I got diagnosed with crohn's in 2007, I'm 31 now. I have had many many different jobs and can never ever stick with them. I get sooo tired, achy all over,feverish, back pain and just overall exhausted that I can't go to a job consecutive days in a row. I get wore down very quickly. If I am flaring it is even worse and painful. I have major depression, severe anxiety as well. I feel completely lazy and like a loser most of the time because of this. I also have been a stay at home mom for 14 years. I so badly wanted to be something great and make good money, this is why I continuously keep trying to get jobs even though I know what my health will do to me. Does this happen to anyone else? I sleep at least 10 hours a night no matter what and still feel wore out after house work every day. I feel like I am letting my family down by being home and not helping financially, even though my husband is very supportive and tells me that I am very valuable at home and that my health is the most important. Does anyone else feel like they can do more than is possible, go out and try it only to realize that it's too much? Anyone realize that working is almost impossible even though they want nothing more than to be healthy and more help to their family? Thanks guys :heart: I hope it's not just me lol
Anyone not work/stay home because of crohn's?
- Thread starter jenz
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Help Support Crohn's Disease Forum:
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I think you will find everyone with crohn's goes through this. I didn't work throughout most of my 20's because of it, then worked for a decade in jobs that made it worse. It is a journey, and the sooner you realise what paths will work for you, the better you will be.
Your health is important. Don't let work define who you are. That's the wrong way to do things, even when crohn's isn't in the picture. If your insurance will allow you, see if you can get some form of maintenance medication to make your day-to-day living better. Then explore your options for work. Hope it settles quickly for you.
Your health is important. Don't let work define who you are. That's the wrong way to do things, even when crohn's isn't in the picture. If your insurance will allow you, see if you can get some form of maintenance medication to make your day-to-day living better. Then explore your options for work. Hope it settles quickly for you.
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I have felt like this for years.... it is just a merry go round that seems impossible to get off, doesn't it? I know it is hard, but instead of thinking about all of those things that you wanted to do and can't, think about the good things about yourself..... like your kids. How blessed to have a mom who has been there while they are growing up! You have been there to nuture them, and to instill important life lessons and examples that so many moms don't get the chance to. I hope that some day, somehow, things turn around for you! Don't beat yourself up...it is what it is!
nogutsnoglory
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It's totally a full time job being a patient. I haven't worked for a while now due to crohns but lately the severe weakness is what's keeping me away. I don't even know if I can handle an at home job with set hours.
tried to continue with work at start of conditions til things progressed felt tired and exhausted most the time and was written off work by docs over a decade ago and awarded uk disability benefits not worked since stuck indoors find normal daily chores an effort and now do alot of online food shopping which gets delivered to door
I feel like this but I don't have any choice but to work. I only work part time but there is only me and my daughter here. Every day I struggle to do the normal things other people seem to do with ease. My sister is very active and does marathons and fitness classes and is always on at me to lose weight and do some exercise but she just doesn't understand how painful it can be. I used to go on long walks but by the time I was ready to come home my hips were so painful I had to get the bus home. Most times though I can't go too far in case the urgency strikes and I need a bathroom.
Luckily my employers are very understanding and let me change my hours or days if I need to but I do try my best. But on my days off I take my daughter to school then come home and go back to bed. I leave the housework til the evening. It is depressing when I'm so keen to live an active life but there are so many restrictions. But this is how it has to be so I try and make the most of it!!
Luckily my employers are very understanding and let me change my hours or days if I need to but I do try my best. But on my days off I take my daughter to school then come home and go back to bed. I leave the housework til the evening. It is depressing when I'm so keen to live an active life but there are so many restrictions. But this is how it has to be so I try and make the most of it!!
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I worked for 30 years, pushed myself to get up and go 12 hour days most of the time. I have used a lot of herbs and remedies to keep me going, but I ended up loosing my job from the stress. At age 50 I don't know that I'll be able to enter back into the workforce , but I'm willing to give it a shot. I have taken a year off work to rest. Some days are better than others, but at the end of the day I've still got Crohns and Colitis. I am reduced to handyman work for extra cash when I'm able. I was previously a Quality Control Manager. I have to stay active, I hardly ever sit. My digestion is better the more active I am, when I sit for extended periods the bloating, diarrhea, and joint inflammation are worse. I limit my sugar and refined sweeteners intake (Carbs) stay away from junk food and sodas. I also brew my own Kombucha, kefir, cultured vegetables, and buy expensive filters for tap water. I am not on any medication and only go to the doctor as a last resort.
I am exhausted most of the time, but I'll never quit fighting, never give up. It's just hard when you look normal on the outside and on fire on the inside. Family members, employers, and yes doctors roll their eyes and think your using the disease as an excuse. I really want to drag them to the toilet when I'm having issues. If they only had a clue about the relationship between digestion, immune system, and inflammation. I have learned to treat myself and manage my disease, however I do have anger and mood swing issues related to my health that also make it hard to work. I've tried the meds and don't like the Zombie mode! A local support group would be great for me, I really don't know anyone else with the disease except online and I get tired of electronic communications.
I am exhausted most of the time, but I'll never quit fighting, never give up. It's just hard when you look normal on the outside and on fire on the inside. Family members, employers, and yes doctors roll their eyes and think your using the disease as an excuse. I really want to drag them to the toilet when I'm having issues. If they only had a clue about the relationship between digestion, immune system, and inflammation. I have learned to treat myself and manage my disease, however I do have anger and mood swing issues related to my health that also make it hard to work. I've tried the meds and don't like the Zombie mode! A local support group would be great for me, I really don't know anyone else with the disease except online and I get tired of electronic communications.
Crohn's in 1989 at age 15. Had to drop out of college 3 times for medical reasons. Did not finish law school. Worked in insurance for 10 years. Got married and "retired" from working for someone else.
Dropping the regular schedule made ALL the difference in managing my Crohn's. But even with that, many days are a struggle.
I always ask, "If you had the stomach flu, would you look forward to leaving the house?" The answer is NO! Anyone else with our daily symptoms would call in sick from work or school. They'd stay in bed or on the couch and whine.
Going to a parade or waterskiing or attending an outside concert...would you go if you had the stomach flu?
It's amazing how much guts someone with no guts can have! Good luck to all!!
Dropping the regular schedule made ALL the difference in managing my Crohn's. But even with that, many days are a struggle.
I always ask, "If you had the stomach flu, would you look forward to leaving the house?" The answer is NO! Anyone else with our daily symptoms would call in sick from work or school. They'd stay in bed or on the couch and whine.
Going to a parade or waterskiing or attending an outside concert...would you go if you had the stomach flu?
It's amazing how much guts someone with no guts can have! Good luck to all!!
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Same boat here.I am lucky that I have a very simple job that requires minimal effort o my part, and I only work 2 days a week.I'm a body piercer (coolest job in the world btw 
) , and I have a boss that completely understands.If I don't feel good, I can basically just rest for a while.It only takes 10 minutes to do a piercing, so I don't have to constantly be on my feet.
I also do ebay and consignment at a thrift store for extra income.I have pinched every penny, saved every dime, clipped every coupon.I don't know what else I could possibly do to help save/make money for our family.
I applied for Social security, but was denied once and got sick of waiting for years for an answer. :/
) , and I have a boss that completely understands.If I don't feel good, I can basically just rest for a while.It only takes 10 minutes to do a piercing, so I don't have to constantly be on my feet.I also do ebay and consignment at a thrift store for extra income.I have pinched every penny, saved every dime, clipped every coupon.I don't know what else I could possibly do to help save/make money for our family.
I applied for Social security, but was denied once and got sick of waiting for years for an answer. :/
Kev
Senior Member
I've been off work since mid May. My job is physically demanding, and in my current condition I've no idea if or when I'll be able to work again.. and if I do, in what capacity.
I'm on short term disability, but it has been a constant battle with my insurer to maintain my benefits. My doctors office has gone above and beyond in helping me with that fight. It shouldn't be that way... but insurer's are driven by only the bottom line.
Right now, I'm waiting to hear from the hospital. The next step (the only step left for me) is surgery. I dread the thought of it, but after all these month's of Hell I just can't wait.
I'm on short term disability, but it has been a constant battle with my insurer to maintain my benefits. My doctors office has gone above and beyond in helping me with that fight. It shouldn't be that way... but insurer's are driven by only the bottom line.
Right now, I'm waiting to hear from the hospital. The next step (the only step left for me) is surgery. I dread the thought of it, but after all these month's of Hell I just can't wait.
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I got paid off 2 years ago but fortunately got my pension paid early,I was a mobile engineer with almost no toilet facilities available I don,t miss it but I,m lucky to have an income.
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I have always tried to stick to my online business, mostly worked from home for the past 7 years. I have had great success but went downhill because of stress. I can with all modesty say that I have been a Warrior, a Fighter. Went through hell chasing my dreams, still am, but I have stopped killing myself, at least in the manner I have done it for the past 7 years+. Sleeping 3-4 hours a day, constant stress related to my business and other factors have knocked me down. I have worked as much as 140 hours a week, sometimes more, it is not worth it.
Had no Christmas, no birthdays, lost a lot .. but it all came down to business. Came to realize, when bankrupcy hits, at least here where I live, things become a nightmare when you are in debt, just turned 30, a man, that has lost more one can take (yes most of the time crohn's has been the reason)..
I can go on and say a lot regarding this topic but its painful.. I feel everyone on this thread.. and understand perfectly. There is no choice really but to work, try hard and do what I can, while I still can. No disability here for Crohns and don't even want to think about it. Even if there would be any disability its around 140$ per month tops, for certain handicaps, as far as I know for people that can no longer move and are bed bound. Anyhow my point is we should do whatever we can, push our selves a little, I know crohns can make us lazy even if we feel a little bit better, but never push to the point where the pain interferes with the mind and life can be worse than having no income at all, maybe there is someone out there, and I hope there is that would help someone in need with whatever they can if we can't help ourselves. God bless people who can have a stable income, doing nothing, meaning renting an apartment, a disability, help from someone close, an autopilot income of any kind, it is a life savior for everybody with cd, uc .. everybody knows those days.. when we just feel like cuddling under the blanket and suffer without even being able to shred a tear or talk to someone..
Let's keep fighting, what else can we do ? I don't even have a close person to talk to, no friends, just people that have been around me for business or fake friends etc. I am not understood, but God does understand me, and I reborn every once in a while meaning he wants me here. There can't be a rainbow without he rain as they say, well I've seen the rainbow for long periods of time, and I know it's just by the corner, so with all the pain, suffering and feeling worthless in an ill body I keep smiling (mouth shut) a little humor here well yes crohn's also took my teeth the past 6 months, I ended up with barely enough teeth to chew now and then, but I still smile, I stay strong and I hope everybody does. For anyone that would like to get some coaching for some extra income, I am willing to share a few tips for earning money online, just send me a pm.A few extra bucks always count on rainy days.
God bless :ghug:
Had no Christmas, no birthdays, lost a lot .. but it all came down to business. Came to realize, when bankrupcy hits, at least here where I live, things become a nightmare when you are in debt, just turned 30, a man, that has lost more one can take (yes most of the time crohn's has been the reason)..
I can go on and say a lot regarding this topic but its painful.. I feel everyone on this thread.. and understand perfectly. There is no choice really but to work, try hard and do what I can, while I still can. No disability here for Crohns and don't even want to think about it. Even if there would be any disability its around 140$ per month tops, for certain handicaps, as far as I know for people that can no longer move and are bed bound. Anyhow my point is we should do whatever we can, push our selves a little, I know crohns can make us lazy even if we feel a little bit better, but never push to the point where the pain interferes with the mind and life can be worse than having no income at all, maybe there is someone out there, and I hope there is that would help someone in need with whatever they can if we can't help ourselves. God bless people who can have a stable income, doing nothing, meaning renting an apartment, a disability, help from someone close, an autopilot income of any kind, it is a life savior for everybody with cd, uc .. everybody knows those days.. when we just feel like cuddling under the blanket and suffer without even being able to shred a tear or talk to someone..
Let's keep fighting, what else can we do ? I don't even have a close person to talk to, no friends, just people that have been around me for business or fake friends etc. I am not understood, but God does understand me, and I reborn every once in a while meaning he wants me here. There can't be a rainbow without he rain as they say, well I've seen the rainbow for long periods of time, and I know it's just by the corner, so with all the pain, suffering and feeling worthless in an ill body I keep smiling (mouth shut) a little humor here
well yes crohn's also took my teeth the past 6 months, I ended up with barely enough teeth to chew now and then, but I still smile, I stay strong and I hope everybody does. For anyone that would like to get some coaching for some extra income, I am willing to share a few tips for earning money online, just send me a pm.A few extra bucks always count on rainy days.God bless :ghug:
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- Aug 9, 2014
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There are days that I want to stay home and not work, but right now it is not an option. I have asked to step down from a management position at my current job, but am told it can take anywhere from 2-6 months for this to be approved, even though I have worked for them for almost 15 years and it is due to needing to meet my medical needs. The only way that it would be approved sooner would be to get a "note" or "ADA accommodation letter" from my doctor that says that it is too hard on my body/too emotionally and physically stressful to manage/lead a team. My thought is how can I manage a team physically, emotionally, and mentally when I currently cannot manage myself in these ways. My HR said this was the best way anyone has ever put illness and its effects to her. Hopefully this gets approved, or I will have to put in for short term disability or find a job that can be more accommodating, as I have to make money to support myself and have a roof over my head. Maybe Chronies are just not meant to be in retail management, especially around the holidays when things get really fast-paced, stressful, and stupid.
