Living with Crohn's: At Work

The long, unanticipated business meeting can be a nightmare scenario for someone with Crohn's disease. You face the possibility of having to go to the bathroom often in addition to pain, cramping, and frequent gas. The length of the meeting may also throw you off your eating schedule, which can affect all of the above conditions.

Know your schedule

To the extent you can, it's nice if you can be aware of upcoming meetings. If you can't control the schedule, at least you'll know when and where. If you do have some control over the meeting time, conduct it during a period between your small meals, or break up a longer meeting into a series of shorter meetings. Research has shown that the productivity and creativity of most anyone drops off precipitously once the meeting has gone past one hour.

Full disclosure can help

A businesswoman in Missouri says that people in her office are aware of her condition so nobody finds it too curious if she gets up two or three times during a two-hour meeting to head to the restroom. If outsiders are present at the meeting, co-workers might even suggest that you are handling a lot of necessary business details or calls.

Resist the snacks

The chances are that most food available during a business meeting isn't Crohn's-friendly. "No donuts, bagels, or anything like that," says the Missouri woman. Stick to water and bring your own snacks, if possible. Many people with Crohn's have become culinary artists with their blenders, mixing tasty concoctions that ease digestion. There's nothing wrong with bringing them to work. Several people have recommended smoothies (especially those with a coconut milk base).

Take Precautions

You may be one of those with Crohn's for whom over-the-counter Immodium can help slow the urge to go to the bathroom or stem the tide of possible diarrhea. Otherwise, stick to your regular medication schedule even if the meeting is an all-day affair. Again, there are no hard and fast rules. Some with the disease need to continue drinking small amounts of water during the meeting; others drink as little as possible to diminish the urge to go to the bathroom.