Working

[123456]

I would like to know how many of you have managed to continue to work successfully with IC. I'm a single mom and am worried about work and IC. I need to keep the insurance obviously and I'm good at my job. Please tell me your stories!

[ICNDonna]

I worked full time for a little over twenty years before I took an early retirement when my husband was able to retire. I spent a lot of time in my office, but also did a lot of walking --- my job was in a major hospital.

Donna

[kadi]

I am a teacher & have had IC for 6 years. I've worked the whole time I've had IC, except for my summers off. It was really tough in the beginning, but now that I've figured out my diet, have tested nearly every medicine known to IC, done physical therapy, & so have a total treatment plan, I work without difficulty most days now.

It really helps that I do heparin, marcaine, sodium bicarbonate instillations every night & often also do one in the morning if I'm not feeling well or if it's a "block" schedule day. Three days a week our classes are an hour long, 2 days we have "blocks" of 105 minute long classes. I almost always do a morning instillation if it's our "long" days.

One of my coworkers also has IC and now that she's on the diet & taking Elavil, she is fine for work also.

Hope that helps!

[123456]

Thanks, you both just made me feel a whole lot better! I'm a single mom and I was worried. Today I got some real unexpected relief from the cysto/hydro I got on Monday. Feeling immensely better. Hopefully this will last until the meds kick in. Right after the cysto/hydro, I thought I'd been duped because I was still in so much pain and peeing even more! I guess sometimes they do know what they're talking about.
:rolleyes:

[Skynard]

I work three days a week. My situation is a little different in that my "office" is in someone's home. I am the only one there, so I have three bathrooms to pick from, can wear my tens unit, heating pad and if I feel like crud, I go home. They have been very understanding. I am good at what I do and can access their email, etc from my home, so if I can't make it on a scheduled day, I just go the next day or work earlier/later if needed. I used to clean houses two days a week too, but my husband doesn't want me to do that anymore. The money is fabulous, but guess it is just not worth it. I am very blessed.

[KristyKay]

I wanted to offer you some encouragement! I have had a diagnosis of mild IC for 7 months now and I work everyday at a very hectic, fast-paced job in LA that I lOVE! I also have a very full, active social life and am doing quite well living with IC.

That's the key - you have to LIVE with IC :smile tee

Be Well,
Kristy

[mary124]

I was dx with IC in 1992 (severe). I work full time (office Job); In 3 years I will be eligible to retire if I want to or I can still work if I am able to). I have raised 2 kids, play, work in yard, work with an home-health agency for this friend of mine as she is totally disabled, etc. I try not to let this get me down. I have taken only a few days here and there off with IC.
I have a wonderful husband and family which I think is really what is keeping me going.

[123456]

Thank you all for the inspiration. I am finding that I can manage this also. At first (you know, when you think you're going to die), I really was wondering how I would do all this. However, I've been on the diet, the hydro helped and now at least one of the meds will kick in soon :) I just need to remember to have a positive attitude and to trust in God that He'll never give me more than I can handle.

[Stella1609]

I work full time at a busy department store, and get by fine!

[sailawaygrl]

Not to discourage, just my personal experience. I was able to work for about 15 months after my diagnosis. My job was not very "IC Friendly". I hope to be able to return to working one day. I am in the process of looking into some online classes through the local community college in order to prepare for a new career when I am able.

I am glad to see that so many are able to continue working, unfortunately is just isn't in the cards for some of us.

All the best.

Sandra

[kuntrygurl78]

I work full time as a CNA in a nursing home. I love what I do! Even on my bad IC days, I find a way to manage. The stick on heating pads are a lifesaver. And having great co workers is helpful too.

Ive only missed one day of work due to my IC. And that was because I was put on a new pain med, and I was afraid I would have a bad reaction to it. (Ive had bad reactions before, and didnt want to be at work if it happened.)

I live a normal, crazy, busy life!:dance:

[maryla]

I have had IC probably since my late teens. I worked, went to school full time, raised 2 kids and when I finally received the correct d'x of IC a little over 5 yrs ago. I had to go on SSD. I miss work so much! I would love, love, love to be able to work again.

Hugs and blessings

[77amy]

I work. I have a desk job, I don't know if I could have worked during a flare if I wasn't able to stay sitting w/ a heating pack... But I have always been able to work, thankfully.
I did end up telling most of my co-workers that I was 'allergic' to soda, tomatoes, oranges, etc... easier than explaining I.C.

[Sarojini]

I was diagnosed with severe IC in 2004, and shortly after that, I took some time off from my job as a research scientist to get my health in order. However, after about 11 months, I went back to work and I have been working full time (and OVERTIME) since then. I did decide to leave the laboratory bench a few years ago to become a medical/scientific writer instead, since writing gives me a little bit more flexibility and allows me to work at home should I have an especially bad day, but most of the time I get up and go to work just like a normal person. :) So yes, it's definitely possible to work full time with IC :)

[Jereme]

I worked full time. I think I was lucky that I had an office job where I could go to the bathroom as often as I needed too. I struggled with symptoms for 8 or 9 years before I got them anywhere near control. I would not have been able to work at a job that wasn't flexible and allowed me to go to the bathroom anytime I needed to, however. Therefore I was lucky.