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In a bind with work over a chronic medical condition – what to do?

I have IBS-D and recently began another flare-up. Mine typically last anywhere from 1-2 months and end as randomly as they began. I'm good for one flare up a year, year and a half, based on my history. For those unaware, IBS-D is a chronic, unpredictable GI disorder that often involves very urgent, loose, watery stools, several times a day or more. It's hell. My doctor gave me a note on Tuesday to allow me to work from home this week, adding I can return without restriction on Monday. She put me on two new meds. She also said to reach back out if things don't improve, and they haven't, so I called her office today with the hopes of speaking to her. During my visit on Tuesday, she said to let her know if the dates need to be adjusted. When I called, I was told she doesn't work…


I have IBS-D and recently began another flare-up. Mine typically last anywhere from 1-2 months and end as randomly as they began. I'm good for one flare up a year, year and a half, based on my history. For those unaware, IBS-D is a chronic, unpredictable GI disorder that often involves very urgent, loose, watery stools, several times a day or more. It's hell.

My doctor gave me a note on Tuesday to allow me to work from home this week, adding I can return without restriction on Monday. She put me on two new meds.

She also said to reach back out if things don't improve, and they haven't, so I called her office today with the hopes of speaking to her. During my visit on Tuesday, she said to let her know if the dates need to be adjusted.

When I called, I was told she doesn't work on Fridays, leaving me in a bind because it would help my case significantly if I can get another doctor's note before early Monday morning. I also sent my doctor a portal message. The doctor's office suggested maybe going to urgent care.

Urgent care likely can't do anything for me medically speaking, but would they write another note for me? Alternatively, I could call in sick if this is an issue and I don't get empathy from work.

My boss accommodated the note this past week but said they are not a “work from home office” and options will need to be “evaluated” if it persists into next week. Those options were not detailed.

I do have a job that can be done from home, even if they don't like remote work. I exceeded my daily performance goals all five days this week from home and was named our employee of the month a few weeks ago, before this cropped up again.

This is my first flare up with this employer. In the past, I have just worked from home.

Any advice here is appreciated. So far, I have not gotten HR involved, and that too may be tough on a weekend.

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