What's your occupation?

Hi Everyone.  I'm considering a sight change in my career path and I was wonder what everyone else does.  I know UC can limit us but wanted to get some feedback to find out if UC has limited your career choices or how you cope with it in your career.

For example, I'm interested in fraud examination but I don't think I could get a law enforcement job that requires a physical or medical history. Also worried about traveling alot too or being "out of the office" away from bathrooms.  Right now I'm not too bad....but you never know!

Has UC stop anyone from accepting a job offer?

Please tell your story!

Thanks!

I'm not sure a former employer can give out information regarding your health.  As far as I know we're protected under American Disability Act.

Most employers I know of only give out basic information as of position, salary, and time worked. Some don't go beyond that due to possible lawsuites.  Have you verified that your employer is giving out this information or are you assuming?

I would review your rights under ADA. You can't be discriminated against due to our condition.

I'm a web developer / web analyst. Theoretically, I can do my job anywhere a can connect my laptop to a network.

subdued said...
I'm a web developer / web analyst. Theoretically, I can do my job anywhere a can connect my laptop to a network.

hey...now that's a plus!

It great to get these responses. It's giving me idea of how I can adapt!

You can ask for a reasonable accommodation but you can't expect to be hired for a job you won't be able to do. Health records are one thing, absentee records are another thing entirely. Most employers have decided it's just better to say nothing except confirm employment, but within a professional community more is likely to be shared or known.

I can do my job even though it's not a desk job. But there are jobs I would not realistically be able to do. Anything that would only allow limited opportunity to use a restroom. Like a court reporter or a toll collector. I think it would be tough to be in charge of a classroom, too, especially with little kids.

Wondering, why would a fraud examiner have to give a medical history? And would you be able to have some flexibility in your day, to use the restroom as needed?

SAHM right now and in school for Dental Hygentist. I do wonder how I will do that job when I start working or in clinics. I'm doing alright now but you never know.  That is what I want to do though. I've always wanted to do it. So, I figured I will go to school, I go part time so it will take me about 4-5 more years, when my youngest will be in school full time, and I'm hoping I will have a great medicine or surgery by than.  I use to cashier and I couldn't do that. No way.

with UC it qualifies you for FMLA as well so you can take up to 12 weeks off a year with no consequences as long as you have a note from the dr. but you have to work for a company for at least a year before you can use FMLA. I worked in a Pex pipe factory for 3 1/2 years and didnt know that I used all my vacation time every year as sick days. now im a student working on a bachelors in business management

I started a new job at a company nearby and was told to never post about it because they are scanning for their name. The managers joke about 'where is the microphone' is not entirely comedy, as you enter the facility the door has printed on it 'Audio and Video monitoring' so they really do have microphones. I was amazed I passed the drug test given the 12 meds I am on post UC related stroke. Vicadin comes up as opium and valium comes up as PCP of all things ! I pass all that and as I enter on my first day I am confronted with 3 people wearing rubber gloves. Apparently they periodically search all your belongings. I was in shock. Then a security guy intervened and pulled me out of the lineup and brought me to the manager without all the hassle. I felt like saying 'hey I already got that treatment from the Doctor this year - thanks anyway'.

aguywithuc, can only imagine what kind of job you have, sounds like government stuff.
buttcon, feel sorry for you man, having a bad day of the scoots with a porta potty as the only refuge is just about the worse.

I work in a exciting career job as a factory worker. Been there on and off since 93, making mostly parts for fuel systems for medium size motors, tanks, fuel injection parts, carburetors, fuel pumps, etc.

As most of you know I am a dentist.  I am almost 40 and work full time and work in one of the busiest offices I know.  When I say "busy" I mean that in a good way.  I have dealt with UC in dental school and throughout my career.  Fortunately the colitis has never really interfered with my dentistry.

MyUC

Orthopedic Surgeon.

I was diagnosed with UC within months after finishing my residency as I was starting a new job. My insurance had not kicked in yet during the period of my diagnosis. All my initial medical care was paid out of pocket. I was lucky that I was not diagnosed earlier during residency or medical school. It is doubtful that I would have maintained my stellar grades through medical school if I was going through the first year of my diagnosis as the medications (namely prednisone) turned me into a mental zombie. I did not have the ability to focus to the extent I needed to during that period. The side effects of prednisone and remicade make it very difficult to work as a surgeon for long hours today. Orthopedic surgery is a very physical job. I have had to do less surgery and focus on medicine/sports medicine while I rebuild myself now that the dust has settled and I am in remission. I love what I do and am finding ways to make it work. It has inspired me to work smarter and look to other ways of utilizing my education and talents. I started writing a book from stories that I began compiling during medical school. It is a work in progress but UC has given me new insight into understanding its concept. I've completed three paintings in the last couple years and had an offer from an art broker to sell my work. (I am not interested in selling) UC inspires me to expand myself and learn to listen to my purest needs and inspirations.

I am a retired professional portrait photographer whose specialty was outdoor portraits of large families and children. Very physically and mentally demanding and no bathrooms nearby. Luckily UC only appeared toward the end of my 24 year career and I was able to sub the photography to someone I've known for many years and I handled the more important work (lol) of scheduling the appointments and getting paid.

Even working in my studio just talking with clients was becoming impossible at the end because of extreme urgency. No warning and no time to dash to the toilet. That was at the worst but unfortunately the worst lasted several years due to poor doctors not listening to my telling them how bad things were with me and my not knowing that I should find better doctors.

Now I am retired (semi, still do some telephone consulting work) and paint landscapes in an impressionist style for enjoyment only, no sales wanted. My personal goal is to complete 10 paintings that I love before I die.

I'm a mental health counselor. I was in remission for 3 years and now I'm sick again. My job stress is the culprit, I suspect.