Crohns and working.

I work a full time job and have been at the same job for 20 years. But.....some folks are on disability because they have severe Crohns.

by the way there are severe to mild to moderate, so it depends on the stage of cd, my stomach i would say is mild, but it has moveds up my throat and canker sores in my mouth, that was serious to me that's why im on the pred. and imuran, very strict diet of 95% vegan,

Thanks Nanners and artist guy for your replies. My son is on insurance of Parkland hospital here in Dallas which pays for everything. It's a public hospital. It's ironic. He was born there. He lives with us. Until he goes into complete remission, there's no way he can work. I feel so bad for you guys.

artist guy, don't they get upset when you call in sick that many times?

I'm 23 as well. I was diagnosed when I was 16. I have had 3 resections, 3 abscess surgeries and my most recent surgery was in Nov to repair an abdominal fistula. I have never been in remission and I'm working 32 hours a week. I was working 48 but my hours were cut due to the economy...I'm currently looking for a 2nd part time job.  My GI has suggested that I try to go on disability but that not an option in my mind until I feel I can physically not take working anymore.  Thus far I haven't found any meds that have worked for me, but hopefully in the future I will.

I work full time, but consider myself to have "mild" CD. I had surgery in 2008 and was out for ~4 weeks. Other than the time off for surgery, I haven't missed a day of work because of crohn's (diagnosed ~4 1/2 years ago).

I've worked like crazy from 1977 until about 10 years ago and then just normal 40-50 hours a week. I haven't missed much work over the years until now with a severe flare I have been out three weeks. What does your son do that requires complete remission to return to work? He may have to make a career change if he isn't able to achieve that level of recovery. :(

Potsie, first off I'm sorry to hear about your son having to deal with this "oh so fun disease". I recently was diagnosed with Crohns after a emergency resection about a year ago. BLAHHHHH, let me just say that first! I have been in a battle to find the right treatment for the last year, finally found that Remicade every 8 weeks has been working fairly well. Unfortunately my doctor thinks that it was to late and I might still need another surgery to remove the scar tissue causing me troubles. Anyway, I work a full time job with the Washington State Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer, which at times can be a very physcially demanding job. I have had nothing but support from my employer for the most part. I think that the fact that I was employeed with them from the start helps a lot. I am not sure where you live, but most states have some sort of Family Medical Act that covers time off for medical problems for either yourself or family. For example I am guarnteed 12 weeks of "no questions asked" leave from work, granted I have to use leave that I acquire or go without pay. But, I can not be punished or looked over for promotion based on any leave issues while in the 12 week window. I can use them at anytime and do not have to be in a row. I believe that there is also a federal family leave act that your son can fall into if the employeer does not recoginize medical leave. His troubles may be with finding the employment since he is not currently working. I wish him the best of luck and be sure to let me know that many of us are fighting the same battle while working fulltime and living a semi-normal life!

I have had CD since I was 15.  I am now 36.  I missed my last two years of High School but got home study and graduated on time.  I went away to college and had jobs while there.  Since graduating the only time I wasn't working was when I was out of a job.  I have done many things from cooking in a kitchen, customer service at an airline, Barista at Starbucks, and even worked on a cruise ship in the galley. 

My point is everyone is different.  I have been one of the lucky ones that has a mild case and I won't let it slow me down.  I always tell my employers about my disease so when I do get sick from it or have to do a colonoscopy, it won't come as a shock.

I do have a question for you though.  How long has your son been on Remicade?  If he isn't better then maybe it isn't working and he needs a different drug.  Also, has he looked into jobs that you can do at home?

I hope he feels better and good luck to him.

Djin said...
Well... I wonder about that too. Almost posted it myself.

Dignosed in 1994 - 19 y/o
2007 missed very few days
2008 missed 2,5 months (pre and pos surgery)
2009 missed 15 days (but went to work in bad shape some days)
2010 missed only remi infusion days so far.

I've read once some docs (congress reports) saying that about 20% of their patients are "disabled". But it was not a research.

I was just wondering... saw your meds...  I'm on Remicade and will be starting Imuran.  Did you have any side effects from Imuran?  Thx. 

I install and repair commercial garage doors. I am usually working 40-60 hours a week with no Bathroom or if there is one, its probably one of the most filthiest ones you guys will ever see.
I have to lift heavy things all day long and it sucks because I am in a big time flair. I've already been threatened by my boss to get fired because he thinks I will have stomach pain and fall off a ladder or get someone hurt, which I will never do.

I was fortunate. My disease always attacked the same location - my terminal ileum. I had three bowel resections and one fistula repair over 37 years and I have worked throughout, with brief periods of inability to work. Sick leave and short term disability benefits help. I think all of us discover which foods work for us, which meds work best, and the rest is making a commitment to get enough rest, avoid the dramas at work, and enjoy the life we have today. He is not destined to life-long disability, although sometimes it happens even when the person does everything possible to take care of themselves. And, then, there are the blessings. I learned how to persevere and to be thankful for each day of life. Getting enough rest in my twenties was a huge challenge. My mind wanted to go, go, go, but my body didn't cooperate so I learned to prioritize and avoid pity parties. I wish you and your son the best. This site is the best for support and venting frustrations.

WOWSA ... this post is like a war memorial wall, so many postings.... Amazing to see what we all collectively struggle with. I respect you all.

I'v been very fortunate in the past, although I'm fearful of the future:

Sick in 2003, Dx in 2004, took 2 months disability (I worked then for a GREAT Corporation that made it happen) in 2005 and really needed more, I had been traveling 20 weeks a year and having D about 20/30 times a day when I chose to eat. Severe pain and symptoms.

In remission for the most part by this time, didn't miss any work from later 2004 to 2009, moved from CA to IA. Not on any Crohn's maintainence meds (BIG mistake - I thought if I was remission, didn't need them!) and got the swine flu. Set 10 weeks of severe pain/disability and hospitalization and recovery into motion. I was not working so I didn't have to miss work.

I just got a job this week - YEAH! and I feel that finally my I've got my diet, supplements, symptoms, RX (Imuran even after 4 weeks seems to be working, imaging? Tapering off prednisone.) so the time is right. Only thing is new employer doesn't offer sick days nor health insurance although they said they are "trying" to get health insurance.

So this scares me ... my COBRA benefits are going to run out soon .. tic toc.

Artist Guy ...do you live in the US? Your employee benefits with sick leave seem very generous?