Just to respond to the point about whether I have a disability, by the legal definition in the UK, the answer is yes, it can be classed as a disability. Whether everyone who has the condition wishes to consider it a disability will vary, with the severity and impact of the condition having a fundamental impact.
Chrons and Collitis UK state
Many people with IBD do not consider themselves to have a disability, however, anyone with an ongoing illness may qualify for protection against discrimination. When asked whether or not they consider themselves to have a disability, just over half of respondents to our Employment Survey answered yes.
The Equality Act 2010 defines disability as a physical or mental impairment which has an effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. This includes ‘hidden’ impairments or disabilities such as incontinence. The effect must be substantial, adverse and long-term. For example, the loss of bowel control is considered substantial and adverse if it is unpredictable and leads to immediate major soiling, even if it is infrequent. Minor but frequent loss of bowel control may also qualify as substantial and adverse. Long-term is generally taken to mean the effect has lasted, or is likely to last, at least a year.
The fact that your IBD is a variable condition, generally with good days and bad days, does not affect your rights. The main point is that the overall effect is long- term.
Importantly, in most cases, treatment for a health condition is not considered when deciding if someone is disabled under the law. This means that you may still benefit from the protection of the Equality Act even if your symptoms are controlled by medication.