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Has anyone made a career change due to their Crohn's? To something less stressful?

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Posted 3/5/2010 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
I am wondering about the effects of stress on the body and how much that contributes to my flares - I tend to get sick in the cold months (which is something else I am trying to give serious thought to since I live in the NorthEast) but has anyone changed careers because their old one was too stressful?  I know every job has stress, but I am talking like a major life change, like you took a year off or really went from very different job to another, just because you thought it might improve your overall health.

I would love to hear anyone's thoughts on this - my job stresses me out but would another "less stressful" job really help?  I know not working would be even more stressful and it's still hard to find jobs right now, but has anyone ever considered this?  Like if I were healthy all the time I could deal with it but because I have a chronic illness, maybe I should consider purposely having a low stress job?

Any thoughts on this are very very welcome! :)  It is something I am really struggling with right now!

Posted 3/5/2010 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
I'm going to have to change career's eventually. I went on disability from my job in Jan 2009. Since then they shut down the sawmill and tore it down so when I go off disability I'll be looking for different work. I worked shifts, 2 weeks days then 2 weeks afternoon shift. I found out quickly that having steady hours has helped me considerably, I didn't realize how swing shifts were affecting me. Other than that my job wasn't stressful. I'll just make sure where ever I end up there won't be shift work and I want steady afternoon shift as thats the hours my body keeps naturally. Oh and a washroom avaliable any time I need it. lol
Posted 3/5/2010 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
I just recently got laid off from the most stressful i have ever had, a casino dealer,the anger and hostillity from gamblers was the worst for cd people, i took all the abuse to my stomach, and i was a horse jockey for 18 years from 22 to 40 and that was super dangerous, and stressful but i loved it, i got cd when i was 20, at 41 i became artist, now I'm going back to my artwork, but I'm going thru ssdi and my wife and good neighbor are helping me out for now, after i get approved from ssdi i will go in as part time formy work, but right now I'm the chief designer. the dealer job made my cd go from manageable and pain med's when needed to full blown flare's now I'm to start remicade. the different from stressful job you love andstressful you hate is the key factor for me. i hated my pit bosses i hated the casino, i hated the gamblers. everyday going to work for me was a nightmare, the bathroom stuuf was bad the gas cramps and not being able to stand at table and deal was really bad, and the casino got tired of trying to accomodate me. so now I'm going back to my art,my love. but it has it's stress as well. SALES. but I would rather get stress from lack of sales than possibly killing a guest at casino, people that loose their money at casino, I mean real money, are vile people.

Posted 3/5/2010 1:09 PM (GMT 0)
I am a rock stuck in a hard place, after spending 7 years in university i have my so called "dream job" (this dream was embarked on before my CD developed) of running large infrastructure projects with one of Canadas largest contruction/engineering firms. Unfortunatly, it is a very stressful job (when you are responsible for ensuring profit on projects worth in excess of $100 million+ its stressful) and requires at times long hours (i have at one point worked about 12 hours a day for over 20 days straight). This overworking and stress has a not so nice impact on my CD but since i am stubborn i am in a position where i know a less stressful job would be good for my health, but at the same time i dont want to let my CD destroy my dreams, so its an interesting tug of war at times.
Posted 3/5/2010 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
I am a software engineer by education. But I married mid way through college and by the time I was done, we found out I was pregnant. So I spent some time at home with my baby. It was then that I decided I really didn't like software engineering and would prefer teaching little children. Three times I started to fill out the paper work to go to graduate school, and each time I would have a flare or end up with a resection. Fate was telling me something. I ended up working in the wholesale gift industry as a show room manager and in charge of corporate sales. It was part-time with minimal stress because of the type of boss I had. A few years ago, he merged his company and I was only working a few hours every other week or so, time to find something else. I stated watching a friends newborn, he's 2 now and has a little sister.
So I have almost my dream job. I'm teaching but on a much smaller scale and to younger children than I wanted. I always said the only thing CD stopped me from doing was being a teacher, but maybe not so much anymore, just in a different way.
Posted 3/5/2010 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
I too am looking into changing jobs. I started an Avon business last October knowing that I will eventually not have my current job due to my missing so much work. My provost has mentioned to me twice now that my attendence is not good. He understands I am sick, however it cost me getting a payraise and paid holidays. I am hoping since so much of Avon is done out of the house that I really build my business while I still have my 4hr a day job.
Posted 3/5/2010 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
I am a law clerk and work for a title insurance company in ontario, I have been off work since september 2007. I was on LTD through my company and then they cut me off sept 2009 telling me i can go back to my job cause they have a bathroom on every floor (WOW why didn't i think of that a cure for crohn's lol) stupid insurance companies. Anyway i applied for canada pension disability and was also denied as i am not dying anytime soon lol. (Funny cause i can't get life insurance lol) My job is still being held for me cause my dr's are saying im not fit to work and now i have to get a lawyer and sue for my benefits. aparently problem is crohn's you can't see so harder to prove your disabled. Its not that i don't want to work its just that i have been so ill and was calling in sick so much or being sent home my work told me to go on LTD and get things straigntened out. I can't lose my benefits my drugs alone cost over $70,000.00. So even not working is stressful lol. I don't know the answer i have often thought of just getting a no brain easy job and seeing if that helps cause my job is demanding and stressfull but im even really sick just being at home with 4 kids and a husband so i don't think there is an easy answer to that question at all.
Posted 3/6/2010 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
I used to be a restraunt manager. Actually most my life. Ive always worked with the public. I had been sick all thru that time I had to quit forturntly for me I was always able to get disability. When I got better which meant surgery for me. I dropped disability and found another job. In the food industry. The last time I got really sick I couldnt work for a long time. I went on disability for the last time. I lost so much bowel that I cant just drop disability. Im older and on Humira its basically the last drug they can use on me. So Im doing much better, but I wanted to work just different and no position of boss. So I became a part-time waitress. no worries I do the best I can and I work about 15 hrs a week the people I work for our good people they work with because of the cd .It was the best dicision I ever made. Im not in charge of anything if there is a problem with a customer I give it to my boss and move on. I do this kind of work so I can be as active as I can and no stress at lest no unnessary stress. I know I cant always do what I do but for now it will do. So I guess what Im saying is if your that stessed about a job. Mabe going a different way could be a good thing. Also what do you do for stress?
cause it is big deal with cd. I know much of it I created it for myself. Now I go to the gym or I go for walks anything to stay active. I also go to church its comforting for me. I hope some of this jabber helps. :-)
Posted 3/6/2010 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Well I am not working anymore and have not been since oct 2008.
I see that stress is a BIG factor in my disease.
Just thinking about doing something gives me a bad D.

I am terrified of going back to work, but I am looking into it.
Hopefully I will go to work in the fall.
Posted 3/6/2010 4:26 AM (GMT 0)
I worked in bookstores for most of my working life. The Crohn's forced me to finally give up the fast-paced world of books for the less stressful on the body call center work. It sucks.

As an aside, I had my first visit with my new internist today. She has UC and has a j-pouch. My dermatologist just found out he has Crohn's and has to have surgery soon. As a Crohnie4lyfe, I welcomed him with open arms! smilewinkgrin
Posted 3/6/2010 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
Good thread.

I used to be TI worker. IBM emplyee. I was working there when diagnosed. And yes, it was stressful. After that, I worked administrating my church. Had a good time, but that was somewhat more stressful (you feel responsible for everything). When I left, I realised that I had to make another change in my carrier. So I started studing for a public contest for a position in the public administration as an auditor. After one year and a half (supported by wife and daddy), I got it.

The best thing in being an auditor is that the stress is in the other side. The auditted part. But poeple keep trying to give me responsability... I still didn't achieve the right balance. At least, I work less hours and won't be fired for getting sick! scool

And yes, the CD was the major reason I decided to go that way.
Posted 3/8/2010 12:02 PM (GMT 0)
After studying and working in USA, where I developed CD, I decided to stay back in my home country, India, take things easy, and close eyes to friends climbing corporate ladders.
Posted 3/11/2010 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
I graduated from college (undergrad) in 1990- I was DX with CD 6 months after college during my first year as a teacher. My GI told me I should think of changing careers as it was too stressful and would complicated my CD and cause constant flares. I had just finished college and that is what I wanted to do "TEACH" so I ignored his advice and keep plugging away. I kept my stress level down with maintenance drugs and exercise/diet. That was 20 years ago. I moved from teaching to being an administrator overseeing curriculum and instruction for a large school division shortly after getting my master's. I found this position was actually less stressful than being in the classroom and have had less flares and pain.

My advice- drs can be wrong with regard to personal choice and your life changes. It is how you internalize your stress. Look at how you deal with stress overall and come up with a plan to "de-stress" after a bad day like going for a walk, meditating, watching tv(something to cheer you up and clear your mind) etc...

I have never had any surgeries, been hospitalized many times for flares mostly for pain control- but overall I choose my career and dealt with the stress in a way that was healthy and comforting. I hope this helps as everyone is so different with their CD and finding what helps you is up to you...
Posted 3/11/2010 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Changed my career and changed location to more tropical climate. One of the best things I ever did next to SCD. For most people both of those changes aren't possible but if you have the freedom, try each for a trial period. Really made a difference in my life.
Posted 3/11/2010 7:08 PM (GMT 0)

aoccc said...
Changed my career and changed location to more tropical climate. One of the best things I ever did next to SCD. For most people both of those changes aren't possible but if you have the freedom, try each for a trial period. Really made a difference in my life.

 

For some reason I'm finding sun makes me feel really good, so I get out in as much as we get it. And I'll go get books on these diets. I wish I could move more tropical, but that would mean my whole family and my husband is the breadwinner in the family and so he needs his job.

Posted 3/11/2010 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah i spend as much time in the sun as i can. You are so right, (for me at least) it really makes my body feel calm.
Posted 3/11/2010 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
Well..I haven't changed jobs yet due to CD, but it is part of the reason I am looking around more now. I used to want to climb the corporate ladder and move up in a company....now I just want to find a job where I can happily put in my 8 hours a day then leave it behind. A lot of that is that I am now over 40, but some of that is the CD. It is just not worth the extra stress to climb the ladder any more.
I am traveling for work this week and that is not helping my CD as I was rocky before I left home. But the upside is....I am training people this week. I went to school to be a teacher and the jobs were just not there then. This has reminded me how much I liked educating people and educating adults is even better.....drat it all Mom was right again I should have gone to be a college professor!
Posted 3/11/2010 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
Work stress plays a huge role in my flare ups. In 2006 I was working a very stressful job at a large Cardiologist office. The stress was huge for me, and I had already been searching for a new job. That's when I got the worse flare up I've ever had. I had taken some time off to get back on my feet, and started working at a smaller doctors office. But after a week I started being sick again. I haven't worked since. Someday I'd love to find a less stressful career. Right now I'm homeschooling my son, and I love it. I'd love to find something in teaching. Go back to school. But I'm really doubtful my body will let me.
Posted 3/11/2010 9:59 PM (GMT 0)

Jen77 said...
Work stress plays a huge role in my flare ups. In 2006 I was working a very stressful job at a large Cardiologist office. The stress was huge for me, and I had already been searching for a new job. That's when I got the worse flare up I've ever had. I had taken some time off to get back on my feet, and started working at a smaller doctors office. But after a week I started being sick again. I haven't worked since. Someday I'd love to find a less stressful career. Right now I'm homeschooling my son, and I love it. I'd love to find something in teaching. Go back to school. But I'm really doubtful my body will let me.

 

I just have a question, I notice that a lot of people have anxiety diagnosis with their Crohn's, is that something the same doctor dx'd at the same time, or did everyone also go to a different doctor for that diagnosis? Just curious.

Posted 3/12/2010 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
my anxiety is self diagnosed, I've been this way for too long to remember, I take anti-anxiety med's, they help but doesn't cure, it is part of my dna. i think people that have a bit anxiety issues are prone to get cd. getting out of the casino business is going to help me i can already tell, as long as i make a living from my artwork, it will be nice. It's the greatest compliment one can give an artist, that is to buy their work.

Posted 3/12/2010 8:30 AM (GMT 0)
My anxiety went undiagnosed and treated for most of my life. It only got much worse when I got Crohn's. I had Crohn's for a few years before speaking to my doctor about my anxiety. Best thing I ever did, it's helped me so much.
Posted 3/12/2010 11:15 AM (GMT 0)

aoccc said...
Changed my career and changed location to more tropical climate. One of the best things I ever did next to SCD. For most people both of those changes aren't possible but if you have the freedom, try each for a trial period. Really made a difference in my life.

THIS is what I am wondering about!  I have been thinking that maybe living someplace warm would help overall - I love living in the NorthEast but definitely don't get enough sunshine.  I wonder if people who live in warm places who have Crohn's have less flares?  I am debating maybe moving someplace for a year if I can incorporate a career change and location change it might work! 

BTW, when I tried to quote your post it would only let me write in this box, which is why I changed the text color. 

Posted 3/12/2010 12:02 PM (GMT 0)
I switched jobs,from a fast paced retail job that I loved.
What that enabled me to do was get more sleep,which I believe saved my life.
I also agree about the tropical local thing... When I go on vacation to sunny locals,
I'm relaxed, well rested,eat full normal sized meals,and my bowels are much slower.
Hey,maybe a job on a cruise ship???Hmmmmm
Posted 3/12/2010 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
I recently took early retirement at the age of 53. I worked as a nurse for 33 years and the stress level in that job was through the roof.

I had to take a small reduction in my pension benefits but it is totally worth it. I have a feeling of freedom that I have never felt before. My CD symptoms are much more manageable now that I can stop and rest whenever I need to. Retirement is great !

Posted 3/12/2010 7:58 PM (GMT 0)

pillpopper said...
I switched jobs,from a fast paced retail job that I loved.
What that enabled me to do was get more sleep,which I believe saved my life.
I also agree about the tropical local thing... When I go on vacation to sunny locals,
I'm relaxed, well rested,eat full normal sized meals,and my bowels are much slower.
Hey,maybe a job on a cruise ship???Hmmmmm

 

 

 

I'm sure I can't have a stressful job ever again, although I'm a stay at home mom and that's stressful or living off one income, but it's what I want to be doing! Yes, my aunt has crohn's pretty bad and it does worry me about thyroid, or low blood sugar or Crohn's and what have you about being able to travel places, but my aunt goes on Alaskan cruises, she's went 2 or 3x, so it can be done! Since there are buffets, she can prob pick and choose what to eat and eat slowly, but she loves them and has a good time and I'm glad she gets out!

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