Q. Don’t Want to Poo on Her Parade: I am about to start a new job with an amazing company that I am very excited about. I will share my new office with a co-worker, and we have a private bathroom that connects to our office. The problem is that I have a gastrointestinal problem that means that I defecate often, loudly, and with a very bad smell. I am working with my doctor on possible solutions, so this may improve with time. Should I tell my new co-worker about the problem and warn her about the side effects? Or should I just go with the flow and let her figure it out on her own? I am happy to go “number two” in another bathroom in the building, but I would need for her (or someone else) to show me where I can find one.
A: I’m afraid from your description going with the flow will mean your officemate will feel she needs a company-issued gas mask in order to do her duties. You need to do quick reconnaissance and locate some satellite restrooms, then you need to calculate the time you need to reach them, because it sounds as if you don’t necessarily get much warning before the explosion. You also need a travel-size air freshener in your purse, and you should put a potpourri or some other odor eliminator in your office bathroom for those times that you have to use the nearest facilities. One’s bathroom habits are something that society deems off-limits. So don’t start your relationship with your new colleague by describing your bowel ailment. Do your best to keep this issue out of the immediate vicinity. Over time, as your relationship with your co-worker develops, if it becomes obvious, and you also become close, you could mention that you are dealing with a chronic intestinal illness—and surely that news will come as no surprise.
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
Umm yeah, tell your co worker about your situation. Why do women feel those things need to be hidden? Don't do that. Be forthright and explain it. Geesh.
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
I thought the same thing, IKWTD. Would rather have a heads up about this than enter the restroom and pass out from the fumes. LOL
Maybe the co-worker will even find another place to do her business, if there is not enough time for OP to get somewhere else.
After being hired, probably sometime during orientation with HR, the OP should have brought this up. HR would be able to tell her what accommodations could be made, could have even possibly given her a cube/desk with her own restroom. If not, HR could have shown the OP where the restrooms are and with the OP's permission, talked to the office mate and paved the way. A simple "your new office mate has a condition...we expect everything to work out...we won't tolerate anyone making fun of the OP..." etc. HR is the way to go with this. It is their job to work with people and make reasonable accommodations, ensure people have what they need to succeed, etc.
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
The noise would bother me. It just does. Maybe tell the coworker so she could have a radio or something to drown out the sound.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I get squicked out by the sound too. That would bother me. I'm a rapid and incredibly quiet pooper. Even explosive **** somehow comes out quietly. Probably didn't need to share that little gem.
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I'm the Ginger Rogers of spelling...that means I'm smat.
Lesson learned in February: I don't have to keep up, I just have to keep moving!
First , be cautious what you eat the night before work. Get up early and have some hot coffee and try to poo at home. Take in a big can of spray. Run the faucet while sounding out. If there is a window , open it up. Make sure that there is a plunger and don't leave the toilet plugged. Make sure there is a brush so you don't leave skidmarks. And finally make sure you leave the seat clean with no splat. Take in some rubber gloves and softscrub if u have too. After that you have done all u can do. Kr I mean Do Do. Lol
I get squicked out by the sound too. That would bother me. I'm a rapid and incredibly quiet pooper. Even explosive **** somehow comes out quietly. Probably didn't need to share that little gem.
When did you last have your hearing checked?
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
First , be cautious what you eat the night before work. Get up early and have some hot coffee and try to poo at home. Take in a big can of spray. Run the faucet while sounding out. If there is a window , open it up. Make sure that there is a plunger and don't leave the toilet plugged. Make sure there is a brush so you don't leave skidmarks. And finally make sure you leave the seat clean with no splat. Take in some rubber gloves and softscrub if u have too. After that you have done all u can do. Kr I mean Do Do. Lol
Those with certain issues have no control over when they go. It doesn't matter what they eat or when.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
Lilly , yes there are times u don't. But most people with IBS or other issue learn that there are certain foods that trigger more of a problem. To quote you , you are now just looking for an argument.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
