Community Forum

This is my first time posting to this group.  I was diagnosed with UC about 3 years ago, but my symptoms were more or less controlled by medication until the last several months.  I believe the physical requirements of my job (and a seriously heightened stress level I experienced upon moving to a new position) may have aggravated my condition. I had to leave work three days in a row because of the severity of my symptoms, at which point my doctor told me to check in to the hospital.  I've been in for a week now and should be going home today.

I believe I will not be able to continue in my current position without further endangering my health, and I don't believe my employer will be able or willing to move me to a less strenuous position.  I wouldn't mind finding a new job such as a work-from-home position or a position that involves low physical stress and less emotional stress. 

I'm very good with computers but have no formal training.  I have a wife and a 1-year-old daughter to support and debts to pay, so traditional schooling options are not very favorable if I want to support my family.  I am praying someone might know of a grant program or job training program that might give me the skills I need (and the documentation to prove it) so I can finally get a job I'll enjoy doing (which I'm already good at) in a position which will be more accommodating of my condition and have less of a negative impact on my health.

There's one other question I was hoping to ask:  My wife suggested that my symptoms seem to get worse, then better, then worse again over a span of time without regard to outside influences.  Has anyone else experienced this?  Or is it more likely that changes in my environment cause the positive and negative swings in my condition?

Thank you, anyone, for any help or information you can provide!!!
Tom
roadblock38@yahoo.com

 Reply posted for MariaB.

I have Crohn's, and yeah, my husband sometimes says I worry myself sick. Stress is definitely a trigger factor in getting flare-ups for me. I'm lucky I'd found a good, low-stress job doing clerical work. I can't handle a lot of crazy stuff, especially now that I'm fifty. It may not cause the disease, but it can affect it. I've had to spend time just figuring out the stress factors in my life, and finding ways to either cut them out, avoid them if possible, or at least cutting back on them.

With jobs, you need to think about what kind of working conditions you want to be in, (and what kind you don't) and see what's available that you can either do,or learn to do. Some folks will hire people who don't have quite all the skills needed, if they know these people will learn them well enough on the job. If you have a good enough foundation of computer know-how, you can see if there's work where you can at least build upon this. Good luck.

 Reply posted for roadblock.

Well, I've heard hormones affect women's crohn's (and I do indeed experience flare ups every month); so I wonder if men have hormone fluctuations, if that affects their crohns.  Something to look into.

 Reply posted for roadblock.

Medical Transcription.

You can even take online courses to meet the requirements. Once you're certified, you can build your own clientelle and work at home. Many colleges tell you how. Decent money, depending on the speed of your typing skills & interest in medicine & derivatives.

That's what I'm doing so it's all I've got, lol.

Take care and good luck.

Research, research, research.

=Carla

 Reply posted for roadblock.

Hello

This is also my first time on the site. I have been dealing with Crohns for the last 8 years, but have had digestive problems my entire life. I agree with you on the symptoms being better then ending up in a flare no matter what I do. It is extremly frustrating and can be difficult to live with every day. As far as work goes, I used to go through the day not eating until I knew I was done with work and errands for the day. At one point things were so bad I went a week without eating and ended up very ill. I had to quit my job and ended up refusing to leave the house in fear of getting sick in public. I realized this was no way to live, and I couldnt support my son with no income. I  now have worked in the Criminal Justice field for about 5 years. Most of my co-workers are understanding and will cover for me if I have to "get sick". Those that dont understand, I dont care about as they dont know what its like to be in my shoes. I typically take what I call "the war bag" with me everywhere I go which has meds, extra clothes, and the necessary sanitary items for just in case. I also have been taking anxiety medication (as I was so afraid of getting sick I think I made myself sick) which has helped a lot. You might want to check with your speacialist and see if they know of any grants or schooling, or if you could possibly collect some kind of disability until the flare has calmed down. The best thing to remember is not to let the colitis get the best of you, and know that things will get better.