Work struggles

[Livingthedream]

This is my first post and I was looking for some advice. I am a police officer and have been diagnosed with Crohn's for about 14 years. I've gone through many different surgeries and now have 3 drains in a very uncomfortable area. Any advise on how to deal with this at work. With my equipment it makes it very difficult to change gauze throughout the day and recently my employer wanted to send me out of town for a civil disturbance. Only gave me an hour notice to leave 3 hours away with no return time. I'm going to talk with my doctor but my employer just doesn't understand. Feeling frustrated.

 

[ronroush7]

Thanks for serving. I am sure someone will come along that can help.

 

[lisadc1]

No real advice...I teach and having children all day makes it a bit difficult to change gauze as well. I just make sure I have them with me in a ziplock bag at all times in case I do get a chance to go to the restroom. I do make sure I shower before work and as I get home to make sure I am keeping the site clean. I had two surgeries back to back in November for fissures/hemis/abscess/and fistula...

 

[Lisa]

Welcome to the forum.

You should look into a reasonable accomodation, go through your personnel office. There will be paperwork to fill out, and you need to get a doctors' statement stating what you can and cannot do. I also caution you, you may need to work closely with the doctor to get the wording 'right' to ensure that it states you can still do your job, but will need a reasonable accomodation for ceertain things - such as access to restroom facilities and somewhere you can attend to your mdedical needs.

I work in emergency sevices myself, and have done so for over 20 years.....what part of the country are you in?

 

[Cheesy79]

Wow. I've dealt with drains and wound care. It was difficult to sit and I am in grad school. I told my professors about it. One professor allowed me to webex in (kind of like skype). Unfortunately not everyone understands. I agree. Go fill out paper work. I'm not sure where you are located but they should have to make accommodations.