Jobs??

[nekogirl7]

So, I have a question.

Are jobs out of the questions for people with Crohns???

I have a cousin in California who I think had Crohns, and she's on disability.

I don't want to be on disability when I get older, but the small, part time job I do...I found out I had to take quite a few "breaks". I told my bosses and they were fine, but I know other bosses won't be happy with me taking a "break" every 20 minutes.

Like I said, are jobs out of the question?

 

[jlanier]

I don't think so. I am able to work full time with no problem. My bosses are understanding about things, even when i had to be off for multiple surgeries.

 

[nekogirl7]

Okay, cuz I worry about ticking my bosses off in the future and all...and maybe that's one reason I'm afraid to even look for a job. eh-heh....

 

[jlanier]

I definitely understand that. One thing that might help is looking for a job that might be easy for someone with cd. I work at an agency that has several group homes for people that have intellectual and developmental disabilities. It's easy for me to work in these places since i am never far from a bathroom.

 

[nekogirl7]

I take it fast food restaurants are out? lol Personally, I think a kinda easy job would be good for me. I don't deal well with stress and that effects my Crohns more.

 

[jlanier]

I think it kind of depends on the severity of your disease. I tend to push things a little more than i probably should, although, im like you, and have noticed that when i get stressed i start showing more symptoms.

 

[Lisa]

It definitely depends on how severe your disease is, and what type of healthyou are in...along with your own personality etc.....

I have been working in VERY high-stress jobs for over 15 years - and was in some type of flare or another for a good 10 of those years.....BUT was never let go or fired because of my disease.....

I have been in my current profession for 10 years now, and still deal with stress on a daily basis - some days more than others - and different types of stress from issues with co-workers to the life and safety of up to 30,000 people being in my hands.....

Even when I have been flaring enough to land me in the hospital, I've kept a job......and sometimes multiple jobs!

 

[Rebecca85]

I work in a school with young children. It's not ideal, because stress exacerbates my symptoms, and it's not a job you can do properly when you're fatigued etc. having said that, my bosses are wonderful, and there's never any question about me having time off (whether it's scheduled for appointments or unscheduled because I'm sick), and I an have toilet or snack breaks whenever I want (so long as I let someone know so the kids aren't left unsupervised!). It helps that I don't often have diarrhoea though!

 

[tishbite]

I have never worked before and have been on disability for 2 years now. I am only 19 and worried that if I don't get a job soon I will never be able to get one. My crohn's isn't under control currently but I feel like getting a job at a local thrift store or comic store/record store would be something to consider. I know a lot of places like goodwill ( i don't know if you have one where you live) offers jobs to people with disabilities. If you go through your social security office I know there is a program where they train you and help you find work. It all really depends on where you live and the severity of your crohn's though.

 

[mizgarnet]

I am an accountant. High levels of stress right now. Probably closing the company I work for in a month or so. I have worked full time with lots of overtime, raised 3 children, and maintained a fairly active social life (there are times I am a couch potato, tho). I help my hubby run his business. Have I missed work due to Crohn's? Yes. Are there days that I can not give it my all? Yes. Over time you learn coping strategies. The main thing is to listen to your body.

Wendy
:cat:

 

[indianhart]

work...

I have Crohn's disease and have worked since being diagnoised 15 years or so ago. It has been tough because I also work with children and feel they need consistancy. I have struggled lately with a flare-up, been out of work and all my sick/vacation/personal time has been used, now I get no pay and feel that I may need a job change...but at 45 that is a stressful change! I have applied for SSI (and feel horrible about that!) and would like to work part time. Does anyone live in Massachusetts and in a similar situation that know is part time work is possible even if your on disability? Thanks!

 

[KWalker]

Like others said, it all depends on your severity, and motivation to want to work. I have had crohns all my life, and have also worked all my life too, and I'm now in school to get my doctorate degree. Don't let anything hold you back. Crohn's isnt going to go away, so my opinion is to just make the best of it. If working's absolutely out of the question, I think it's time for new medicine.

 

[nekogirl7]

I definitely want to work!!! I just kinda want to get the...uh...bathroom problem a little more under control before I go searching.

 

[Angrybird]

As already mentioned it does depend on the severity of the disease and whether the individual really wants to work. I work full time and have no problems with my employer - they even gave me FULL pay for the 6 weeks I was off for op!! One thing to bear in mind with this is that they HAVE to let you take time out for appts and treatments etc because you have a genuine illness that is not gong to go away in a couple of days like a cold, they cannot 'pick on' you and try and make things difficult...this would be descrimination. I woukd agree though about getting things under control before looking, the last thing you want is to start a new job and then a week in needing to take a day off.