colitis & work

Hello Everybody! 

First of all thank you all for all of the great threads!! I feel that this site is the only thing that is helping me right now! 

I am curious as to how many of you have full time jobs/careers.  I am in a pretty high stress position ( I love my job ) but dealing with this illness, I have been extra tired and some days I am completely exhausted.  Its like I start the week off (and I usually work 9-10 hour days) but by the end of my work week (day 5) I am totally pooped (pardon the pun) I'm thinking about asking my employer to do a 4 day work week, but I'm nevouse due to the competitive nature of my job and having them think that I can't handle the pressure.  I've been there for almost 11 years, and have proven myself as a top sales person, do I drop the bomb and take on one day less?  Or do I just hang in there and wait for this flare to pass?  Also one more question, is this disease more commen in type A, "Take on the world" type personalies 

Any advise/stories would be great     

Thanks, Yeah, I was thinking about the aproach of "work from home" one day rather than just be off an extra day. still undecided. Also, I didn't mean to post that smiley face by the topic, it was supposed to go by "pardon the pun" OOops...still learning...

I missed a month of work - doctor's orders - when I was first diagnosed. So, I quit my job. I was working for an ad agency and the atmosphere was very stressful - boss was a jerk - it definitely contributed to my problems. Heck, they even called me and bugged me about jobs while I was in the hospital.

When I returned to work (a new job), I let them know I had some issues but would be there as much as possible, even though I was forced to spend alot of time in the restroom. The first year was tough, but it's been pretty easy to deal with since then. I've worked full time since then.

Stress exacerbates UC. I think it's worthwhile to find a job with a relaxed atmosphere, if possible, and an understanding boss.

My hats off to all of you who work outside the home too.I tried going back to work twice since being diagnosed and had a very hard time doing it so my husband and I decided it would just be easier if I stayed at home.I really don't know how you all do it. 

I guess I have a advantage and a disadvantage. I own my own compaie (actually 2). The main company is in the retail enviroment. The good thing is that I am my own boss - but the bad thing is if i don't have anyone to work a shift - i am stuck doing it myself. It was really tough when i had to spend a week in the hospital because the doctor caused pancreatis during a test.

I would say do what you can to get over the flare as quick as possible - so you can go on working, but be honest with your employer. Be honest, but don't take advantage of the disease. Employers are willing to work with you, as long as you are willing to work with them.

This sounds so much like me; i haven't been diagnosed yet, but am having my colonoscopy done in a week.  I've been having more and more tummy issues lately and just had it.  Anyway, I quit my job almost a year ago because it was a high stress atmosphere and definately was adding to my tummy troubles.  When you have fibro too it makes it so hard to find a good balance.  I told hubby i was burning my candle at both ends and wasn't making anyone happy including myself.  I was miserable, finally I decided to quit my job.  It felt so good.  I mean i felt bad because things were going to be a little tight at home, but once we got balanced at home and I started accomplishing things at home it felt like the right thing to do.  I wouldn't say i'm a profectionist but I do take on a lot of stress and worry.  I'm currently looking for part-time work right now just a few days a week.  I actually interviewed for a job that would be part - time during the year and full -time during the summer.  It would be so perfect for me.  I guess we'll just take it one step at a time.  It would be a good way for me to ease back into work.  We're talking like 20 hours a week.  I guess I really need to find out how my test goes.  I was glad she said she'd have a decision by the end of the week and would like someone to start by the end of janurary so maybe I can get all these doctors appointments done by then if I'm given the job.  If I don't get it's ok, but I am kind of ready to get back into something just nothing to high stressed.  Those jobs are becoming so hard to find these days.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my break though its what I needed.  I've never done anything like that before, but it's been great being able to take care of family and cook and clean like i need to.  I'd start my week off feeling ok, but by the end of the week my fibro pain would be unbelievable, my tummy in knots, and i'd be exhausted.  It would take the weekend for me to recope then it would start all over again.  It was awful.  I'm nervous about going back to work, but I have to at least try at some point.  I guess it's everyone's personal decision as far as what we feel we can handle.  Sometimes you just have to say enough and figure out what's really important to you and your family. 

I'm very fortunate in that for my latest flare (and pretty much my only flare thus far... although it has landed me in hospital twice), work has supported and will continue to support me in a short-term disability capacity until I achieve some degree of comfort/remission/relief. So long as I supply them with all the adequate paperwork. Nice to have the stress of finances and job security off to the side while frying much larger fish.

When I return, while it is shift work, because it is a unionized environment I can request for health reasons to have a consistent shift so I can maintain solid routine to stay healthy and keep my head above water.

Again, feel very fortunate.

I travel a lot between client sites during the day for meetings. I put in an average of 50hrs a week at work and then on top of that I used to train 2-3 hours at the gym. I was constantly on the go. I'm currently in the midst of a flare (BM's 3-5). I have lightened up on the training at the gym considerably but my work hours have still been the same. I'm lucky so far that my flares haven't gotten in the way of work but my company does know about my condition and is very flexible with my hours. So whenever my body tells me it's tired and I need rest I will just work from home.

Try to take your meds, reduce as much stress as possible, hope you get the flare under control quickly! Hang in there! Positive thoughts..

handfulofrain...60 hours a week??  that's a lot of overtime.  are you filling in for summer holidays?
q

whew...amazing commitment, but it's great you're able to do it! I know a few people like you, I do envy your/their stamina.

q