Finding work with IC, fibro, migraines, allergies?

[naturegal]

I am wondering what sort of feedback will come back from this post; I am on long-term disability due to IC, fibro, migraines, allergies. I really want to be working since it helps a great deal with depression to feel useful and interact with others. I am allowed to make no more than $1000 gross (before taxes) per month or else I will lose my SSDI payment. So I need something very low stress, both mentally and physically, and very part-time. Does anyone have suggestions? I have tried working for an elderly person, taking her to doctor appointments and shopping, but we are a poor match and I find it is still very isolating. I recently tried working in a women's clothing boutique, but cannot tolerate standing for even an hour without fibro pain. Before I got so bad with fibro I did light housekeeping but that is out of the question now. Also what are others' experiences with being upfront with prospective employers about needing limited hours and why? I have found that some people want to know what the disability is, but I am not sure it's legal for them to ask? And then how do you know if you are not hired if it's because of that or not? But mainly, I just wanted to know what some of you are doing for employment, as many of us are in the same boat with the same set of medical problems. Thanks!

[Beverly001]

Hello. I uderstand what you are saying. I have just recently been dignased with IC and I work at an elementary school. I have missed so much work, in fact I have only been there 3 days this month, that is awful. I am so worried about getting fired. Was it hard for you to get on your disability? I have thoought about trying to apply for it, but I have heard that it is very hard to do. One other question, I have very bad headaches as well I have a headache from the time I get up to the time i go to bed, than wake up with it still. I wonder if it runs with IC? I just recently got dignosed with proctitis too. Its so hard and stressful getting hit with all this at once.

Hope everything is going well for you,
Beverly:angel:

[Beverly001]

I have been having so many problem with IC. I was recently dignosed with IC and have been having a tough time with it. I was only able to work 3 days in October. I went into my HR department today to give them a letter from my doctor and I was told that they can not accommicate that, so I hae to either resign or get fired for poor attandace. As if I wasn't under enough stress and depressed enough. There are going to have to be majr changes around my house hold, and I am worried about us all making it. I have 2 kids and I feel like I am taking away from them. :( They can't understand why mommy can't do much. Sorry I just need to vent to someone. I am thinking about starting the disability process.

[curlycue]

Beverly001

I am sorry you are going through that at with work, I used to work as well and I was fired from my job due to taking to many unscheduled breaks? its unfortunate that sometimes our jobs dont understand us or this illness, I had supervisors tell me "Hey just were a dipper"? if it was only that easy!

[mary124]

I believe that they can't hire you based on disabilities. I work here in Texas with the State and we have many, many people with severe deformities/disablitities. For example we have one gentleman who works in another area than me who has no legs, 1 arm. They had to get him a special chair to sit in. In my unit alone the supervisor had to accomodate the employee with a special computer and the gadgets that go with it. It is against the law to ask what disabilities you have- but I would think that you would have to tell the employer something as to why you need certain hours and days.
Good luck with your job search.