Have you looked into the reasons as to why you are sick more frequently? Do you have reoccurring pouchitis or cuffitis? I'm just curious as to why your health has gotten worse with your jpouch.

Sue

I do have bouts of pouchitis (2-4x/year), and my frequency increases around my period (as does abdominal pain). oftentimes I think I have a flare, but then after my period, I am back to "normal."

I'm still way better off than I was pre-surgery/on long-term doses of steroids, but I do need to use the bathroom more than most, as well as catch up on rest from nights where I'm up intermittently, hence the question.

I was a regional sales manager. I was the sales leader in our 8 person team. I went through 2 years of surgeries, and had to take 3 leave of absences. I was laid off with the reason of "territory realignment". I was the top salesperson...there is no way I will ever believe that my illness wasn't what was really behind my layoff. It was a massive layoff...300 people nation wide...easy way to slip in in without having to address health issues. I had already had my j-pouch disconnected, and was doing great when this happened. But I was on Humira, which is a very expensive drug, and I'm sure a drain on the insurance pool.

I highly encourage you to ask about FMLA with your GI/Surgeon/Doctor for your bad times. FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) allows you to take time off without eating into your vacation/sick time. You wouldn't be getting paid, but it would be an excused absence. In addition, you may be eligible for short term disability when on leave. The documentation can be written such that you may need to take intermittent time off. I'm not sure if you will need to call the Dr.'s office when you are flaring or how that would work though. In addition, FMLA prevents you from being fired for having an illness. You are protected for 90 days during a year I believe. Well, that's as long as they don't fire you for "other" reasons.

As for applications - you are NOT required to disclose any medical information to a private businesses. In fact, I think it's illegal for them to ask you if you have any disabilities. When you are hired, the only person who needs to know about your illness is the person in HR who handles the FMLA type paperwork (and they should be under HIPPA rules just like medical providers).

All that goes out the door with government employment though. I'm not sure what to think of that question. Maybe they are actually trying to hire individuals with disabilities? I know that private companies sometimes get tax incentives for hiring veterans, disabled individuals, and the real big one...disabled veterans.

Also, I read up on ADA's definition of disability the other day. One of the classifications was something like "an individual with atypical digestion." I think the jpouch, especially a problematic jpouch, applies if you ever need to use the classification.

I don't know how much time you are missing. Does your employer have short term and long term disability? It also sounds like you should see your OBGYN. It is good to go to the doctors in case you become disabled. I think I read somewhere 4 times a year.

I was approved for social security disability recently. I also have other health issues. It sounds like your problems are escalating so I'm throwing in my 2 cents.

Have you been to your OBGYN? Some ladies have problems with the J-pouch and female parts. There is a forum in here for women with the type of problems you have. Some need operations because these problems..

Take care

Thank you all for the info! Esp on the FMLA issue, it would be great to take time off and not have it effect my vacation time as much (just my wallet a little).

I am also looking into my health and if there is anything I can do to improve it. The only thing that seems to be out there that I haven't tried is daily antibiotics, which I have dreaded going on in a daily - seems to be not a good idea, but I see others here do take them. Also the pain meds. I will meet with my specialist next week and see what he says.

Thanks so much!
Sarah

You need to get your FMLA paperwork from the company first, then the doctor fills it out. I think each company has their own paperwork - I don't know if there's a standard form.