Community Forum

Alright, so, I've had Crohn's for ten years now (Actually just celebrated my 'Crohn's-iversary' party with my friends) and in that time I've tried multiple jobs and considered a wide variety of things. The frequent and urgent bathroom visits make it so that even the majority of home jobs would have issues. So, I was just wonder, what do other stay at home Crohn's people do? I'm on SSI but...ya know...that's...yeah...I'm a 24 year old guy, kinda makes it difficult, I'm pretty much going to have to land that one in a million wife who's willing to not only put up with the symptoms but also be the sole bread winner.

 Reply posted for pippin2005.

Would like to meet you to talk!

 Reply posted for pippin2005.

Would like to meet you to talk!

 Reply posted for PyroZack.

I know, we can be husband and wife and stay home together then we won't get bored!  haha 

 Reply posted for PyroZack.

OK, PyroZack, I am going through the same thing. But Im 48, divorced, no kids, and have had Crohns since I was 19. I made it through 20 grueling years working for a phone company until about 3 years ago when I simply was unable to work full-time anymore. So I took a buy-out and went on SSI and a year later, got medicare. I can make it financially (just barely) but the emotional toll of staying home when most people your age and mine still work really sucks. No matter how sick I got, I was always happy, hopeful and making people laugh. But over the past few months, depression and loneliness have crept in until now, when I realize I cannot live this way anymore. So I called SSI and in NJ, I am allowed to work part-time and as long as I dont go over $720 per month, I dont have to report it. Its not about the money for me. I just need to be around people again, to have a reason to get out of bed every morning. So I started going to every gym in my area and putting in apps for easy desk jobs. I figured it would also be a free membership and a good way to meet people and maybe even get some dates! I have an interview tomorrow with a Fitness center, which is new to my area and opening next month. I hope I get it but if not, Im going to keep trying. Ive never wanted to be known as "Crohns Girl" or let my disease run my life and have realized that sitting home has taken a toll on my self-esteem to such a degree, I thought I might have to check myself into to a depression rehab!

I dont know if that helps, PyroZack, but I want you to know that you are not alone in how you feel. I dont have all the answers...just trying to find a way to dig myself out of this funk.

 Reply posted for PyroZack.

Happy Crohn's-iversary, Zack!  

I can completely relate to your line: "The frequent and urgent bathroom visits make it so that even the majority of home jobs would have issues."  After 10 years on Disability, this has become true for me, too.  I don't know how other people survive, but I am blessed to be married for the last 3 years... and "have a man to take care of me" (as my father would say :-/ ).

Although I dont have anything specific to offer in the way of advice (because I'd be following it myself if I did!), I am convinced that the internet offers the flexibility and opportunities that were not available years ago (when I was your age... I have sons who are your age  ). 

My advice is to be patient with yourself; investigate as many options as you can find on the web; figure out what you're good at and what you really enjoy; possibly take a class to develop your skills - AND connect to other people for support.  It may take us 10 times as long to complete things that non-Crohnies do, but we're going to be home running back and forth to the bathroom anyway, right? :-/ 

Me?  I'm good at talking too much :-)  I don't mean to sound preachy, but I am convinced that God has a perfect mate for each of us, if we're interested in His help.  When I married my wonderful husband, I was a 45-year-old on Disability with Crohn's Disease and Fibromyalgia, I came with 4 children and lots-o-medical bills.  I'm not exactly a "prize", but I love that he vehemently disagrees with this :-)

Someone will think you are a prize, too ;-)

-Debi

 Reply posted for PyroZack.

I also noticed you've said you have "tried" everything and nothing seems to be working.  It may be time to change your doctor and see if having fresh views from him/her can find a way to manage your symptoms better.

 Reply posted for PyroZack.

I really feel for you.  I have UC and am not at the point where I'm disabled but have missed quite a lot of work this year due to my first really bad flare-up since I was diagnosed 10 years ago, at 30.  Have you checked out the resources on Disability.gov?