Managing Your IBS at Work

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you now have an answer as to why you’ve had distressing gastrointestinal symptoms. 

IBS is a chronic condition that can cause anxiety, especially when you’re away from home — for example, you may wonder if you’ll experience diarrhea at a company lunch. With proper medical help, you can significantly reduce your symptoms and regain your quality of life. 

Our board-certified gastroenterologists at Desert Valley Gastroenterology in Mesa, Arizona, provide compassionate care for our IBS patients. Following are three strategies to help you manage your IBS while at work.

Plan ahead

Employing the Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared” is a good approach when you have IBS. Make sure you have a plentiful supply of prescribed medication, and sign up for automatic refills so you don’t run out. Pair your medication with an existing daily routine so you don’t forget to take it.

Have extra clothing in a closet or drawer at work in case you have an emergency. Keep extra supplies on hand if you have an ostomy.

When going to lunch, try to call the restaurant ahead of time if you have questions about the menu or need to request an accommodation. Ask the staff for a table not too far from a restroom.

Make sure to drink eight glasses of water throughout the day to prevent constipation and dehydration. 

Arrange for accommodations

We understand that IBS patients often need accommodations at work. The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that you can request reasonable modifications at your workplace to help you manage your health condition. Our doctors can provide a note for you listing the types of accommodations you need, which you can take to your manager.

Do you already sit near a bathroom at work? If not, you have the right to ask for your workstation to be relocated. You might need a flexible schedule to enable you to come in later if mornings are difficult.

If you work for a large organization with more than 50 people, you qualify for help under the Family and Medical Leave Act, which enables you to take unpaid leave if you need it.

Manage stress

Life has its stresses, and IBS is a stressor. If your stress is chronic and you have IBS, inflammation in your digestive system increases, worsening your symptoms. Stress produces fight-or-flight hormones, so the better you manage your stress, the better you’ll feel. 

You can employ daily strategies to reduce stress. If you feel your stress rising at work, breathing exercises help to lower your heart rate and blood pressure. If you can take a morning and afternoon break, meditation and guided imagery can also help reduce your body’s stress responses.

Exercise is a great stress reducer. While you may not be able to get in a total workout during your workday, try to take a walk at lunchtime.

For expert IBS care, call Desert Valley Gastroenterology today.