Career life with crohns

[donna martinez]

career life with crohns

Hello everyone, I am newly diagnosed with crohns and have i semester before i finish my college. I'm know this disease is different for everyone. I was just wondering i you personally have been able to work with this disease or has it been something that has restricted you.

 

[belle1999]

When i had my flare/diagnosis in Dec. The next three months were difficult in terms of work. I was in and out of the hospital and even had to do some office work instead of being able to work with the children (i teach in a university lab school).
As I got healthier, I was able to get back in my classroom with the kids and just do things slowly. I had a wonderful assistant that helped a lot. And I had caring employers that wanted me to just get better. I also teach university classes. Luckily, I only did that one day a week so I didn't miss too many of those.
But, there are varying degrees to this disease. Some can work while others can't. You just have to know what you can handle.
Good luck and congratulations on finishing your degree!

 

[Silvermoon]

In my case, my university degree took my 6 years to complete as opposed to four, and I have pretty much been employed as a public health nurse full time ever since 1988. In 1999 I had to take about 4 months off for surgery, and in 2007/2008 I took about 18 months off, but I have managed to work the rest of the time.

It helps that I have always had an extremely understanding employer, so if I need a day or two here or there to rest up, I am able to do so (using sick leave of course). I also have an extremely supportive husband who helps around the house when he can. He is usually home at the end of the day before I am, so he tends to make supper most evenings. This allows me to eat and then go to bed if I need to.

I also have no children, so that kinda helps too. Only dogs to depend on me...lol

I wish you all the best in your studies.

 

[Astra]

I've worked all thro this disease and was doing just swell until major flare back in Jan.
It's obviously progressing as time goes on and I don't know what the future holds for me, I've only got 13 years til I retire at 60, but I've got a mortgage and 2 kids to see thro Uni!
I'm very lucky that I have the back up of Senior Management and Occupational Health, and I'm on a phased back to work plan, and one of the adjustments to my risk assessment is to send me home if I look tired! ha ha ha which is every bloody day at the mo!
There are many restrictions, but each day is different from the last, some days are good, others are bad, just listen to your body, it will tell you when it needs a rest! It's possible to work, you just have to know your limits, you are the captain of your own ship!
Good luck & many congratulations!
xxx

 

[teeny5]

I currently work from home. Before I worked in a fast paced, on your feet all day, 12 hour days, non stop retail job. I couldn't handle it after Crohn's. It completely wiped me out. I think if I had a career in a less active field I could have stayed working. But, now I work at home and I am fine. I just can't do the physical stuff for very long anymore.

 

[MapleLeafGirl]

I've worked through it too, but I have had quite a few sick days in the last year. Fortunately, I am able to work at home a few days a week and this has really helped. I just don't seem to have the energy to do the commute five days a week anymore.

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

I work a desk job full-time. I don't think I could handle working a job where I was on my feet all day long. I'm exhausted enough as it is after sitting in front of a computer all day. I do enjoy working because work is such a great distraction from my pain & symptoms. I think I'd go nuts if I was just sitting at home all day! I've spent the past 2 days home sick and I don't think I can handle any more bad daytime TV, ha ha.

 

[Aura]

I'm a trained early childhood teacher but with the CD it was difficult to cope with the physical requirements of the job. Since then I have shifted roles in to senior management and being a lecturer. I found this easier to cope. Stress is still there, as with any work, but it is more manageable. I have worked through most of my current flare of one year (although I had 3 months off work as I got depressed when we lost our company in a recession). My current role is working 4 days a week and this again seems to work well. CD is different for each person, as is each persons ability to cope and develop resilience. I wish you well in finding your happy medium.

 

[DannyboyUK]

Hi Donna, hope you are well. No Crohns hasn't restricted me. I have been an engineer for more than 13 years which is quite a physical job and it has not caused me any problems. I've had the occasional bathroom emergency on customers sites but no biggy as long as you know where the loos are! Take care.

 

[donna martinez]

Hi, DannyboyUK, how long has it been since you were diagnosed with crohns?

 

[HeatherMN]

I work 4 days a week, am mostly on my feet but do have times where I get to sit still (like right now!) After my diagnosis I went back to school as well, which took a little longer to get through as I had a huge flare and my 2nd colonoscopy in the first year. (I work as a radiology tech in a clinic)