I have a severe digestive disorder. A part of my intestinal tract is paralyzed, so I am unable to go to the bathroom without the use of two highly specialized prescription medications. This regimen is carefully regulated because the meds are so strong.
The end result is this: Every other day, at 9AM, I suddenly and very urgently need to use the restroom 5-6 times during the hour. I'm away from my desk for about 30 minutes altogether.
Given the nature of how embarrassing this disability is, but also how important it is that I have that bathroom access, I'm trying to figure out how to explain this need to future employers.
At my most recent job (before I was laid off due to coronavirus), my boss was incredibly understanding of this condition and fully supported my no-questions-asked bathroom access. I asked him every once in a while if he felt my condition interfered with my work. He always said no. I spoke with him recently, and asked him if I should notify potential employers about this condition. He said, in short, no.
I am not as optimistic as him about the idea that my next employer would be willing to accommodate my needs as they arise, without having informed him/her beforehand. I sort of want to say during the interview, "Look, I have this illness, but as far as I can tell it does not interfere with my productivity. However, I will occasionally be getting up from meetings or be away from my desk in the morning a few times per week."
I've read through a few of the other posts about disabilities, but I feel my situation necessitates that I make a new post. The reason I wanted to ask this question is for two reasons; one being that my accommodation affects everyone else in a way that say, a standing desk accommodation, does not. Using the bathroom frequently might affect the people who need access to it. The other reason being that my condition is so embarrassing that some employers might not even want to hear about it. "TMI" etc.
Should I disclose this condition in advance? Or when, and how, should I inform a potential employer?