Information for my employer

Well, I'm finally back to work after 2 years, and it feels great! I may not be in remission, but my symptoms are controlled tolerably well.

Unfortunately I have to ask for some accommodations. While in the meeting to request said accommodations it became very (very) obvious to me that neither management or HR had any idea whatsoever about IBD. I had questions like:

Why will you need time for a nap during the day? (This when I told them I might be away from my desk for up to half an hour at a time or more)
If you can't come to work because your sick, than how could you possibly be productive at home (asked for a telework accommodation (part time only))
Why would flexible hours of work help you, either your sick or your not. Which is it?

Mornings are my personal hell. Usually after several hours of being sick, I'm relatively okay for the rest of the day, with bathroom breaks of course! Because I have to get up at 4 am to be at work by 8 I wanted to be able to come in to work late some days and make up the time later, or on days when I just don't have the energy to shower, etc to meet the dress code, that I could work from home, mainly just in the mornings. In the end they grudgingly allowed that I could come in as much as 2 whole hours late, like they were handing me the world on a platter, but telework was flat out denied, and in a position where I know it would be perfect for part time use (I had the job for 6 of the 13 years I've been with this employer).

So once again I'm asking for your help. I've looked everywhere for some sort of pamphlet that doesn't give all the hoary details (I don't think they need to know about my bloody diarrhea), is directed towards an employer, and still explains the challenges we face. Yes I know I don't look sick, yes I know I'm fat (man I hate pred) but I am sick and it's not going to go away!

So if you know of a place to get such information could you please tell me where?

Maybe a note from your Doctor might help. I was asked to apply for FMLA recently and my Dr was very good about answering the type of questions you posed without divulging any personal info about me. Maybe you can get some info from your doc about how mornings can be difficult? I would not give them too many details and let them know the disease is unpredictable. Maybe let them know what you told us that mornings are hard when you have been sick all night. I can attest to that for sure!! The reason working from home is ok for me is I can wear comfy clothing and even work on my computer lying down which cannot be done at work etc.  I was told after working from home for 6 different days that I cannot do it anymore, they did not believe I was working all day when home I actually felt I got more work done at home but in the end was told I cannot work from home. If they can give you 2 hours I would take it. I think Dr notes are a big help though! Also, Apply for FMLA if you are qualified for it. It can help protect you as well. maybe those 2 hours missed can be FMLA? congrats on getting back to work! Karen

Sylph, unfortunately, people in mgmt positions and even HR aren't always up to date on the laws, etc (I'm in HR, by the way).  I know that, in order to request reasonable accomodations where I work (a university), you are supposed to fill out a form and have your doctor complete to say if the things are medically necessary.  Maybe if you were to write out your requests and have your doctor comment on each one as to why they are medically necessary, then they will be more likely to approve them.  Plus, if you have doctor's certification saying they are necessary and they aren't unreasonable cost wise, you can always file a complaint against your employer. 

Sometimes people in HR positions are very skeptical of requests like FMLA and reasonable accomodation.  Providing HR with information on the disease is a good idea but having a doctor certify that it is necessary for YOU will be more effective than providing them with an overview of what Crohn's can do.  Good luck!

Family and Medical Leave Act

Overview

Covered employers must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for one or more of the following reasons:

• for the birth and care of the newborn child of the employee;
• for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care;
• to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or
• to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.

More details in link below:

http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/

thanks Sylph!! that is great advice!! I have thought of bringing in my home computer and asking IT to add the work network to it. (I have a laptop) I have access to most of my work , email, and our HR databases and payroll already from any computer. Karen

I couldn't find it but you can call their "resource center" - I am sure they could get you a copy of it.
1.888.MY.GUT.PAIN