Community Forum

Hi,

I was diagnosed with Crohn's while I was about 19 years old in college. I am now 27. I made it through college with flying colors, because I was able to schedule my classes and activities in a way that I could handle them, and I had really understand professors. Since I graduated in 2003, I have been fired from three jobs because I was sick and late so much b/c of my Crohn's. I get Remicade IV infusions every eight weeks, which have changed my life. But, I tend to get sick right before them. I have to leave early on the days of my Remicade treatments, and the day after I am too exhausted to work. Ironically, one of the jobs was at MassHealth (Massachusetts' state health care program) and one at a school for children with disabilities. At those two jobs, I was fired right at the six month mark, literally the day I could have filed for FMLA- which would have protected me if I needed time off while sick.

I am currently attending cosmetology school, and they have also been awful about me dealing with Crohn's and going for my Remicade. I will be graduating in a few months, and I am starting to freak out about getting a job. A) Who is going to give someone that has been fired three times a job? B) What if I get a job and I am fired again?

I NEED TO WORK and WANT TO WORK! Right now, I am beyond broke b/c I can't find a part-time job to work while I am in school and have exhausted my unemployment benefits. I also do not have health insurance. I did not qualify for MassHealth or disability. = (

Anybody have any advice about keeping a job?

 Reply posted for jmkearns22.

 Ive had CD for the past for years and I had to fight to get Soc Sec disability I was denied but I got a lawyer and fought it cause I cant hold a job . I was a truck driver before I became sick so I cant do that job or as I have explained to many people, whos gonna hire me when I have to drop everything to go to the bathroom it has affected my life that much . There are days im affaid to leave my house in fear of a accident. Your life goes from active to almost like a shut in at times its so depressing.

 Reply posted for jmkearns22.

I can relate! Good for you in finishing College!

I currently working PT for our school system.  I'm a lunch-supervisor, I worked as a Para-Substitute & I loved it. My health has deteriorated & I applied for SSDI. Was denied & hired a lawyer for the Hearing appeal.

I love working with kids Do you? Sounds like you have a BA & worked with kids.  Check into the school systems and see if you qualify for Sub work? You can take/turn down jobs if you feel up to it or not. See what is required, Private school have more le-way. Last school year I had to stop as even a full-day left me run down for two or more.  I worked as a lunch-time supervisor & got out of the house each day.  I still missed a LOT of work.  This year I talked to the Principle & I am job sharing. I can come go in any day I feel good, plus my scheduled days.  The kids and teachers like me and our re-pore has gotten really good.  Even if I get SSDI, I want to continue on as long as I can.

Check for help at the local "Aging & Disability Resources" office. They are great helt if you apply for SSDI & for info on your rights in regards to your illness. You don't have to be old/look disabled to get help. There have been some changes to Unemployment & getting Insurance RE-APPLY!

UC & Colitis are both valid disabilities - though hard to get SSDI if your under 50yrs old.  I am 36, and now will be working with a lawyer.  I have more than just UC, going on so he is optimistic.

Good luck!

 Reply posted for jmkearns22.

There is a good book on this web site search around for it but there is a list of recommended books to read about Crohns and Colitis.

One of the books on the list was written by a lawyer and has some info about legal rights and etc. that sound like issues you might be experiencing. Look for the recommended book list, and search the sums until you find it.

Good luck I am so sorry to hear you are having such a rough time.

 Reply posted for jmkearns22.

Its hard I also have Crohns and do Remicade infusions I do have a full time job and its tough I have been at this job for almost 5 months and can not get FMLA for a yr they have very understanding although I try and not miss work I am aloud to make up my time for infusions and dr appts I have to drag myself out of bed everyday to go to workeven during a flare unless its real bad.Just do your best thats all you can do and you will find the right place for you and they will work with you.