How to manage IC if you work full time?

[Smokey]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with IC in Oct 2006. Symptoms started around 2003.

I have been looking for part time work, but in my field there isnt much around, there is plenty of full time. I am going a little crazy staying at home. I have always worked and had a active life style. Its been so hard for me to work around IC.

When I have pain all I want to do is slap on a heated pad, take paid meds and rest in bed. I like to nip it in the bud early!!!

Does any one have any tips on how to manage working full time if you do get pain/flare up?

[ICNDonna]

I worked full time for many years after my IC diagnosis (I'm retired now.). My co-workers and supervisor all knew about my IC --- I had an office with its own bathroom! I had a half hour drive to work so if I was flaring, I would take my pain meds just before I left home --- they would kick in shortly after I got there. Then I timed them so I would have a clear head to drive home to my beloved heating pad.

It wasn't easy at times, but I made it.

Sending encouraging hugs,
Donna

[mary124]

I've been working since before I was dx with my IC; my boss (who I'm about to lose due to her retirement knows about my IC knows that at times I'm in the bathroom alot). What makes it hard on me is that it takes at least an hour to get to work--thats if there is no traffic, accidents, heavy rain,etc. if there is anything of the sorts then it takes forever!!. If I'm in a flare, I'll take pain medication before going to work and usually it kicks in 1/2 to work and I'll be ok for the most part. ( I also have a heating pad here at the office- so the only times I don't have on of course, is in the car).

[Sarojini]

Working with IC can be tough... I stayed home for a year to get mine under control, but then went back to working full-time (and sometimes OVER-time) as a research scientist. It is definitely tough to get out of bed on those days I wake up feeling lousy!

Luckily, science is one thing where you can make a modified schedule, but I do have a few suggestions. I found that telling my co-workers, as well as my supervisor, a little about IC helped -- they are more understanding, and can cover for me during either bathroom breaks or the occasional days I have to stay home or go to doctor visits. My supervisor gets irritated sometimes that I can't work as long as others, but ultimately is understanding. You don't have to give all the gory details, but telling them you have a bladder disorder called IC and giving them some basic info on the disease kind of helps people understand that you really are ill at times.

I also find that taking my medication right before going to work helps; it doesn't really disrupt my drive (about 25 minutes) and then I feel better when I get to work. However, if I do have to take more medication than usual, sometimes I will carpool with my husband so I don't have to worry about driving. Is there anyone who could do this for you in a pinch?

I also like heat... here in the States, we have these stick-on heating pads that adhere to your clothing and produce a moderate amount of heat. They're called either Therma-Care or BodiHeat pads. I don't know if you have them down under, but I do know that you can order some from the ICN Shop. Anyway, these are not the same as a regular heating pad, but they DO make a difference and make driving and working more comfortable. I keep a stash at home and in my desk at work.

I also keep a pillow in my car and at work. When flaring, it can help to sit on it instead of on a hard chair. It also dampens the vibrations in the car so that they don't affect my sore bladder and I don't have as much urgency. I got the IC cushions sold in the ICN Shop because they have a "slit" down the middle that takes the weight off the crotch and redistributes it to the bum... this can be more comfy.

I do keep a stash of my medications at work too, for those emergencies that can crop up during the day.

In addition, I try to factor in a little relaxation every day -- this helps the stress aspect of IC. Even if it's just reading a book or a magazine, or watching my favorite TV show for an hour, I like to zone out at least once a day for a bit! :)

[kadi]

HI Lorena,
I have worked fulltime since I got IC 3-1/2 years ago. Not every day is perfect, but "perfect" isn't necessary to be able to work. I am a high school teacher.

I requested a classroom close to the faculty restroom & eventually got one right across from the bathroom. My coworkers cover for me if I ever have to run to the restroom during class. They know about my IC because I'd been working there for a year when it started. I was so very ill when I first got sick, it couldn't be hidden, so I had to disclose it. Fortunately for me, they already knew the quality of my work, wanted me to stay & were willing to help me. But, disclosing the IC did cost me a promotion, so I say don't tell unless you need an accomodation, and wait to ask for that if you can til they know you & believe in you.

I also have those IC pillows (for sale in the ICN shop) in the car and at work. Those really help.

At work, I keep:
1. An emergency IC-friendly food kit (for earthquake or forgotten lunch) with canned pears, canned chicken (just chicken, salt & water), triscuits
2. Thermacare or Bodiheat heating pad patches to wear under clothes

In my purse, in clase I flare at work, I keep:
1. Tums
2. Pyridium
3. Ditropan

Probably the #1 reason I can still work with IC (mine is moderately severe) is that I do home instillations of Marcaine, Sodium Bicarbonate, Heparin. Because of these I get enough sleep to function well. And, most importantly, if I wake up flaring, I can do an instill and then go to work just fine!

So far, this school year, I've only missed 4 days (and 3 were due to things other than IC!).

Wishing you success and a happy new year in 2007!

[kadi]

PS: I also do batch cooking on weekends so that I can just reheat most weeknights when I come home tired.

[Briza]

I've worked full time as a teacher throughout the long dx process, 2 surgeries, long hospital stay, lots of absences from work. My symptoms are now mild and well managed with my meds and managing my pain appropriately and watching diet best I can. I rarely miss a day now due to IC.

I have to agree with the other ladies....if you have pain meds, take 'em, if you need to, BEFORE the pain starts if you know that you're going to be in pain. And at the first tiny feeling that pain is coming, take 'em. That's what they're for, so you can lead as normal a life possible.

Best wishes and good luck! :) It is very possible to work full time, I would never be able to stay home...I'm willing to put up with some pain at work if that means I get to continue to work.

[Smokey]

Thank you for all your responses. :)