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Working In-Office W/ Crohn's

Tue, February 28, 2023 4:51 PM

Hi all. New to this forum. I have been recently diagnosed with Crohn's after months of waiting for answers, tests and a colonoscopy. Last Friday, unfortunately, everything was 100% confirmed during my follow up. (I was hoping maybe the doctor's made a mistake!)

I have been struggling at work every day, some days more than others, and was hoping that someone might have some suggestions or input on how I can manage my symptoms at work. Not sure if everyone who has active Crohn's also has ulcers, but I have 15 ulcers that they found. I don't know how long those take to heal and don't know how to ease the pain. (Tylenol does not work and Bentyl makes me feel really uncomfortable to where I cannot concentrate).

I'm really sad about this diagnosis, and feel really lost on what to do day to day with everything that I feel inside. Unfortunately my work place is not as flexible about WFH as I hoped, so I was hoping I'd find some help on this forum about how I can make this work in the office without feeling completely drained and in severe pain 24/7.

I am currently taking Budesonide 9mg, and will take that for 30 days and will reduce the mg from there. Has anyone else taken this? Has it helped? I know everyone is different, but how long can I expect for this to steroid to start to work? They put me on it right after the colonoscopy for two weeks but I saw none to little improvements, but my specialist wants to give it another try!

Anything helps. I'm sorry this disease is what has brought us all here.

lmallis1
Joined Feb 14, 2023

Wed, March 29, 2023 1:08 AM

Reply posted for lmallis1.

Hi there! So sorry to hear you are struggling. I'm going on 28 years with the disease so I know work & school can be a challenge! For starters, I think many people know this, but if not Crohn's/Colitis/UC ARE LISTED under the American Disability Act so I would definitely talk to your employer about accommodations. Also, have you looked on the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? This is a government policy that protects your job. You would reach out to HR regarding this and they send a form to fill out to your doctor. Hope this helps! Best of luck to you!!!!

Jsariego
Joined Mar 29, 2023

Mon, March 13, 2023 9:29 PM

Reply posted for lmallis1.

Hi, I am sorry to hear how much going back to work has been a struggle. When I was first diagnosed I was in school and it was very difficult for me to get back to my normal schedule and I missed weeks on end. You may want to talk to your doctor about other pain managment options if tylenol does not work for you. I know for me, a hot pack helps to ease my pain, but I do not know how feasible this is for you in the office. I have an electric one that plugs in that I find is quite portable. The thing to know is that it gets better. The time right after diagnosis is often the hardest and once you find a medication and lifestyle that works for you, things will get better. Good luck!

aleahmd
Joined Sep 8, 2022

Mon, March 06, 2023 10:58 AM

Reply posted for AlexHopkins.

Moving a workspace closer to a bathroom
Changing or having flexible work hours to accommodate healthcare appointments, procedures, or symptoms
Additional rests or breaks to help with fatigue or other symptoms
Working from home when not feeling well
Unpaid or paid leave for hospitalizations or procedures

gameofcrohns42
Joined May 11, 2023

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