Employment question

Well, I finally got a job offer; I need to get a whiz test (no problem), and a physical exam (problem).

It's a physically demanding job, but I'm up to it; I've been in remission for >3 years without meds, and I am confident I can maintain this status. I'm in excellent physical shape, but I don't know what'll happen since I live in an "at-will" employment state; they can fire me for any reason (or no reason) at all.

I've been employed in this field before; I have >10 years of experience, and I know I can do the job. I'm just concerned that one of the boxes (history of abdominal pain) is going to lead to some very nasty questions, and ultimately they'll turn around and find some way to get rid of me, even though I already have a job offer.

I called CCFA national, and they sent me in the direction of two organizations- groups that were helpful, but exist mainly to help with medical expenses, not employment questions.

So, I'm asking for practical, real-world experience: a large employer in a field that pays so poorly that a year's salary wouldn't even pay for TNF inhibitors (which I don't need, and have never taken), working in a job that I know I can complete without any absenteeism or sick days, with a history of being diagnosed with Crohn's. (Also worth noting- my gastro doubts my diagnosis, even though the biopsy and histology clearly shows I have the disease. I'm absolutely certain I have CD, because if I eat things I shouldn't, the disease comes back full-force.)

What do I do? Shouldn't lie; they'll fire me if they find out. Can they not hire me, so long as I can do the job?

Hi there! I agree with others - don't lie but don't say more than you need to. However, don't stress if it all comes out. Three months ago I had a physical for my new job--mostly office work with some lifting required. The form I was given was structured so that I had to list crohns and my humira dosage. I was really worried but the doctor simply asked if the humira was working for me. That was it and I passed. It seemed to me that they were more concerned with the drug test. Apparently, a lot of people fail in that regard. Best of luck--I hope you get the job!

Well I am going to tell you that your Crohns is going to return. Diet alone is not enough to keep this disease in check. I and many others on this very forum have learned the hard way what no meds means. Most of us had to either have emergency surgery or a very difficult time getting our Crohns tamed back down after not taking meds.

Diet and meds should be consider as complimentary of eachother. Your diet alone is not going to help the microscopic damage that goes on without you even knowing it. I am maintained solely with Asacol. After my first surgery the docs told me I no longer needed meds, so I didn't take them. Ended up with another surgery only 3 years later and took forever to get my Crohns quieted back down. I hope the same does not happen to you.

Now on the job front, if you don't think this is a job you are going to stay at longterm, then I say go for it without telling them anything. I think I would deal with it when/if the time came. If you are confident you can do the job, then go for it. If its not your cup of tea, then maybe look for something better. Good luck with whatever you decide. Hugs!

I agree with Nanners - don't tell, especially if you are doing well, and expect to be fine.  HR is not your friend. 

It sounds like you are nearly on the SCD diet or Paleo diets. Maybe even the low carb diet. These all have some science behind them. I question whether meds should be taken -- unless there are inflammatory markers or labs that are otherwise off,  or something shows up on a SBFT.

Meds can and do have side effects. My daughter started Pentasa weeks ago, and now her chronic wound has suddenly flared. Is it coincidence or has Pentasa depleted some elements necessary to wound healing? In the past, when she tried out Pentasa, lab results suggested it drove down her iron absorption and caused neutropenia and low platelet count - unfortunately, she was coming down with mono at the time, so docs didn't know whether it was the mono or the pentasa - all I can say is that within a day of dropping the Pentasa, the neutropenia and low platelet count resolved.  So now she is giving Pentasa another try - labs will be done monday to see how she is doing. If we find out her ferritin is down, she can supplement with iron, but if she has neutropenia again, the Pentasa is history.

It sounds like you have done a good job of listening to the signs your body is sending. But if you are going to rely on diet, I'm hoping you are getting labs done and maybe an SBFT at least once a year...because sometimes a lot of damage can be done before symptoms show up.

Thanks, everyone. And, yes- I still get labwork. My latest fecal calprotectin was 21 (anything under 168 is normal), my inflammation markers (C-reactive protein and sed rate) are both as low as the instruments can measure. Every single blood value is in the normal range. My hematocrit is a little high- I'd like to get that down, but they won't let me donate blood since I've been diagnosed with CD.

The diet I'm following is close to that recommended by Dr. Walter Voegtlin, a gastroenterologist who recommended this diet for his Crohn's patients. The book is "The stone age diet," and it's pretty simple: meat. It's likeday and night; so long as I eat meat, I'm fine.

Anyway- I'll be back in a month or so when the job starts. Y'all take care. :)

I work for a major retailer as an ASM and I told my District and Store manager, I had Crohn's during the interviews. I did not go into much detail, just that my disease was in remission, They hired me because they said if I was honest upfront with my disease, I would be a very trusted and honest employee. My disease is now in a major flare up and my store manager and Hr department have did a great job in helping me out with days off, dr. appts and adjusting my work to not included a lot of physical activities. Good luck, Mr. D

Hey, all. I couldn't remember my old password and it was easier to register under a new name; this is "Squid Bait."

I got the job; I filled out all the forms, the PA read them, noted I had Crohn's and was surprised (very surprised) I wasn't taking any meds. I told her the truth, which is that I pretty much haven't had any symptoms since I was diagnosed, and nothing at all in >2 years.

So, I've been on the job, working my tail off, no problems at all. Had a co-worker yesterday tell me he's back on the job for only 2 weeks, having had brain tumors removed; even with insurance, he's $176,000 in debt. Gotta love healthcare in this country.

Anyway- that's just a quick update. Y'all take care. :)

FunGuy said...
I am not an expert but I believe you have rights under federal law in most cases. Under the 2008 ADA. Go to ADA.gov for more info. They can not ask if you have chronic disease but they can ask if you have a condition that would interefere with the performance of your duties.

Good luck.

I think this is how the question was worded at my physical. I had been symptom free for a few years so I simply checked the 'no' box.