Telling an employer about your condition.

[*Jelly*]

Hi there :)

I thought i'd ask this as I've recently taken up a new job, sales assistant position, and have had a baaad flare the past few days. I dont start until late next week, but i'm very worried about how to deal with my IC and this new job. I'm considering telling my new boss, but wondering is something like this to much information?

Me personally after all the tests and what not we've gone thru, i'm not embarrased or phased by it at all, but im wondering how your employer's have handled this in the past? My symptoms I feel have progressed, thats why i'm considering this. In the past i've kept it to myself, and its been ok, though I was either working short shifts or sitting down, so things werent so bad. Now im looking at standing most of the day and 7 hour shifts.

Would like to hear your thoughts and experiences on this. Thank you :)

[ICNDonna]

I had already been in my job for several years when I developed IC, but I do know that you have a tough decision to make. I would think some employers would appreciate knowing and be willing to help you by providing some accommodations for your condition. It's a decision you will have to make for yourself. Whatever that decision is, I hope it works out well for you.

Sending encouraging hugs,
Donna

[armslee]

I have had my job for several years prior to being diagnosed. Therefore I almost felt obligated to speak up. I had other conditions going on before my diagnosis and had to have multiple test done for which I had to leave work for. Further at that time some of my symptoms were very obvious (tremors, dizzyness) and I couldn't hide it. Fortunately I have gotten over most of that!

I haven't told my boss everything. I have talked with a co-worker about my condition. She and I are pretty close and she does my job for me when I am out of the office. Other than that, I am fairly vague with everyone else.

[Kara Isabel]

Hmm.....do your employers seem pretty nice and/or understanding so far?

I would probably be forthright with them if I started calling in sick w/ flares alot.

I own my own business, and can say from the other side of the fence, I tend to react better to the *truth*, rather than hearing BS excuses when people call in, I can sense a lie a mile away.....

I wouldn't be too specific if I told them....Maybe along the lines of "I have a rare bladder disease that's acting up or acts up sometimes"

As long as you are selling and being productive on the floor, I don't think they would have a problem with you taking some *sitting/resting* breaks, unless they are completely callous jerks (which I've worked for a few of those before)

I wish you the best of luck w/ your new job! Follow your instinct!
hugs,
Kara

[ihurttoo]

This one is a toughie! The problem is that you are new, so they may wonder why you didnt fess up in the interview process, after they offered you the job to ask about how your condition could be accomadated. They may resent this. Not saying they will, just saying it is a real possibility. I did sales for years, and I have noticed in every company, that if you are a producer, then they will bend over backwards to keep you, and to keep you happy. If you are not, then they will probobly show you the door at the first sign of trouble. Since you are new, and dont have a proven record yet, I really think it is best to hold off for a few months, until you have proven yourself invaluable. I know it will be tough. But in things like this, timing really is everything! So regardless of what you decide, please make sure you choose the best possible time to tell your boss. The best time would be after you have met your quota for the month. If you have just finished a great month, and perhaps even just closed a HUGE sale, then that is what I would consider a most opportune time. Also, make sure that you tell them early in the morning, before the stresses of the day have gotten to them. I would also tell them mid-week, as oppossed to Monday or Friday, when people are usually swamped and stressed. Also, I would have a note from your dr stating what your limitations and restrictions are, as well as what you ARE able to do. And lastly, I would provide them with ideas of ways to make your job less taxing for you, without compromising customer service. For example, could you have a stool or chair to sit in while you are between customers? Small adjustments to your work enviornment may make a dramatic differance. Also, ask them if you can work at home on those couple of bad days you have a month. You could be writing thank you notes to customers who have bought, and those who have visited your company. You could also make follow-up calls from home to customers to try to get a return appt. And you could send out promo infor, direct mail, etc. as well as letters to businesses that could use your services. By the way, I may have more ideas, if I know what kind of company it is, and what you sell. I hope these ideas help some. Hugs, Amy

[enk11]

I agree with ihurttoo... I would wait also. If you need to go to the doc or something, try to work it around your schedule. once you are there for a few months and settled in, then you can say something if you need to. good luck to you

Enk

[Katrina]

I agree that it is one to think about. Some employers no matter how much they seem carying are a bit discriminative if you have a chronic illness....so I would look at how it might effect your job....(miss days, bathroom breaks, ???) Some employers have been very helpful....even more kind when realizing things....

I hope all goes well....:grouphug:

[ChrissySunshine]

Congratulations on your new position!!! :woohoo: I hope that you enjoy it!

Personally, I think it would be wise to wait before you say anything to your employer.

I'm going through the same thing, I'm still real sick and in alot of pain, but have got to get to work! So, I'm going to be beginning the job search within the next few weeks. I had the same question, when do I tell them? On the interview? I thought that would be a sure-fire way to NOT get called back for a second interview. When they first start noticing you're "not quite right" in the # of times you have to pee? When they see that you're in pain, and maybe are having difficulty sitting?

After much thought on this, (and I'm not quite done thinking this one out! :) ) I think the best thing would be to WAIT. Not say anything, then when they notice, say (LIGHTLY!!!) something like "I have a bladder disorder...please excuse me". Keep it real light. I can do that, I have that type of personality....just kinda keep it non specific and be on my way. Sure, they're gonna wonder, but so what? It'll give them something to think and talk about, and if they've got the cahunas to ask you about it, it might be nice to talk to someone about it....educate a little more!
Employers are a little wierd when it comes to chronic illness issues. Alot of them just don't want do deal, so they don't! Hopefully your new employer will be one of the more understanding employers out there!! Good Luck! Let us know how you're doin!

[Babs RN]

I have gone both ways and I have to agree with the Chrissy that keeping it light has worked the best for me. I don't get into gory details but let them know I have a chronic condition. I also let them know if I have an employee physical as well. Medical people are notorious for second guessing a colleague's illness and its validity but I have had pretty good luck so far. Of course I wait until after the interview, but let them know honestly before my first day.

Best of luck with your new job!

Hugs,
Barb :grouphug:

[*Jelly*]

Wow thanks for all the feedback! First off, my new boss is in her mid 50's and does seem like a very nice person. Easy-going, caring and very much wants me to work for her. So im hoping that will still be the case. I'll probably decide what i'll do closer to thursday.

I've talked this over with my boyfriend, and will also do the same with my mother, see what she thinks. I might hold off telling my boss for a while, and not get to in depth about it, as suggested, unless she specificaly wants to know more. But I also want to tell her right away, so I'm able to go to the bathroom when I need to. So still not to sure. Just see how I feel, and how brave I feel.

So far the anti-biotic course i'm on atm is working wonders, especially as i'm finishing voiding, thats when the flamethrowers come out :S. My ic is mild, and im able to do anything generally, just as long as I can pee when I need to, though I'm sure i'ts progressed as sex now causes flares :cussing:

Well i'll give this job a go at least, and if I can't do it, Then I can't, and i'll find something else. Try temp work as I read in another thread, though I'd like to work from home, but not sure what to do exactly, or how to start. I really need an income.

Thanks for all your thoughts and advice, much appriciated. It helps alot just knowing, Somewhere, other people are dealing with the same situation.

:grouphug:

[Mare]

I used to work for some health insurance companies. So my view point may be a little different from others. I personally would divulge as little information as possible about my medical condition. When it comes time to renew any health insurance policy, rate increases are often influenced by the ages and illnesses of the persons covered by the policy. Having said that, I would not want my employer to know that I was someone who was helping to increase any "high claim ratio". Even though firing someone based on their health condition may not be ethical, I don't see the need to give anyone information that may or may not be used to make a decision about my future. Also, your manager may be a nice person, but business decisions are often made with the bottom line of profits in mind. These are just my own opinions being expressed. I am sure that each situation is unique. So best of luck with your situation.