And then it happened. I have not disclosed my MS to the employer. For the very first time, I had a poo leak accident in the workspace (sorry for the TMI). Good job I was wearing a pad on the day. There was a strong smell. Everyone who was nearby must have noticed the smell. Then I went straight to the toilet and cleaned myself up as much as I could. I pretended nothing happened. My chair was a little bit soiled.
I feel extremely embarrassed about it. It’s kinda traumatic. I worry that the colleagues will gossip. That my colleagues will tell the manager. Am I over-thinking it?
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Hi Maria.
Sorry to hear that x
It’s not TMI on here at all - that could happen to anyone of us.
I’m glad you got away relatively nscathed 
Don’t worry about the chair - that’s nothing that can’t be dealt with.
Now may be a wise time to discuss your condition with your employer so that they can at least allow you some extra time when you need it.
Yes, your colleagues probably will discuss what happened, that’s just human nature. Some of them will probably be genuinely concerned for you.
For your next shift, maybe take a tote bag with a change of clothes, some baby wipes, a few new pads, a spray that you like the smell of and, a plastic bag for any soiled garments. At least if you know you’re prepared, you may feel a bit more reassured.
Try not to dwell on ths one for now - it’s going to be a lovely weekend
All the best x
Jon.
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Oh Maria, what a horrid thing to happen. That’s just miserable for you and I am very sorry.
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You know, Jon, 24 hours have passed since the incident. Yes, I am embarrassed. Yes, I spent an hour crying yesterday, BUT at the end of the day I know I didn’t do it on purpose. And yes, this morning I made some plans to better prepare for these incidents (perfume, fabric deodorant, pads, change of clothes, etc). I will go back to work on Tuesday and just pretend it didn’t happen. If the colleagues gossip, I think I am going to feel a bit like an unban legend and try ignore the noise. They are not in my shoes! It could have happened to anyone.
I work there to pay my bills. Being sick. I don’t owe them an explanation of my bowel movement. If it happens again, or if I am confronted, I will disclose. Thank you for your kind words!
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Yes, Alison. It’s a bit like a nightmare, that’s how it felt. Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot.
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That’s the way to do it Maria 
x
… Get in there on Tuesday and hold your head high
Have a great weekend x
Jon.
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@MariaB123 Hi there, I am so sorry that has happened to you, and I totally understand how mortified you must have felt.
The only advice I can give you as someone with MS and Ulcerative Colitis is carry spare clothing!! I always have a change of “bottom clothing” just in case and it does give you peace of mind.
Although I haven’t been unlucky enough to have an accident at work, there have been occasions at home and on holiday (something I wouldn’t normally admit on a public forum) it isn’t nice! I am perhaps in the better situation these days, that I can tell before it happens that it is going to happen and can often steer away from an accident!
The one thing I will say to you, regardless of MS, IBD or whatever, ordinary members of the public will at some point in their lives, through a bug or food poisoning etc. will find themselves in the same position so most likely, rather than think “ugh”, would most likely understand and not judge.
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Hi Caveorld.
Good advice. Thank you. That’s the first time it has happened to me in public, so it’s a bit like a wakeup call. When I was pregnant, I had similar incidents (mostly number one issues) but I was at home. As you mention, it could have happened to anyone, for various reasons. It’s just that I am a bit more upset because it’s my first month in this job, and wanted to make a good impression. Thank you.
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I didn’t realize it was your first month, regardless though, as others have said, hold your head up high, maybe make an excuse about having a tad of food poisoning last week. Anyone sad enough to embarrass you over it isn’t worth your time worrying about anyhow!
Also, the smell will always be more noticeable to you as it was your body, trust me on that! In my job, I have come across people’s incontinence problems/accidents and not smelt it much at all to be honest.
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Yes, I started in April. It’s a 6-month contract, but I am hoping they will extend it. This job is also my first attempt to switch to full time work after a few years of working part time. So far, I have managed alright working full time, without any major issues, until the incident happened last week. I have done well in terms of managing my fatigue, the side effects of medication while at work… but I haven’t gotten incontinence right, it seems. I would like to continue working full time, so, I will need to adjust and hide it, or disclose MS. Mentioning food poisoning is definitely less dramatic than disclosing MS. I hope this coming week is manageable, as the heat will make things very challenging in my workplace. We’ll see. Thank you for your support.
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It’s so hard knowing whether to disclose or not, particularly when it’s a new job and you don’t know them yet and they don’t know you. MS makes life so complicated in every possible way.
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I’m not sure if your MS Nurse would be able to offer advice/tips but perhaps worth asking?
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Yes, and i am not even certain it is worth it, because the contract is short. Thank you for your support.
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Hi Hank_Dogs, I hope you are well. Yes, they are closed for the bank holiday. I will reach out tomorrow. Thank you for your support.
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Good luck with tomorrow Maria - go in there well prepared and, have a great day 
… Let us know how you get on
Good luck and, best wishes x
Jon.
Hi Maria
I’m so sorry this has happened to you especially whilst at work.
I sometimes have problems with constipation and fecal incontinence. Fortunately it hasn’t happened when I’ve been away from home. I spoke to my MS nurse who referred me to a bowel and bladder nurse.
I was trained how to use Coloplast Peristeen anal irrigation which has really helped me . I’ve not had any accidents since. It is a bit of a faff and you do need to allow 30mins to 45mins for it to work.
Wondered if this might help you avoid this awful problem happening to you again.
Take care and I hope you find something that helps you.
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Thank you Clare.
Went back to work today, I was there all day, in the heat, and look forward to going home. I will get advice tomorrow morning.
As an update, I felt that there were some issues today. Two of my colleagues, the ones who were closer to me when the incident happened last week, avoided making eye contact today, and were not particularly chatty. As if they were trying to avoid me or something. I did not imagine it. 
Again, I don’t feel like my health is their business, and I don’t have to apologise for being sick. But it shows you how many of us with MS are stigmatised. We are left out, we are considered weirdos, even if all we want is to do our job and have a social circle, just like everyone.
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Hi @MariaB123 , I was thinking about your ‘episode’ and it occurred to me that just like all the MS symptoms that we experience bowel problems might be made worse by hot conditions. Was it/ is it particularly warm in your office?
I can imagine that a combination of a busy, perhaps a bit noisy or stressful office plus heat could well be a bit much for the MS affected CNS including control of bowels.
It would be interesting to know if heat affects the bowels and bladders of others
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It had been a long day in the office. The incident happened 15 minutes before I was supposed to clock out. We were working on a project and we were anxious to complete it before end of day. Anxiety and fatigue definitely play a role. It was the very first time it happened.
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I guess that stress whether physiological, mental or emotional does just make all MS symptoms worse. I keep forgetting that and think simply in terms of e.g heat making fatigue worse but yeah, any stress could make any symptom worse . Oh the joys of MS!
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