Crohn's Disease and working full-time

by lindsay
(chuckey, tn )

I was diagnosed with Crohn's approximately 1 year ago. I have had to cut back at work to part time. I always feel drained of energy and have diarrhea. Has anyone else had to cut back or quit work. My ex-wife tells me I am weak and a wimp, but I guess no one understands until they walk in our shoes.

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Crohn's Disease and Working Full-Time NEW
by: Annette Young

Hello,

I am full of sympathy because I know just how exhausting Crohn's can make you feel. It can be incredibly hard to keep going when you are in a lot of pain, have the dreaded diarrhea and find that your quality of life is eroding bit by bit.

I used to work in the human resources department at a large corporate company and we had several people with Crohn's disease. We gave a great deal of support and encouragement at that time and we were very aware of how the disease can leave sufferers feeling quite isolated and exhausted.

We worked with them to help them ease work stress and I am continuously shocked that all companies do not provide the same. I do know people who have left work through the stresses of the job and they just didn't feel up to continuing- let alone trying to cover up their condition.

It's true that no-one can really identify with how you feel unless they have Crohn's too. It's so aggressive and flare-ups can occur out of the blue. Please don't fall into the trap of letting it make you feel isolated. Others might not understand but you must make them realise the extent of the condition. There are plenty of leaflets on the disease and I would hand them out to all who query your tiredness or that you have to work part-time.

You have nothing to hide.

I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck.

Annette
Sleep Deprived
by: Anonymous

I noticed someone mentioned they are alway hit while getting ready for work. Mine always wakes me up at about 1am and takes anywhere from 2-5 hours for the pain to ease. During this time it is impossible for me to sleep and sometimes ever lay down as the pain is so intense. Consequently i struggle just to get out of bed most mornings.
My boss is very understanding but i feel as though everyone else just thinks i'm a whinger. They truly don't understand how difficult it is for me just to function on a day to day basis.
always taking off
by: Anonymous

I too am working full-time at a new job that I recently started and have taken off more than I dare say due to flares that seem to occur in the morning when I am getting ready for work. My boss has assured me that if I'm sick it's best to stay home, however I feel horrible anyway about my inability to do normal things that everyone else can do. I often wish that I could do some form of work that will allow me that flexibility and still make the amount of money I want to make. It is frustrating!
I've cut back on my work schedule too
by: Anonymous

I've had to cut my hours at from from 40 hrs wkly to 24 hrs wkly. I simply feel too bad to do more. I hear a lot of "crap" as well, and I work in the medical field. No one understands unless they're living it. keep your chin up!
~Sheila
CROHNS AND WORKING FULL TIME
by: Anonymous

I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND, I WORK FULLTIME AND SOMETIMES REALLY STRUGGLE. I HAVE FELL ASLEEP AT LUNCHTIMES, MY BOSS IS REALLY UNDERSTANDING AND I THINK THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT. HE REALISES HOW IT AFFECTS ME BECAUSE HE HAD A FRIEND WITH CROHNS, I AM ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES I GUESS.

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