WORK AND CROHN'S

[katta]

I JUST WANT TO KNOW HOW CAN YOU GO TO WORK AND HAVE A NORMAL LIFE WHEN YOU HAVE CROHN'S DX?
i have lost so many jobs due to my condition, i am constantly going to the bathroom when i am at work, feeling tired, abdominal pain, and worrying so much to ask for time off to get my ramicade treatment or just beacause i need to go for my check up with my doctor.
please can someone tell me how to deal with it?

thanks
kathy

[bab0213]

oh my reading your notes helped me beter feel 'sane" about my body pain, over the past 1 1/2 i have increase joint pain, hands crippling up , numbness in them and points on my hips and knees that are so painful i need assistant in my home. I have had Crohns since 1990 , had surgery and even had remission the past year or so things have decided to "take cover" working at my regular occupation became impossible , and very little consideration was given thoug i was compeltely upfront with them when i was hired. i don't know of anyone out of owrk due to this disease if so any help to get help , the family medical leave did not work for me i came from a small company and was told use your 15 hours of vac time but if you continue to be missing in aciton , sick etc you will be docked and could or will loss you job .

[ShaiJ09]

i have been denied 3 times as well and it is so frustrating. I as well had the same problems while at work.. It is almost impossible to hold a job that is worth having.  All I can say is keep fighting for the SSI and it may pull thru eventually.  My prayers and thoughts go out to you because I am going through the same thing!

[graham1981]

ive had problems with the bleeding and the cramps for about six yrs and i went to the doctors last week and the doctors say i might have crohns disease and lately ive been so tired and weak and i hadto put my job on hold cus i work as a tree climber and i stran all the time and the pain gets worse. im only 30 yrs old and im not sure if i can get a job if i do have crohns disease because ive worked hard labor jobs all my life and i dont know anything else and ive tryed to get medicade but i cant get it. what can i do?

[mlo0245]

I have been dealing with severe stomach pain and going to the bathroom constantly for about 4 years now. I have been to a few doctors who immediately after I tell them my symptoms say IBS! I finally found a gastro doctor that is going to do some test thursday and test me for crohns disease. I am very tired and also feel like I can't go anywhere because I may need to go the bathroom. I work in Customer Service and its getting harder because I can't tell a member to hold while I go to the bathroom...Its becoming a real issue for me and I hope and pray this doctor can help me! I must say that most of the comments I read sounds like you guys have flare ups, when will my flare up go away because it happens everyday and has for the last 4 years????????? I am getting depressed because I am so tired of the pain and lack of control!

[julieasc]

I think you are where most of us began: very sick, not knowing what this is, and having a lot of questions. It's wonderful that your doctors are trying an aggressive treatment first and wanting you off the steroids.  (You'll get sad when you come off them, but it's just the meds...not you. Don't worry. Stay off them if you can--your beautiful face and liver will thank you.)  A lot of people take infusions or injections.  I have taken infusions of Remicade which didn't work for me but have worked very well for many other people.  This year I started injections of Humira, and within a month I feel like I have my life back.  It's glorious.  Regarding work, it can be a struggle during flare-up which is why the meds are so important--especially if you got your dream job and need to be on your feet. Take up a relaxing, perhaps mildly active hobby too--yoga, deep breathing, biking.  Yes, you'll go through patches of dropping weight and feeling miserable (like last month and maybe right now), but medicines, hobbies, friends, family, and your own motivation will pick you back up.  

[julieasc]

I think you are where most of us began: very sick, not knowing what this is, and having a lot of questions. It's wonderful that your doctors are trying an aggressive treatment first and wanting you off the steroids.  (You'll get sad when you come off them, but it's just the meds...not you. Don't worry. Stay off them if you can--your beautiful face and liver will thank you.)  A lot of people take infusions or injections.  I have taken infusions of Remicade which didn't work for me but have worked very well for many other people.  This year I started injections of Humira, and within a month I feel like I have my life back.  It's glorious.  Regarding work, it can be a struggle during flare-up which is why the meds are so important--especially if you got your dream job and need to be on your feet. Take up a relaxing, perhaps mildly active hobby too--yoga, deep breathing, biking.  Yes, you'll go through patches of dropping weight and feeling miserable (like last month and maybe right now), but medicines, hobbies, friends, family, and your own motivation will pick you back up.  

[KimK1]

Addressing Katta and dizzybuff38:

Katta, experienced all the same problems as you.  Have had this nasty illness for 36 years now.  Dizzybuff has good suggestion regarding medicine.  The same has helped me get some sense of a life back.

You mentioned working for a dental office.  Wonderful !  because not only does this illness take its toll on your intestines, bones/hair/nails but your teeth.  as mush as I have tried to stay on top of caring for them, I have had dentists "not so on top of it" or waiting to repair a cavity for ay too long, due to scheduling conflicts.....I have changed dentists 4 times due to be sooo disappointed in their missing something/or pro pulling, rather than saving, and resulting in me only having 1 bottom molar left !!

Talk about devastating/embarrassing and absolutely necessary to have them to chew....especially with this digestive disease.

So since you work for one, make sure not only do you stay on top of taking care of them, but that the dentist understands that with Crohn;s patients....cavities happen quickly and can progess the same.  SAVE YOUR TEETH !!



Also, anyone out there having uncontrollable gas? Usually foul in odor.  This started about a year ago and has progressed over the past several months.
Especially at bedtime !  OMGoodness !   I have tried everything I can think of (over the counter) with no results.  I do have a standing prescription for Flagyl, which if I take for a day or two, seems to temporarily reduce the problem ( if taken any longer, I get severe diarrhea.

I'm desperate for an answer and a life without fear of offending people and embarrassing myself  (and others - my children/family)

I'd appreciate any suggestions !   Thanks !!!!    

[Courtneybaby]

Hi my name is Courtney, i got my dream Job being a flight attendent with Emirates over in Dubai i became sick. With all this pain in my Belly and throwing up every single day, also looking and smelling food made me sick.
I had test and they discovered i had Chrones i had never heard of this before. After that they tried to this medaction which i was fine for a week then reslaped. Then i started lossing more weight. Then they put me on the right medication but still on high dose steroids. I couldnt fly unless i was on 10ml. so weeks went on and i finally got down to 10ml, then i started to fall back into epoisdes. So i had to go do anther coloscoply and they said i had to have surergy.
I had to quit because i needed suregery. And they had to fly me home a.s.a.p. Now Im back in aust and now im told i dont need surergy which is good but i have to go on injections/ infussions.
In order to get off theses steroids. My question is anyone having this Medication. Can you Work will it make my Chrones go away so i can go back. Because im lost just like many people with this. I relise some people have worse cases then mine but i havent talked to anyone with Chrones before.

[emily2003]

look up DigestaCure it is all natural with no side affects. It is used to help many things and has a money back guarantee it also has testimonials of people who have taken it my husband has suffered for many years with chron's and we are fixing to order this item. Humira is so scarry and has so many bad side affects we thought we would give this a try. I hope this helps you. God Bless.
Liz H

[bart4u]

I have had Crohn's since I was 15 and I am now 53.  Have to be self employed because of the bathroom thing.  Hard for me to work a 9-5 job being sick and in pain all the time.  I have had three resections.  My life is very hard and nobody really understands what a crapy life we have.  My insurance policy is 15,000 per year and I am in my states high risk pool and it gives me a 75,000 yearly max.  I can not get into the federal program which is half the price with no max because you have to be without insurance for six months.  This was a Republican request so the bill would pass.  The Republicans are very evil people.  I can no longer afford my insurance due to the economy.  I am stressed out and do not know what to do.  Feel like my country does not care about me when I need help.  I wish I lived in Canada.  I must say I am not proud to be an American.  Hope things will change for me but I don't don't see a bright future.

[Justicexhaze]

Sorry to hear of your situation. I was diagnosed when I was 7 (44 now).  Jobs/ companies don't understand- it's like if you said you had cancer its"Ohh well then take as much time as you like"  But many times we look fine but are dying on the inside.  The worst thing to hear is "well you look fine"  oh..so that means shut up and go back to work.  You know if you call and try to get insurance its #3 on the turn you down list.  But just try and get SSI right?  I was lucky enough (if you call it that) to be with a company that had long term disability, they in turn have lawyers that specifically work with you to get you SSI.  Will not cost me a cent. Look into The Social Security Law Group.  Maybe they can help...basically you want a deal that they don't get paid unless you get your benefits.  I struggled with work for like 22 years.  Going to work sick, passing out, surgeries..the works..

[ak99]

I was on SSD.  I hated it, I was always broke, I live in Alaska and $1200 a month doesnt go very far.   I work from home mostly, I have a camper on my pickup (I am a civil engineer) so my bathroom goes where I go.  The Big D runs my life and I am so tired of it.  Try the questran, its cheap and helps.  I wind up in the ER alot to get fluids and pain relief.  well, you are not alone, though I know it feels that way

[woodsprincess]

The longer I have it the harder it seems to get, control isnt there anymore.IT must be nice to be healthy. Oh well sorry to vent.

[babyphat740]

I have crohn's disease and it is hard for me to go to work because im always in the restroom. Sometimes I don't no what to do. I can't eat the things that I like because its time to go im just tired. Im on asocal its ok but nothing is helping right now, as for I can't go and enjoy different things because im afraid im going to have a flare-up so I just stay home.


                                                                                  

[merlinhornet]

You can say wow again. I have been on some forums for the past few days and I have never felt so sad.
Im in Australia and I was luckily diagnosed 4 years ago. I have never experienced as much as anyone here and with determination, hope and perserverence I hope you all find something that works for you and makes your lives much easier.
I too started on prednisone and then put onto 8 tablets of sulphalazaline which I am allergic to so they had to prescribe mesasal. I only have prednisone once in a blue moon now with sever flare ups. I have had one anul fistula removed but cannot have any follow up on if I am getting better or worse this is because all the solutions are sulphur based. I have a few friends with crohns and one with a bag for the rest of his life.
There are people out there who are sceptics but here goes. Find a healer or remedial massage therapy. I have had 2 blockages and I have not had to see one doctor or specialist. My work collegues are highly supportive and when I am in a flare up and need rest I have never been questioned.
When I first started on the steroids they did my head in, I was the angriest nastiest person on the planet and I flipped at the smallest things for no reason, not to mention the weight I had gained from them. Then over 12 months I lost 25 kilos and I fluctuate every few months. Since remedial massage I find less cramps, bloating and stress. If you can find that special person who can help you can be happy and less sick then you start to heal on the inside. You might want to have a read of www.bobbyrunningfox.com

[Vexus]

Wow. This is amazing. I'm sure you have all felt this way at some point, but I was diagnosed with severe Crohn's in my rectum in March 2008. I am 25 years old. I live in a very rural part of northern British Columbia, so the Doctors we get out here aren't the greatest to say the least. I am FINALLY going to see a specialist, which has taken me 2 months to get an appointment. Today, just reading this site and all of the comments you have all posted has been more helpful than talking to 7 different Doctors in almost a year. I cried. I am so frustrated having to find all the information I need by myself. The only medication my doctors have percribed for me have been prednisone and cortisone. I am so tired of having to take steriods. I finally finish a bout of them and I am so incredibly sick afterwards. I catch any little illness going around. Im sure it doesnt help any that I am a waitress. lol. But I am sick for a good 2 to 3 weeks afterwards. I am so sick of being sick all the time. I am tired and in constant pain.  My Docs have kept trying to give me morphine for the pain, but heard it is highly addictive, so I dont take any. Any advice before I go see the specialist would be much appreciated. Thank you all.

Amanda

[shell700]

New to this forum , I have had crohns for over ten years and had a surgery four years ago. losing 1metre of my bowel.I am about to have a further surgery but I am holding offf as long as I can due to the fact that in my job at present, I have to leave the floor and rush out to the loo around four times in any one shift. I guess I have about 15 motions a day and I have explained this to my employer along with a letter from my gastro guy, They can not sack you for this and they cannot harrass  you for this either,  I take questran every day. As well as many other medications. Love to hear from you

[bottomsup]

i was recently diagnosed with crohns. i have had the potty problem since ever. i just tell my workgroup i have bad gut genes and i go to the bathroom often. i even pt up a little flag on my monitor that says "ladies room" just so they know im not off being a social butterfly (which im so often guilty of).

i have lost 15 lbs in the past 3 months- has anyone else experienced weight loss?

[rocco9]

Hi Katta, I'm having the samw problem.I to am on remacade.Stress is a BIG factor in this.My GI docton told me if I could get that under controll its better than all the pill I take.Look into ways to relax.I am and it seems to help.yoga etc.Just read alot and maybe you'll hit on something.At least read and trying something new.Picks u up a bit.There is so much out there away from just the med.s that may help.May I ask are u a stressed person like I ?..........hope i've helped Rocco

[dommychrons]

maybe you should try a work at home job ... its not the best idea but atleast you will be making some income and feel like you are doing something... i actually have a job where i am on the road all day long ... it was tuff and at times i have to go home cause i cant stop going.. but ive learned to eat very small things or nothing at all during the day .. just drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and it seemed to work... i currently had surgery so i am out of work right now.. but i am anxious to get back and see if it has changed at all

[verysickandtired]

i know what you are going through working in the public i too work in the public and since my chrohns started acting up 2 yrs ago it has been harder to work. i am now having panic attacks that i know that i have created from the environment that i am in. i own a farm and ranch feed store and i lift aleast 2 tons of 50# sacks of feed everday i only weigh 108. the panic attack are very aggrivating. i am always wondering when i might have to go to the bathroom and i might have a customer at the same time. i just wanted you to know that you are not alone and to stay strong.


From verysickandtired

[benfranklin]

This may help, it is for real.  It has helped a lot of people.

www.kioflife.com

[jackie9]

hi liz i have crohns ten years now and a illeostomy i have just started getting severe pain in ankle joint what med should i take thanks jackie

[dancepage]

You should not have to live like this.  I've had crohn's 31 yrs. 7 surgeries chop chop chopping away at me,  Remicade, prednisone, asocaol, now humira, you name it. In 2003 , I finally had a permanant ileostomy,  No more pain,  It works great,  very convenient actually.  I have worked all these years and have not had problems with a job except when I was out for surgery.  Thankfully in the dental profession, there are understanding dentists.  It took me a long time to get my mind around an ileostomy, but there is life - and a good one - afterwards.  With a positive attitude and a good gasto,  you should do fine!!!!!!!!!!!