How do I tell my boss about my IC & IBS?

[Asha2287]

In the next few weeks my store will be moving me to a different position because some people are quitting and they need me to replace them. The problem is that right now my position is a mostly sitting one. I answer the phone, ring up sales at the register, print napkins and invitations. This new position (well not new I used to work there years back and still do every other Saturday) is going to be full time and I will be standing 75-90 % of the time. I have always been thankful that I have a sitting job where I work alone b/c if I need to rush to the restroom or stay for a while, no one really notices. But this new position will be working behind a pharmacy counter with 2-3 other employees and lots of customers, being very busy standing and walking. How do I tell my boss (a man) that if I "dissapear" it is not b/c I am lazy or hiding out, but that I have these disorders. Do I need to get a doctor note? Do I need to tell him verbally? I tried to tell him today when he told me of these changes, but I couldn't get it out. This is an embarrassing thing to talk about...

[mindee]

I would pull him aside and talk to him about what is going on. He needs to know. It would help to get a doctors note to back you up. My boss is like my dad. He knows everything so if i need time off or i am going to be late he understands. I have also been working there for 16 years and before i got ic i worked my tail off. So when i got so sick he knew i was telling the truth. Do you and your boss get along? The sooner you talk to him the better. I wish you best of luck.

[Asha2287]

I would pull him aside and talk to him about what is going on. He needs to know. It would help to get a doctors note to back you up. My boss is like my dad. He knows everything so if i need time off or i am going to be late he understands. I have also been working there for 16 years and before i got ic i worked my tail off. So when i got so sick he knew i was telling the truth. Do you and your boss get along? The sooner you talk to him the better. I wish you best of luck.

We don't really interact that much. He works in the back and I work in the front. He is also the store owner. I know that he probably won't have a problem with it... but my co-workers like to compain and whine. If I am gone to the restroom for more than five minutes, I know that they will be complaining. It is all women that work in the back and they are major drama queens. I am hoping to find a new job before I get%

[ICNDonna]

You could print out some information from the Patient Handbook and give it to your boss and just tell him, "this is what I have." I hope it works out well for you.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[mary124]

I would just get him alone and tell him - someone mentioned a note from the doctor that might be a good idea. I have been working with the STate (office jobs for the most part) for 25 years; 18 years with IC. I have had a few bosses who just didn't get it, finally had to get notes from the doctors. As of yesterday, I have a new boss, she knows that I have health issues, but I am usually here and I do my work without any problems or supervision. Hopefully she will be ok.

[Julie B]

I would definitely talk to him and take him information from here and maybe Heather's IBS website. My first thought is to tell him that as long as you have had the sitting job, you have been able to cope and not make a big deal of it. But now, although you don't anticipate any problems, you wanted him to be aware that by changing the physical demands of your job you may require additional use of the restroom.

I hope you are able to work something out....

Hugs.......Julie B

[mindee]

I understand about working with all women. I too have a job that is all women. Either you get along with them or you don't. That makes so mad that they get upset with you when you need to go to the restroom. You only wish they would understand. I hope all goes well with your boss. Please let us know how it goes. Good luck!