health nurse so I was very lucky there..they made amendments for me etc..i made the decision to leave after 7 years..too much stress for me,which makes mine worse..

My 2nd job wasn't so understanding..but that's another story...

Ps.

Don't worry about asking loads of ?? To us we all have different stories nd experiences that no medical person can relate to..

So ask away.

Xx😃

I was very lucky when I was first diagnosed with UC as my boss had two daughters and an ex husband all with Crohns so she understood how bad things can be. Unfortunately I was made redundant a few years back and new  bosses haven't been as understanding. I've got to a point where I put myself first, if I'm having a flair pushing myself through the work week will only prolong the flare so I take time off, if I'm given any trouble I'm very firm and make a point of standing up for myself. If I'm off for more than a week I get a docotrs note telling them how sick I am and my doctor is very good in writing a personnel note explaining the symptoms.

It's a problem unfortunately that unless you have this condition or have family with it you just don't understand how bad it can be. If you've worked there for 7 years I imagine they must know you aren't a faker. I would ask for a meeting with your boss, take in some information and have an honest talk about how it effects you even if it's a little embarrassing long term it will be worth it. My old boss used to let me do some work from home if I wasn't feeling great but not in full flare so I didn't pile up sick days and lose bonuses your boss may be willing to help out more if they know the full facts.

Hi Carrie303

I have the same problem as you, where I have worked for the same small company (3 office staff) for 8 years and was diagnosed with UC in 2013.  My boss and 2 colleagues did not appreciate my need to run to loo every 5 mins and spending up to 20 mins at a time stuck there.  They unfortunately thought I had IBS which as we know is completely different.  AS claire-mar29574 suggests, my IBD nurse sent a letter to my employer explaining my condition and how this has an impact on me and my daily life.  I was nervous at first having this letter sent but from that point, my boss and colleagues asked me tentative questions and became concerned as did not appreciate what I was going through.  My boss is now extremely accommodating in respect of my constant hospital appointments and is aware that I may need to be sat on the loo for a while.   

It is embarrassing experiencing these urgencies at work but needs must and all.  

I hope things get easier for you over time and that your work begin to understand that you have a disease.