Need some advice

**Tara_09** · 05-03-2009, 08:36 AM

I am starting my internship at a vet clinic next Monday. Im kind of stressed about it. I dont know how I am going to handle doing everything I need to with having IC. I dont really want to tell them. Im just concerned because I dont know what to do if he asks me to assist on a surgery. I just cant go really long without having to pee. Its embrassing. Plus I just changed doctors and my new one is 5 hours away from me. Is it ok to ask for days off when you just start somewhere? I have to do at least 300 hours this summer. Just kind of stressed right now and would love some advice about how to make it through the summer.

**Briza** · 05-03-2009, 09:01 AM

I know how stressful it can be. I just got a new job in March with a "very strict 3 month probationary period!" From the horse's (boss's) mouth those words were!! So , missing work, symptoms and such were very worrisome for me that first month but I am calming down a bit about it now! Luckily I have a treatment plan that works and some meds that I can use proactively to AVOID myself getting into pain or other symptoms before it starts. For me, THAT is MOST important in managing my pain and other symptoms: to be proactive with my meds rather than reactive (waiting until I am already having symptoms). Has always worked well for me once I figured that out and got approval from my dr (he always "says well if you KNOW this is going to cause you pain, burning whatever, why don't you take your meds right BEFORE such and such activity, rather than waiting to take them after you are in pain!"....makes sense and for me it works

Also, to make my presence felt at work...I bring my lunch and stay in the office for most of my lunch hour, maybe just take a 15 min walk outside after I eat. Where I work we are all respectful of eachother's lunch hour, so even tho I am not interrupted or bothered during my lunch hour, at least they know I am still there, and it doesn't look like I am always running out the door first chance I get. I think that first impression is really important. I make it to work on time (even sometimes a bit early

) and tho I'm NEVER lol the first one therel

, I make it a point to not be the first one racing out the door at 5pm. First impressions, yes, very important!! I think that in my case being worried about my symptoms so much has made me work all that more harder to make good first impression.

Also, I let boss know I am available to work hours other than my usual M-F 8-5 so that has been helpful in accruing some comp time (say if I work some hours on weekend, come in an hour early, work thru lunch, etc.) that gives me option of having some time off during week to take care of biz such as drs appts and such. Luckily right now I only need to see my IC dr twice a year, for annual exam and med refills...so that helps.
Hope any of my experiences over the past couple months at my new job will help you any!
COOL job you have, BTW

...I always wanted to work in an animal clinic but just never did! Take care!

**Briza** · 05-03-2009, 09:23 AM

PS: No I have not nor do I plan to tell my current employer or coworkers about my conditions and DEFINITELY not about any of the meds I take. My Been there, done that, got burned. That's why I had to get a new job

ALl my current coworkers know is that I have some food restrctions...for all they know they probably just think I have heartburn or something and probably think that is why I avoid acidc foods! Thankfully, they have been respectful enough not to even ask.
Just happens that this job is very for me IC friendly... work independently most of the time with much autonomy and in general can use RR as often as I need and luckily RR is located in a place where no one would notice if I am in and out of there all the time or not, NOT that it's any of their business!
Well, I can't say what is best for you in your situation, RE: how much if any to tell your boss/coworkers. For me I am at point where symptoms are very controlled, dx process is behind me, and treatment plan is simple and WORKS. And I only have to see dr twice a year. So that is helpful to me in not having to tell my colleagues about my conditions or meds. For me that is best, what I am most comfortable with, and I hope to keep it that way! It seems everyone has their different comfort zone in how much they are willing and able to share info about their IC symptoms. From being burned at previous job (couldn't hide the fact that SOMETHING was wrong while going thru multiple dx surgeries, missing lots of work, etc, the first few years when symptoms were bad and hadn't gotten my treatment plan fine tuned), well, all of that has definitely affected the way I am dealing with my current employment and any future employment I may have...which for me means keeping it to myself! Hope everything works out for you!

**Bella Spirit** · 05-06-2009, 02:34 PM

If I were in your shoes I would talk to my boss about it and explain to them what IC is so they have an understanding. See how they feel about it and if it is ok with them that you may need to go to the loo more often than others, etc. If they know what is going on they should be more understanding and considerate. If nothing else it would relieve your own mind knowing that you've got it off your chest.
I hope it works out for you

best of luck.

***ICNDonna*** · 05-06-2009, 03:34 PM

I agree that under the circumstances it would be a good idea to discuss it.

Donna

**Tara_09** · 05-06-2009, 03:48 PM

Thanks for the advice. It really helps to hear from people who have already had to deal with work and IC. I just saw my new doctor today and Ive been in a bad flare for the past few days. She turned off my interstim and scheduled a hydro for the 28th of May. So as much as I dont want to tell them or ask for days off I think im gonna have too. At this point if they make a big deal out of it I dont even care because if I dont get some relief soon Im not going to be able to do anything anyway.

**Bella Spirit** · 05-06-2009, 04:09 PM

Just try to always put yourself first - you're the one in pain and it's important to feel ok because it's your life.
Work and IC is always a big issue. Just tackle it with caution and do what is right for you. You'll find that you can have a virtually normal working life if you just take it one step at a time. Let us know how it goes