When and how to disclose to my boss

I woke at a college and meet individually with students on a regular basis. My office is in an older house on campus and although we have two bathrooms- they are not sound proof at all and share a wall with others' offices.

usually a 2-3 times before work and it's mostly just blood. But, by the afternoon, I'm making excuses to run to another building so I can go to their bathroom. But I'm marry making it. The gas sound is horrible. And by 2/3pm I'm just counting down the hours until I can make it home. Then, I go home and quick let the dog out so I can use the bathroom and let it all out (if I have time).

I did share with him last week that I would have to be out for some medical appts (colonoscopy last week and the pre started at noon the day before) but I didn't share the details. I don't think I need to do that, but I am considering telling him that I have a chronic medical condition that usually progresses the afternoon so if I have to leave suddenly, that is why. And maybe discuss how he would like me to rearranged my appts if need be, or take sick time, etc. I keep waiting to feel better so I don't have to talk to him, but this isn't getting better....

"When and how should I disclose uc to my boss?" It can't hurt to tell your boss but I'd start with HR. You can at anytime to have it put on file for when it's needed. Personally, I'd go to HR and tell them if uc is currently or you're worried it will impact your job performance. The point of reporting it is usually because you need reasonable accommodations (common examples, flexible morning start times, closer location to or accommodations for bathroom access, or extra time for doctors appointments, even work from home). A large organization like a university is bound by FLMA after you've worked there for at least a year, and ADA always applies. Reasonable accommodations are generally made by the employer to make it easier for you to do your job. If you need time off due to a flare, FLMA is helpful.
www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/fmla-faqs.htm
www.ada.gov

I'd ask your gastroenterologist if you're currently experiencing symptoms. Getting your uc symptoms under control is always preferable, so you don't have to worry about uc impacting your quality of life or work.

Good luck with your scope, let us know how it goes!

I called HR like Ipoop suggested, especially bc it's a state school and big university- I know hey prob have stuff in place. The woman was really nice and even used as an example, someone with gastrointestinal issues who might need a flexible schedule or to come in late some days-she said that's something that I can use intermittent FMLA for. She said if I fill out the paperwork, it's the law that It can't be held against me in any job reviews or references for future jobs. That was reassuring.

Again, I do okay until the afternoon. Then it's a crap shoot. Yea, pun intended (bad joke, I know, but ya gotta laugh). I'll see why this week brings. I know I'm just avoiding talking to him- not that he's mean or won't understand. It's just not something that's easy to bring up. No one in my office knows.

I'd get the paperwork from HR, I believe your doctor needs to sign etc. I'd tell your boss briefly that you have uc and just how it impacts your job needs (as that's what is relevant) and I'm sure he/she will be nice and try to provide reasonable accommodations. You don't have to go into every detail of uc with your boss, as uc is embarrassing and involves a social taboo, bowel movements, accidents, etc. I'm sure they'll google it, you can always point them to ccfa.org, or something. Talking with your boss might be helpful if you need someone to cover if you have unexpected urgency in the afternoon then perhaps they can arrange a procedure, a cover for you, etc.

And since your HR seemed to be familiar with it, so you're not the only one. A lot of people know someone with uc or Crohn's, or other conditions.

about the noisy bathroom trips, I wouldn't worry. When nature calls it's not always a whisper, sometimes it's a category 5 storm. As a guy that tends not to bother me anyways, often my gender isn't at all ashamed, shy, or courteous of such functions, often it is just the complete opposite lol. Some choose to turn on the bathroom fan, hand driers, or water to mask the noise.