Pros and Cons of Hiding Ulcerative Colitis Flares from Coworkers

The majority of people who are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis still have occasional symptoms, both during a flare and simply when one is having a bad day. The majority of people who are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis still have to work. Those two facts can create a major problem; certainly they create the basis for a tough decision. Should you tell your coworkers about your ulcerative colitis condition or hide it from them?

As I have said in other articles, the decision on whether to share or hide your ulcerative colitis condition can only be an individual choice; there is no blanket decision that is right for everyone, and that applies to telling coworkers.

I do think there is one person with whom everyone should share their ulcerative colitis condition. It seems to me it could be employment suicide if your boss is not aware of your situation. When ulcerative colitis symptoms arise, typically during a flare, multiple trips to the restroom may be necessary several days in a row, or one's production may suffer. If a supervisor doesn't know the situation, it can be misconstrued as "goofing off." Further, there may be an increase in absenteeism.

Coworkers vary as to trustworthiness and class. Further, you may work reasonably isolated, or you may work in an intense environment surrounded by many people. What is the best road to take?

Ulcerative colitis symptoms can be very hard to hide, especially during a flare. Severe cramping, diarrhea, fever and severe headaches are just a few symptoms an ulcerative colitis sufferer may experience while battling a flare and trying to bring the ulcerative colitis under control. Additionally, if treatment involves a narcotic, one may be less than responsive in work situations. Coworkers are quick to notice that.

There are reasons to try and keep your ulcerative colitis to yourself. Coworkers may see one as an inferior teammate; they may expect less of you and question your capabilities. There are certainly some who will see the ulcerative colitis symptoms as "funny" and quietly (and sometimes not-so-quietly) joke about it behind your back. Finally, when you get up to go to the restroom, coworkers may be more inclined to watch you, figuring that your reason for going is ulcerative colitis.

I have opted to tell my coworkers about my ulcerative colitis condition. I have had very embarrassing symptoms occur, and had they not known, they would have attributed them to classless behavior. I have been supported by many people. Once I made my coworkers aware of my ulcerative colitis condition, it didn't take long for it to become "old news."

The main reasons that I decided to tell my coworkers about my ulcerative colitis condition, however, was that I know I am one dangerous symptom away from being in serious trouble, such as suffering a perforation. The fact that a flare may be "brewing" without obvious symptoms further increases the danger. Dying or going to the hospital is not worth hiding my ulcerative condition from people. I don't want my coworkers trying to guess why I am in the condition I am in. Also, when I did try to hide the fact I had ulcerative colitis and worried about the possibility of symptoms rearing their ugly head during a flare, I was constantly stressed out.

I truly believe that if you are true to yourself and your feelings, as well as taking the time to examine your honest prejudices and needs, whatever decision you make relating to your ulcerative colitis condition will be the right one.