How do I tell my Boss about my IC?

[Michelle in KC]

(repost from 20's board){even though I am only in the 20's board for about 90 more days) [img]smile.gif[/img]
One lady knows at work about my bladder. She's awesome. She can look at me and know when I am hurting. I'm pretty sure it won't be a big deal. They are a small group of nice and supportive people. But, my boss is a man. My second in line boss is a man. How do I let them know about my disease and that I am trying not to let it interfere with my job? It hasn't made me miss any work so far. I'll miss for a doctor's appt for 3 hours next week, but that's not big deal. I work in a bank. I'm a sales representative. I'm the top 'producer' for our branch and am always balanced to the penny when I have to run a teller drawer. I want them to know that I'm not going to be a burden on them. When I was diagnosed with this disease 4 years ago I was so close to my boss (a female) that it was no problem telling her. What should I do now? Thanks so much. Michelle.

[ICNDonna]

That's a tough one. One thing you might do is to mention it when you are going to take time off for a doctor's appointment. You could print some information from this site to share. And it's another way to get the word out about IC.

Sending an encouraging hug,
Donna

[Jen_Cole]

Michelle-I told my potential new boss about my condition-I explained to him "in a nutshell" that I basically have to go to the bathroom more than anyone he knows! He has been with the company I work for since October last year, but I felt comfortable enough to tell him. He said that he was not worried at all, and asked if I needed to "go" right now. I guess it depends on the way you think your boss will take it? I'm lucky to work for a nice group of people.

[buana1]

Unless you feel there is a reason to tell your boss, there is no reason you have to.

If you do decide to tell him, it probably won't be so bad. I have actually found telling men is easier than women --maybe they are not as embarrassed about using the bathroom as much as women are or maybe it's just they are nervous or compassionate when it comes to "women things". I know this is not a woman thing, but it is in that general part of the body.

But I find women are more likely to say "can't you just hold it?" whereas the men say "if you gotta go, then GO!"

[auntiedeb]

They know at work I have an overactive bladder, I tell the managers too when they are running the front end, they say shut of your light and go. If I have a line, my supervisors will hop on for me. I am a cashier at Walmart. Not fun to have this diesase. Just be honest. It is up to you to tell him. Deb