How to calm down IBS stomach pain?

I have IBS, can I be fired for calling off due to the pain?

• I've had IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) for almost 10 years (I am 20). I have been employed part-time at my first job for over a year, averaging about 15-16 hours a week. I typically work 5 to 6 hours a day. Most of my IBS pain comes from stress, and since I graduated high school, which was the major stress factor in my life at the time, work has replaced that and I now have pain every day that I go into work (at 3am to boot). Sometimes the pain is so great that I call off from work to cope with it (and to have a bathroom nearby until it's gone) or if I make it to work and have an episode there, if the pain is extreme enough I ask to leave. Typically I call off once or twice a month due to the pain, which normally starts when my alarm goes off to get up for work. I've been "coached" (or yelled at, in plain English) that I was missing too many days and was told on one occasion that I would be terminated if I called off within a period of three months. That was one of the most painful time frames in my life, but I was lucky, as I didn't have as many episodes either. My question is, can I be fired for missing days because I'm not capable of working normally when I have an episode, or go home because the pain is so excruciating that I can't even move? I often have to stop what I'm doing and stand still or crouch down, clutching my stomach until I can move to get to a bathroom (I'm on my feet my entire work day, lifting heavy objects and constantly moving). I was questioned a few times about my frequent trips to the bathroom; they were suspicious about just what I was doing in there so often, and were contemplating firing me for it. But when I explained I had IBS, they backed down pretty quickly and I was told to get a doctor's note. Unfortunately my doctor could only explain what the syndrome does to me and that I should be allowed to use the restroom when I need to, for however long I need to. I know I'm not covered under the FMLA because I'm only part-time, and probably not covered under the ADA. My employer was made aware of my chronic stomach pain before they hired me, so I'm led to believe they can't fire me for a pre-existing condition that they knew about, which causes me to leave the floor for restroom breaks and immobilizing me physically on bad days. I know some might say they can fire me for calling off too much, but it's only because of the pain. If my IBS renders me unable to move or function properly, it's not my fault.

• Answer:

  Surely they can't fire you for getting sick. Stick to your guns, girl ! Have you tried doing an elimination diet to find out what is irritating your bowel ? Wheat and dairy are the main culprits for IBS. Wheat is in many foods - breads, crackers, biscuits, cakes, sauces, pastries, breakfast cereals; that much of western society have become intolerant of it. Try bread made from different grains. Have oat porridge for breakfast. Cows milk is used in many foods too. Try soy milk or goats milk. Cut back on cheeses and cream. Natural potset yoghurt might be ok for you but only in very small amounts. Eat mainly fruits and vegetables, fish, chicken, trim beef, turkey. Have nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds) for snacks. Avoid spicy and fatty foods and those which you have noticed that give you wind. Don't eat any processed foods. Drink plenty of water.