Working with CD

Hi Everyone,

I'm supposed to start Humira on in a week.  I'm excited cause I hear a lot of good feedback on the effects, but I have to admit at the same time I'm skeptical.  I have switched meds constantly for the past year (Ive been in a flare for over a year now).  Every time I switch I think it will be the miracle drug that will help me get through the day, but I'm always let down...

In case this Humira thing doesnt work, I guess my question is whether people with CD eventually end up on disability?  Does anyone know the % of people with CD who are on disability?  If this doesnt work, I am terrified of losing my job or having to give it up - I love my work.  But I also can't say I'm being very effective anymore - more than 10 bathroom visits a day and pain all the time... My boss is understanding but I always feel so guilty running out of meetings or going home cause I had an 'accident'. 

My other question is more optimistic: If the Humira does work, and I decide to start job searching (I want to advance my career) do I have to tell my next employer about CD?  Is CD considered a disability? 

Thanks!! 

Hope you are all feeling better today than yesterday!

I would say it depends on the person, severity of the disease, and financial situation. There are some that really shouldn't be working but do anyway because that is there only means of insurance. I worked through some really really nasty flares but only because I basically had to. My coworkers were understanding and I used the restroom a ton but was never in there for so long that it was a huge problem.

I do tell all my employers but not during the interview process. Just after I start to get to know them. Usually it comes up at a firm lunch or something. Or even during training when I say "don't think I'm rude if I step out a lot from the morning meeting, I have crohns disease and can't wait."

I think it brings us peace of mind to not have this big secret and to even get some accomodations but I know not all that have disclosed have been so lucky.

I think a lot has to do w/ your mindset too. People that have severe anxiety about accidents are going to have a much harder time than those that think eh, if it happens, it will suck, but what can I do? I know I have worked when an accident was a likely probability but knock on wood it didn't happen. I think someone a little less shameless would have said geez, I can't leave the house like this. I am not saying that one is better than the other just that we all have different ways of dealing with pain and embarassment.

Tell a potential employer about any illness or diseases you have AFTER you get the job offer. Don't give them any reason to deny offering you the job because of it.

As far as working goes.... I only was diagnosed 2 years ago but I have been having the fatigue and joint pain symptoms since I was 16. I have always worked or gone to school except the two times I was too sick to work for about 6 months the first time in college, and about 3 months 2 years ago when I was diagnosed with CD. I expect to work through my career, god willing.

Hey Pampers,

I had one other thought for you.  When the time comes to tell your new boss, maybe you can print off a copy of the article that "climbs" recently posted/wrote that was on the online Newsweek site.  I printed it off and shared it with alot of my co-workers and got alot of excellent feedback from them.  It really helped them to understand what I go thru daily.  Just a thought!