IBD and Work

As most of us living with IBD know, we are all going to have times of active disease and flare-ups and times when we are in remission. And this will be a challenge no matter what kind of work we do. I have found that being honest with clients about my condition is usually best on a need-to-know basis. If I’m feeling well and not having any gut issues then it’s not necessary for me to discuss my IBD. However, if I’m working on a project and I get hit with a flare-up and need to spend less time working or, worse, have to take off of work for a few days or weeks, then of course I must discuss my situation. I have had to ask clients to push back a deadline, or work on a short-term basis with another freelance colleague of mine, but as of yet I’ve not lost a client due to my illness.

Now, all that said, I know plenty of people living with IBD who work traditional office jobs, as well as not so traditional jobs. Did you know that Presidents John F. Kennedy and Dwight D. Eisenhower both had IBD? Or that actress and former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley has Crohn’s disease? And, John York, actor on General Hospital also lives with IBD and is a spokesperson for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). There is life after an IBD diagnosis, there are just times that might be harder than others.