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Ulcerative Colitis and Jobs

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/23/2018 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
I have mild UC on my left side and I find it so difficult to actually work. I am a part time waitress and it's extremely stressful. I'm always missing because sometimes I get so stressed my UC starts acting up. Or even just the job itself makes me feel physically weak. I feel like I can't do much without getting sick. So I was wondering what jobs do other people with UC have. Is it best to stay away from certain jobs when you have UC. What jobs are best for people with UC? When I actually exercise I'm okay to say the least but when I'm running around at work that's when I get so sick and I have no idea why or what it is.

Thank you smile

Post Edited (Butterflyshadow13) : 4/22/2018 7:17:07 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/23/2018 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
I can relate! I would have a terrible flare and actually have to quit my job, and then the bills piled up, which was also incredibly stressful. Now, I work from home. That is the best situation for me, as no matter how bad I'm feeling, I don't have to commute and don't have to be on my feet/worry about an accident. I hope this helps!
Posted 4/23/2018 1:15 AM (GMT 0)

kate22 said...
I can relate! I would have a terrible flare and actually have to quit my job, and then the bills piled up, which was also incredibly stressful. Now, I work from home. That is the best situation for me, as no matter how bad I'm feeling, I don't have to commute and don't have to be on my feet/worry about an accident. I hope this helps!

Wow I'm sorry you had to go through that but I'm happy you found a solution smile
And yes thank you it is helpful. I've been reading about working from home but I have no idea what I'd even do. I'm 22 and haven't finished school yet so I don't know if there are many options for me to do something from home :/
Posted 4/23/2018 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
You might look on the site "Upwork" - they list jobs - some are full time, some are part-time, and some are one-time tasks. I am not sure that a college degree is a requirement for all work from home jobs. It couldn't hurt to look around. Also, check out the site realwaystoearnmoeyonline.com. Another link is https://www.workingmother.com/10-work-from-home-jobs-that-dont-require-college-degree
Posted 4/23/2018 1:37 AM (GMT 0)

kate22 said...
You might look on the site "Upwork" - they list jobs - some are full time, some are part-time, and some are one-time tasks. I am not sure that a college degree is a requirement for all work from home jobs. It couldn't hurt to look around. Also, check out the site realwaystoearnmoeyonline.com. Another link is https://www.workingmother.com/10-work-from-home-jobs-that-dont-require-college-degree

Thank you so much!!!!! smile I'll definitely look into it.
Posted 4/23/2018 11:58 AM (GMT 0)
Depends on your job qualifications. There's definitely jobs that are more difficult than others. Corporate desk jobs seem to be the best solution from what I've seen for people with UC. Usually quick unrestricted access to a bathroom.
Posted 4/23/2018 12:48 PM (GMT 0)
" Is it best to stay away from certain jobs when you have UC. What jobs are best for people with UC? "

When you're UC is in a remission, there's no real limit to what you can do. If you're still struggling with UC symptoms enough that it impacts your quality of life then you are under-treated. You need to up-your-game and get stronger dosages of your current medications, and/or have additional stronger medications added. In a remission, I have one-bm a day without urgency and I am essentially pre-UC. That's what you should strive for and talk to your gasteroenteroligist and see what options are available to treat your UC better.

There's certainly a lot of office workers on the forum. Usually gives immediate access to bathrooms when we have to go.

Are there jobs that are worse for UC? Certainly any job where you'd be unable to access a bathroom for long periods of time, and/or without someone taking your place while you are away.
Posted 4/23/2018 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
So, I work for a medical company. It's somewhat a desk job, but it allows me to work from home if needed. My company has been really great to me throughout all of this. Couldn't have asked for better support.

But if you're just getting into your career and on that grind to make a name for yourself and climb the corporate ladder, it's difficult to work through UC. I couldn't imagine having UC through some of the other jobs I've had. ESPECIALLY working in the food industry. Always stressed out and on your feet, ugh.

Best I could recommend is getting some shoe inserts, something that gives you natural energy, and something that can somewhat shove down your uncomfortable mild symptoms. (I use IBGard. Peppermint has been a savior for me).

At one point I had to take leave/short term disability. I couldn't even handle being at my desk, I was in so much pain.
Posted 4/23/2018 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
I've decided office jobs are not for me. While access to the bathroom is there, how often can you actually go without being suspicious or your coworkers wondering/gossiping about you/thinking you're a slacker and that you go to the bathroom to nap or stay away from working? Not to mention your bosses are going to keep your bathroom trips in mind when it comes to your productivity and promotions, etc. And if you tell them about your condition, well, that still doesn't make you appear on equal grounds as someone who doesn't have to go to the bathroom as much as you do and be away from work as a result

On top of when I'm even in a mild flare, my UC causes me a lot of gas plus embarrassing stomach noises. I couldn't be in a typical cubicle environment or share an office with anyone because my stomach would sound like it's farting non-stop

I left my previous IT career and am now going to school for forestry. It's outdoors but I would be working in national parks where bathroom as plentiful and I can let out gas and have my stomach do its noise thing without worry of embarrassing myself in front of co-workers.

Bowel diseases suck.
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