Discussion with Boss this morning about absences

Tell him the full and complete truth. Don't spare him any details and when he makes a move for the restroom to throw up, block his path and tell him "Hey if I have to live with it, you can hear me talk about it for another 10 minutes." *evil grin*

Maybe not the best advice in the world, but at least tell him whats going on.

If your company is big enough this should probably be handled by the HR department. I think it would be helpful to talk to your boss about it too. I had to tell people about it when I got sick and they were very understanding. Don't be embarrassed to talk about it, or if you are embarrassed get over it! You're gonna have this for a long time.
James

My heart goes out to you !

I am in a flare and have not been at work since March 6th. My boss seems to understand but the longer I am off I start to wonder of he is going to think I am just "milking" it or what. At the same time I find if you just tell them that you have Colitis and they ask you what it is I just say it's very closely related to Crohns disease and usually that tells them all they need to know. Most ppl know someone who has Crohns and they can relate to that easier than to the word Colitis.

Just a thought

Sorry you are going through this now. I know in the past there have been posts about not saying too much when you first apply for a job. However, now you are into a flare and need the time. First, I would definitely get a doctor's note. Second, I think it is time to explain UC to your boss (and HR and anyone else who needs to know).

I know my daughter is still young and only has a part-time job but she started in August 2006 and was first hit with UC in September 2006.  Because it was so new, she would call and say she wouldn't be in for the week (10 hours at the time) but would probably be better by the following week. Well one week turned into 2 which turned into 3, etc. until it was 9 weeks later. She is on her 3rd flare and still has her job (albeit it isn't a tremendous problem for them if she isn't there).  Once we understood UC, we have been very open and upfront about it to her job. Exactly what it is, what happens, etc. The funniest thing to me is that they always ask questions about it and she works in a library! I always want to say...LOOK IT UP!

I agree with everyone here...you should tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  But also would advise to definately contact your boss or HR dept to inquire about the FMLA paperwork.  I have it in my personnel file,  and whenever I have to call in to my boss sick and its related to my UC<  she just lets our payroll person know that its under FMLA, and I don't get penalized.  Sure if i'm out of PTO (paid time off) I don't get paid,  but at least I won't lose my job. or get written up. another thing to think about...(I had to learn this the hard way)....when I was so sick before my hospital;ization I kept trying to come into work and would have to leave early ,  well,  If I had just called in all those days,  I would of qualified for short term disability (and got some $$),  but because I would come in here and there, then,  when I was hospitalized,  and forced to stay out for a week and half or so,  I didn't get paid for any of those days.   so look into your short term disabilty requirements as well.   You may not need it now,  but be sure to be informed for when you may. 

I disagree with Severin on the issue of providing web references. It's not your job to educate your boss or your company about UC. People can google it themselves and read up about bloody diarrhea if they are interested. No one needs to be bothered with the specifics, just the way that if someone went to her boss and said I need to be out of the office for pregnancy complications she would not be asked by her boss what the complications are.

To qualify for FMLA leave or for short-term disability payments, you will probably be given a form to give to your doctor to fill out. I would wait to see what is required. It's not something you should worry about.

Also, we all seem to have picked up on the feeling that your boss won't understand. Is that how you feel? If your boss is not someone you want to discuss your health with, you are not required to. There are probably many instances of people going out on medical leave where the details are kept private by HR and the direct manager doesn't know the details.

Any reasonable employer in the U.S. should be afraid to fire someone who comes forward as being sick since they open themselves up to potential lawsuits and bad PR. I don't know if it's against the law to fire someone who has UC but I bet your boss doesn't know either. :)

Well, I spoke with my boss today and he was very nice about the situation. He advised me to look into intermittent family leave as soon as possible. My year anniversary isn't until June, so hopefully I will be OK for the next month. I am still having a flare, but Rowasa and Lialda seem to be really helping. Basically, he told me he wants me to get better and not worry about missing days for UC. I didn't go into great detail b/c I really didn't need to. I just told him that I have a chronic disease and it causes pain, weakness, fatigue, etc. I feel much better now knowing I got it off my chest.