• Welcome to Crohn's Forum, a support group for people with all forms of IBD. While this community is not a substitute for doctor's advice and we cannot treat or diagnose, we find being able to communicate with others who have IBD is invaluable as we navigate our struggles and celebrate our successes. We invite you to join us.

What Career/Job Do You Have?

Back into Food Catering!!!!! Loving it. Long hours and pays good. Thankfully I'm in remission, but it is cold there... But mind over body!!!
 
I'm a Child Protection Social Worker - most stressfull job I have ever had, which probably doesnt help the disease, but I love it and cant wait to return after being off sick since February - it's so interesting to hear what careers other sufferers have
 
Just finished my Master of Fine Arts in Photography with an advanced certificate in Art Education/Special Ed - hoping to either make it as an art star or (more realistically) teach some kiddies!
 
I used to work as a vet nurse (vet tech in usa?),but quit because the long hours (was almost late a few times due to not being able to get off the loo) & felt I was missing out on seeing my son grow up.i miss work,but waiting for dx.& tx before I look for something else.at the moment I look after injured/orphaned native animals & get involved with my son's school p&c,canteen,fundraising etc.
good on all of you that still manage to work
 
I manage a hardware store. It helps that I'm one of the bosses but doesn't help that at times I have no back up so I can't be sick. I have had to spend the day travelling from one bathroom to the other just to make it to closing, but fortunately not often. I do work with an amazing crew and anyone would do what they could to help if I need it.
 

SarahBear

Moderator
Location
Charleston,
I work for a lawyer. I'm not really a secretary (I don't answer the phone, usually, or type letters, etc.) so I'm not sure what to call myself. Mostly, I keep the files organized and try to keep track of things. I like it mostly because my boss is extremely understanding if I need to leave work to stay home. However, I plan to be a psychiatrist eventually - Crohn's is holding up my progress in school, a bit.
 
I am a truck driver (hold the applause). So when this lovely disease started on me it was fun fun fun. I have a BS and planned on Law School up until a few years ago when the housing market tanked.
 
I am the office b***h for our own real estate and commercial photography company. Also considering FINALLY studying my lifelong dream of becoming a nurse/midwife :) of course that is now on the backburner until my health improves again.
 
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Colitis last spring, right after my first flare-up. Prior to this, I've been in the Arts my entire life, in Music and Visual Arts. I have also worked in the Social-work field, in the field of Naturopathy, also, as an Astrologer, and in an endless variety of other types of employment. I graduated from the High School of Art and Design in New York City, ages ago:eek2:, and much later earned an Associates Degree in Office Technology/Paralegal, and a B.A. in General Studies/Political Science. I was most recently on a Pre-Law School track, but that has been cut-short by my Crohn's Dx. I think that at my stage in life it would really be much too stressful to attend Law School, while having to deal with CD.
 
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I was a manager at a charity store, which I loved but it became too stressful and made me ill (crohns wise and depression wise) Im now back to working as a customer advisor in Argos. Manager seems to be understanding!
 
Location
Alaska
I am an office manager for an air taxi. I have a great boss who is very understanding, as is his wife who covers for me when needed. We are much busier in the summer (June - Sept), so it's very challenging during this time. There is a bathroom door about 10 feet from my desk! Even has a shower!
The company has just hired a new person to start training for my job, and they anticipate that will take about 3 years... I will be able to go to part time when / if I need to, but they want to keep me, which is so great!
 
I used to be a dancer, can't do that anymore. I used to be a market researcher / media analyst and I currently can't hold any job cause I can't commit to a schedule neither have the energy that I had before.
 
i am a hair dresser, for myself, which is nice since i set my own schedule. but working one on one with clients... its not easy to explain why you have to run to the washroom all the time!!
 
Since I got diagnose with Arthritis & Crohn's disease I need to switch my major and career. But I have no idea whats a good profession for someone with crohns disease and arthritis.

Initially I was going to join the army but got denied from my conditions

what career do you have?

Prior to my Crohn's diagnosis (among several others), I was an active flight instructor on the road to becoming an airline pilot. I had dreamed of becoming a pilot since childhood and began taking flight lessons during high school. I spent six years in flight school amassing a collection of pilot certificates and ratings; then in 2007 became a flight instructor and taught others how to fly for approximately four and a half years. I had to self ground myself because of my diagnoses and medications I was taking. I am uncertain I will be able to re-qualify for my medical certificate and even if I can, there is no way to become an airline pilot with my conditions.

Thankfully, I changed majors last years after realizing it would be wise to have a plan B. I had returned to college to complete my degree to become a more competitive airline applicant, so what better time to switch? I switched to the Human Services major, intend to begin a Master of Social Work program sometime in 2014, and will eventually go on to mental health counseling in the social work arena. I have always enjoyed helping and teaching others. My advice is to always follow your heart, but if something gets in the way of that, find something else that makes your heart feel good. It is bad enough to be bogged down from time to time with chronic illness. There is no reason, if possible, to be bogged down from what we enjoy doing.

To that end, I do not believe there are many professions that limit a person because of Crohn's/IBD. Even in aviation, although there are some protocols that have to be followed and the resultant special issuance medical certificate will prevent a pilot with IBD from obtaining the class of medical necessary for airline flying. But there are few other professions I can think that have such requirements. Perhaps the military, which you noted. I suggest you find a program of study that you enjoy and not define it only to a profession, as many professionals work jobs that are outside of their degrees (I think some 70 percent of those with undergraduate degrees work in an unrelated field). Then make a list of what you enjoy doing most. For example, do you like to teach? Do you like flexible work hours? Are you an introvert? And so forth. Then look up careers that match your "profile" and go from there. There are some tests out there that do some of this foot work for you.

I hope this helps some. Whatever you do, know there is a work around for most anything out there.

Best,


Brian
 
Greetings everyone,

I am a pipe-fitter/ plumber. I was diagnosed in 1995 about the same time my first local was considering me for an apprenticeship. As of this next Tuesday I will probably be seeking new employment in a totally different field while I go to school. My new fields of interest are dietetics or nursing. I want to try and help further the conversation in digestive disorder research.
 
I am only 13, so I don't exactly have a career yet, but I want to become a nurse, partly because I got to meet some and talk with them when I was in the hospital!! It's such a great job!
 
I was wondering the same thing. I am just about to graduate UCSD with a B.S in Mathematics/Economics and wanted to go into the finance industry. Last summer I had a consulting internship and an assistant position at an insurance firm in La Jolla.

I am always determined to do well and consistently work hard WHICH IS BAD FOR MY BODY. DUHHHH took me the summer to realize this! stupid. I was working up to 12 hours a day, starting in the morning with my internship and going to the insurance job after. Thinking I was exemplifying a strong, confident work ethic I ended up in the ER. TWICE. So now, I feel like I am so limited. I can only put my body through so much even though I want to be the best I can for my employers.

So, I am on the look out for a job, perhaps as a data or business analyst..I love MATH AND STATISTICS! I am a freak I know. I fear, that my health will hinder my ability to impress a boss or do my work well. Especially now I am going to the ER tomorrow since I am pretty much dying! (which is why I am at home on a computer and not at the bars)

Last summer I was always so drained and going to the bathroom it was embarrassing! :[ I don't know what is in store for me now.
 
Right now I'm a full-time nursing student. One year to go until Im an RN. I also work per diem as a patient care technician at a local hospital.
 
Right now, I have just graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. and I think i've sent out about 75 applications, and had about 20 interviews....

Still looking....
 
Ethan, what jobs are you looking for? Good luck. I definitely now how hard the job search is!
Honestly, Anything full-time.

But what I would like is to have some sort of career within politics or government. I am not sure right now if I want to go to law school or not, thats why I would want some experience to help influence my decision.

Oh and, Something where I would need to move, Dream would be California, hah
 
California is awesome! Everyone should visit at least once. San Diego is the best :]] I can recommend great place to visit and eat if anyone is interested!
 
California is awesome! Everyone should visit at least once. San Diego is the best :]] I can recommend great place to visit and eat if anyone is interested!
That is honestly my dream place to live, I feel like a californian stuck on the east coast. Blond hair, blue eyes, only wear shorts and tees, love the beach and sun, tan easily.
 
I'm a lot attendant for a family car dealership. Wash cars, clean up lot, etc.. Lots of labor some days, not enough energy. I need ti get back into school. Maybe some trade school so I could become a realtor or a nurse? Not sure yet!
 
I am an RN, I spent years battling Crohn's working 12 hour shifts (many night shifts), and now am blessed to be a medical review nurse at HOME!! Flexible hours, I love it so much.
 
I'm a writer. Crohn's gives me lots of fodder for books. I mean--think of all the stupid situations you get into! Just the other day I was invited to a barbeque. The first question out of my mouth was, "How far away is the bathroom?" Needless to say my hostess was surprised.
 
Well at least now I know who to ask about cigars, my husband loves 'em, lol! Not that he should smoke either, neither one of us should, me with Crohn's and him with type I diabetes. But, there it is, anyway!
CLynn,
Hi! I just had to respond because I have had Crohn's for nearly 20 years, and my husband is also Type 1 Diabetic his entire life. We are in our 40's, and the compassion we have for each other is amazing. My first husband acted as if a flare was a major inconvenience to him, so I am very thankful for someone who understands chronic illness. I am new to the forum, a work at home nurse, Crohn's ileitis-no meds, no surgeries, just lots of vitamins and herbal stuff. I have enjoyed this forum so much already!
 
I am a Certified Health Education Specialist and I write from home. I also am working on a graduate degree! Before this, I worked at a public health department - excellent benefits and very understanding about health conditions. :)
 
Location
Missouri
CLynn,
Hi! I just had to respond because I have had Crohn's for nearly 20 years, and my husband is also Type 1 Diabetic his entire life. We are in our 40's, and the compassion we have for each other is amazing. My first husband acted as if a flare was a major inconvenience to him, so I am very thankful for someone who understands chronic illness. I am new to the forum, a work at home nurse, Crohn's ileitis-no meds, no surgeries, just lots of vitamins and herbal stuff. I have enjoyed this forum so much already!
Wow, what are the odds of us having the same situation? My hubs became diabetic at 35, I was pregnant with our son when he was diagnosed. Almost unheard of to become a type I at that age, but one of his sisters was the same, and they are both thinner people, not like it was type 2 that got worse or anything.
Yes, dated a guy in college that I was still with when diagnosed. He could be SUCH an ass about it, and my eating habits (could only digest junk foods easily, was over a year into it before I was diagnosed). I know exactly what you mean.
Glad you are here, I really enjoy this forum as well. Hugs!
 
Wow, what are the odds of us having the same situation? My hubs became diabetic at 35, I was pregnant with our son when he was diagnosed. Almost unheard of to become a type I at that age, but one of his sisters was the same, and they are both thinner people, not like it was type 2 that got worse or anything.
Yes, dated a guy in college that I was still with when diagnosed. He could be SUCH an ass about it, and my eating habits (could only digest junk foods easily, was over a year into it before I was diagnosed). I know exactly what you mean.
Glad you are here, I really enjoy this forum as well. Hugs!
Thanks so much, I can't believe it took me so long to find this site, I am learning a lot. How interesting about you husband, being diagnosed so late, but maybe he can avoid some of the effects that come from having it all of your life. My husband has diabetic retinopathy and cannot feel his feet- some days are a struggle. I am so blessed to have him, he's so compassionate and loving. Hugs to you too :hug:
 
Location
Missouri
Thanks so much, I can't believe it took me so long to find this site, I am learning a lot. How interesting about you husband, being diagnosed so late, but maybe he can avoid some of the effects that come from having it all of your life. My husband has diabetic retinopathy and cannot feel his feet- some days are a struggle. I am so blessed to have him, he's so compassionate and loving. Hugs to you too :hug:
You know, don't you think we should get some award for having Crohn's for over 20 years? lol! Wouldn't it have been fantastic to have the world online and this forum back when we got diagnosed? I have learned so much! I hate to hear that about your husband has those struggles. Mine was always compassionate, but didn't always completely understand all of it, since, as we all say on here, most of the time we don't look as sick as we are and feel. But after being sick for over a year before he was diagnosed as well, it brought it all home pretty fast for him. They did just recently put him on blood pressure medicine to help prevent some of the damage to his kidneys they worried about after his fall blood tests. That had his mood down for a few days, facing another complication of the diabetes. We get those days as well, hmm?
 
You know, don't you think we should get some award for having Crohn's for over 20 years? lol! Wouldn't it have been fantastic to have the world online and this forum back when we got diagnosed? I have learned so much! I hate to hear that about your husband has those struggles. Mine was always compassionate, but didn't always completely understand all of it, since, as we all say on here, most of the time we don't look as sick as we are and feel. But after being sick for over a year before he was diagnosed as well, it brought it all home pretty fast for him. They did just recently put him on blood pressure medicine to help prevent some of the damage to his kidneys they worried about after his fall blood tests. That had his mood down for a few days, facing another complication of the diabetes. We get those days as well, hmm?
We definitely do,nothing like a health setback to put it all in perspective...but I like your idea about the award! lol Best wishes for your husband, it's a tough thing to realize you're human, but it will give you and him a new bond as you care for each other. I'd rather bond over winning the lottery, but it's still good!
 
I am an Animal & Dog Control Officer for a territorial authority(district Council).work mostly part-time, struggle with tiredness when filling in full time.also occassionally on 24/7 call.hate those midnight callouts esp in frosty cold.
 
I was a funeral director and when i was diagnosed with crohns in 2010 i managed but as my crohns got worse and more need to rush to the toilet which was sometimes inconveinant my employer dismissed me. now i am training to be a plumber.
 
i used to be a funeral director but now training to be a plumber as i was dismissed by my employer because my crohn got in the way of my work
 
A college student...and want to start a my own chain of restaurants. right now working with a web designing company making theme based simple websites for small business and indioviduals for their blogs and online business. So any wants to geta blogsite for themselves then please contact me...big discount for my fellow crohns members :p
 
Hello everybody ,
I am the Head of Purchasing Department in one of the biggest chemical plants in Eastern Europe . My job is very stressful , i have a lot of meetings , dinners with Suppliers , flying abroad etc. My main part in this job is negotiation and i have 24 people under me that i have to coordinate . Until now i had bad episodes only at 2 years , so it didn`t affect my job very much ( being dx with UC in 2008, Crohn in 2010 , UC in 2011 , until now they are not sure what i have ) . Now, the company is having a very bad time, under privatization and i am considering moving to the United Kingdom where my fiance lives. I work generally from 8 to 4, but most times i stay until 6 or 7. I also go to the gym twice a week, and every evening i take long walks with my german shepard . So, my life is pretty full. Now i am having a bad time and my managers not only understand me but they insist to take time off as long as i need and moreover, they speak with specialists all the time and send me to them . If the company will close, i will be very disappointed as i love my career and the people there.
 
I am a licensed cosmetologist w/ certifications in Microdermabrasion and full body massage. I am currently unemployed due to frequent hospital stays this year and waiting for disability. Hairdressing is a hard job with this disease, as you are on your feet and very active while working, but I love it and hope I can do it again in the future.
 
I'm a med student, hoping to specialize in GI or surgery (I'm the administrator of the surgery interest group in the faculty). I'm however starting to think more seriously about becoming a GI.
 
I'm a Senior Vice President over a Data Quality Group in a large global bank. I manage 13 direct reports. Generally I spend 10-12 hours at the office and usually all of that is on conference calls that are often double and triple booked. Even taking an hour out of my day is very difficult and there is zero tolerance for anything interfering with work (although that's not the official line, that is the reality). I do have horrendous pain and inflammation, but thankfully I don't have to run to the bathroom constantly because I would be out of a job in no time. I've been completely stressed out just over the four doctor appointments I've had. I have to keep my job or I'm not going to be able to afford to pay for my house, car and the doctors. So I understand how the people here feel who lost their job due to this. I had a friend that lost hers due to her CD and I've been worried since the diagnosis that it can happen to me.
 
I am a Speech-Language Therapist/Pathologist who works for the Ministry of Education. I work with around 40 children ranging from 3 - 8 years. I love my job but sometimes its hard finding the motivation and energy to do it. I have lovely workmates and boss :0) *knock wood*
 
Do you feel that there could be more coaching and support from a medical perspective about jobs and careers? It is an area that we are exploring for our patient care program and would love the feedback
 
I work as an environmental health and safety inspector and hazardous material removal project manager, mostly dealing with locating and removing asbestos and molds from public buildings. The inspections are getting hard for me because of my joint pain and some building I have to go into are shut down with no A/C, so very hot and that messes with me really bad now days.
 
I am a medical sales rep in orthopaedics. i go into ORs and help surgeons and the staff do the total hip and total knee surgery.

HI LEVELS OF STRESS! lol
 
This is so interesting and everyones different jobs, for my 2 cents worth im a clinical coder in a large teaching hospital in QLD Australia. I read everyones charts when theyare discharged from hospital and there is a code for every disease and operation and components of operations, at the end after reading through that patients record/admission i have coded the principle diagnosis and additional dx and the procedures if any then it gives you 1 code (DRG) at the end, that determines the funding for the hospital and length of stay for that particular disease(so for example if someone comes in with a broken arm goes to OThas it repaired and they were in hospital for 5 days and the DRG is only for a 2 day stay if there is nothing else to explain why that patient was in for 5 days the hospital will only get paid for the 2 days so it is important for the Dr's and nurses to document all that happens during that patients stay and what elsr was treated (eg UTI) and it also is how WHO collect all the data on how many people have cancer and what sort and how many people smoke or are ex smokers ect ect ect it just goes on. So there u go everyone. Has everyone gone to sleep now :)))) or any other coders out there:ylol:
 
I used to be an occupational therapist in various public schools. Then I chose to stay home with my little boys. However I am in the process of divorcing and my youngest just started preschool so in theory I'd like to go back, but can't at the moment due to my crohn's. Hopefully in the future.
 
I actually just changed professions because of Crohn's. I was a college professor so I was always on the go and in class. Lots of stress and not good for me. I now have a consulting job in a small law office. Very comfortable environment with a good boss and a bathroom close by. It makes a big difference.
 
I am a retired teacher, who for the sake of sanity:dance: in retirement, drives buses around and about my home town and take charter groups in large buses to other parts of the country that I live in......it took me 59 years to leave school and find a proper job goes the saying...each day is different, so having much fun sharing my day with lots and lots of people...and no stress!!! LOL.......:sheep::kiss:...............:dance:
 
I do a lot! I'm a graphic designer by trade, But I get to work from home part time, so it's a good job for me. I also have a side business making working dog gear from home. www.mountaindoggear.com is my website. I do photography on the side for an advertising agency mostly food photography. I'm also a part of an art gallery, I enjoy oil painting and water color. I'm also a mom of 2, and a Search and Rescue K9 handler. I think being so busy with everything going on in my life, contributed to my Crohn's.
 
Been working at the same company for over 20 years now.
Ran a CNC Punch (Finn Power and a Finn C-5)press for most of that time.
Then about 4 years ago I got asked if I wanted to start programming full time, I had been fixing and making programs for some time.
SO I jumped at that, in the office, in the AC, close to the bathroom.
Still doing that, making programs for the 2 laser and 3 punch presses.
I tend to take care of the 2 biggest customers that we have.
They sure have been good about me having Chron's so I guess I am really lucky about that.
 
I was working at a job that I truly loved as I was crossed trained to cover for vacations. I did medicaid billing, ER billing, no fault/workers comp billing, worked in the collections dept. auditing accts. that had summons & complaints against them, and reviewing accts.when patients filed for bankruptcy,and handled phone calls from patients.

I had to give it up when my Crohn's flared up badly and I had my 4th DVT. It was THE BEST job because there were 2 women who had IBD as well and my immediate supervisor and office manager were extremely supportive of me when I was hospitalized or had to take a few months off when I flared. I miss the hustle and bustle of keeping busy sometimes.
 
I am in IT and would highly recommend this field. I am able to telecommute f/t from my home office. I go into the office for meetings but that is about it. If you like technology then the IT field may be for you. My restroom is literally just 5 feet away from my office! :) In the IT field there are customer response positions, web design, business analyst (my position), project managers, and so on, lots of directions you can go in IT.
 
LivinglifewithCrohn's - To do your job - did you get a degree in Computer Science? Is it relatively easy to find something in this field that you can do from home, or are you an exception?

Thank you.
 
I have an undergrad degree and a master's degree but neither in computer science. I would say that if you have strong customer skills and are a computer oriented type of person that a helpdesk position would be the easiest for you to get. Our helpdesk staff telecommute pretty much f/t but do go into the office once a month. I have been working for 30 years so I have a lot of experience and had been in a non-IT managerial role where I was involved heavily with our quality improvement process and led several process improvement initiatives. Because I had strong communication skills and project management skills they (the IT folks) gave me a chance, feeling that I could pick up the IT specific piece and I have. Hope that helps.
 
I am a High School teacher. It is difficult to manage the bathroom trips, across the hall, and the sometimes the morning routine or stops to work or even the accidents on the way to work are difficult to explain being late. I have actually considered changing careers because of the stress but I love teaching Child Development, after all I get to talk about my 2 daughters all day!
 
I am a High School teacher. It is difficult to manage the bathroom trips, across the hall, and the sometimes the morning routine or stops to work or even the accidents on the way to work are difficult to explain being late. I have actually considered changing careers because of the stress but I love teaching Child Development, after all I get to talk about my 2 daughters all day!
You may want to consider getting you Masters and teaching college courses. They are a little more flexible and you arent in the classroom as much. When I was doing it I would always have a backup group exercise or assignment I would give them if I had to step out. Biggest issue was that if I was in the middle of a really bad flare it was difficult for me to cancel classes. I now work in an office job. Good luck...I would think teaching high school would be tough.
 
I'm a graphic designer and get to work from home, so that is another career looking into if you are the artsy type and know computers somewhat. I'm also a mom, so I do most of my work after the kids go to bed, unless it's an urgent project. I never finished college, but did get an internship through a design firm. That was all I needed to get the experience and training.
 
Since I was 22 when I was diagnosed (1975) I didn't really have a carreer. Worked several jobs with the last being transportation supervisor at Goodwill up to 1984. I then applied for disability was finally accepted after being denied several times and stayed on disability ror about 8 years, After having all the surgeries I've had, was really feeling better so i got a job with the City Parks Dept working maintenance at a local golf course and am still working there.
 
I am a graphic designer at a pharma communications company. Worked out great, i really enjoy being here. We deal with Remicade and Humira parent companies and do a lot of medical writing and manuscripts. It is extremely comforting in the fact that my co-workers know of the disease and I don't need to explain myself to them. Also it's a small office with a private bathroom. LOVELY. And I can work from home any time I need to.

I think it's more about the company atmosphere and understanding than the career itself. My last design job was not nearly as accomodating.
 
I'm a nurse who used to work in critical care and loved it then did volunteer work in India and Africa prior to my diagnosis..I haven't worked in 10 years): and am on disability retirement from the us federal government from my time working on the Navajo reservation. Hoping to go back to work soon!! I miss it
 
I am a Engineer and design / sale Government and Commercial Security and Fire Alarm Systems. I get to work on the computer and work on blueprints so that is flexible for my situation. However, at night it all about soccer for me and I could be playing, coaching, or a referee at a match. My stress and pain usually come from the soccer part of the day but I refuse to give in and give up.
 
I started a career as a police officer in oct 2008 and was diagnosed with Crohns in oct 2009. It's been hard at times due to a ballistic vest being strapped on my chest and a 25 pound duty belt hanging from my waist but i've made it this long. I just kept positive and wouldn't let my pesky friend Crohns control me, not to mention that i've been a bicycle cop now for a year and ride 20 plus miles a day five days a week.
My advice to you, would be to stay positive and start whatever career you want to start and live YOUR life. inform and educate your coworkers and superiors around you about your battle with Crohns and most of them will be understanding. My coworkers are very supportive of me and have develop a good sense of humor to my illness. If i come running in, drop my belt on the office floor, and head straight to the bathroom they know what kind of day I'm having and they help me through it.
I had to leave work three hours early today because of my symptoms but it's no big deal i'll make up for it later on in the week.
Crohns disease is apart of you, your not apart of Crohns!
 
I got fired from missing time at work due to the crohns. And my coworkers and boss knew about it. I've worked there 3.5 years and got fired last Friday for missed time. They were not so understanding.
 
I am a youth director at a church. I work mostly with 7th-12th grade students. I just started back in June when I was diagnosed. I love my students and they keep me going, even when I am having a difficult day. I am mostly in the office Tuesday- Friday, but Wednesday and Sunday nights we have youth activites so I have to be on my A Game, but I am usually wiped out though after the activites are over with. I usually take Monday's off becasue that is always injection day (Humira) and I am so tired and need to be near a bathroom too. For the most part, the church is very understandable and flexable with my schedule and when I need to go to appointments.

So far so good!
 
I'm a support worker with older people (dementia and addiction problems, mainly alcohol). I've recently started web design and hope to pursue this (see signature links). Still getting used to the idea of having Crohn's. Symptoms are gone, working, but pretty tired. Web design suits me at moment! But enjoy my day job - also doing MSc in Applied Psy, and considering being a counsellor.
 
I was a high school science teacher (9th and 12th grade) but left in January to go back to school to persue my dream of becoming a nurse. I graduate in December 2012. Can't wait!
 
I work as a teacher - it is generally okay but when having a flare it is not the idealist of jobs, i am lucky at the moment as i teach adults, but if i was teaching teenagers i would not be able to leave the room to go to the toilet!
 
I was a carer for the elderly, and i loved my job. Sadly in 2006 i was on long-term sick due to a bad flare-up, and in 2007 they said i was no longer fit enough for the job, so i was let go.....

They have been trying to get me a job since, but due to the toilet needs nobody really has a clue, they have gone through reception to dog-walker lol.....

Hopefully i will be able to do something again soon, even though the body is functioning properly nothing wrong with my brain...

:ybiggrin:
 
I'm employed by the DWP to test their latest forms to see if they've made them incomprehensible enough (at least that's what it's beginning to feel like! All I want is my income support back - and back at the correct level this time! Is it any wonder I seem to be on a permanent flare-up...?! Between them and Vodafone... ARGH!!!).

I can't work due to Asperger's and am on a lifetime award of DLA (disability living allowance) and I SHOULD be on a lifetime award of IS too, if the (I'm itching to call them what I do - but I fear my post will get modded if I do!) wotsits would just quit stopping it arbitrarily - and for spurious and completely fabricated reasons (if they actually GIVE a reason!).
 
I'm a student nurse though I have worked in the emergency services. Not sure how well things will go as my GP is adamant its IBD my consultant won't budge from IBS even though I'm on steroids with good effect. Due to start 12.5 hour shifts in the next few weeks and just don't know how on earth my body will cope :-(
 
@ellealaw..bless!!its hard enough being a student nurse!those 13 hour shifts can be rough..try and pace yourself if you can and keep hydrated!!sendig up positive thoughts for you!!
 
I saw the YouTube video on IBD called 'glamour guts'..best line ever..instead of saying you don't work due to illness when someone asks what you do..say'im a visionary!!'hehe!!:)
 
Location
Wisconsin
I currently work at our city's police department as a secretary. I work five hours a day (5 1/2 including my lunch break), Monday through Friday. My hours are relatively flexible - I have no issues with getting time off for anything from normal vacation to doctors' appointments, to surgeries, so I am very lucky. I do transcription, data entry, and answer the phone. I have been there for 6 1/2 years and enjoy it very much.

I used to work on our local ambulance service, but had to stop doing that after I really started to not feel that great for most of the time. I was not yet diagnosed with Crohn's yet, but I did have the UCTD and fibromyalgia diagnoses. It was a difficult decision, but something I had to do. I still miss it even though it has been over five years.
 
I am a surgical tech at a major hospital here...bosses understand, I usually just tough it out and try and ignore my pain during the day. I only work 3 days a week, 12 hours though...that can be challenging sometimes though...have my moments!!
 
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