What type of jobs do ICers do? - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

EW1 · 02-01-2005, 11:12 PM

Hi,

I've had IC for four years and have not had a job, other than brief volunteer work, during the entire time. I have a bachelor's degree and want (and very much need) to work. I currently collect social security, but it's not nearly enough to get by on. I've just become engaged and my finance cannot afford to support us both (I'm currently living with my parents.)

I'm interested in possibly working from home and talked to my sister, who has fibromyalgia, about medical billing. Unfortunately, I did some internet research and found that a lot of the programs offering it from home can turn out to be scams. So, basically, I just want to know what type of careers other ICers have? Any responses are welcomed. Thanks all!

Erica

blondiecat · 02-02-2005, 01:22 AM

I have been working for the past five years at a desk job crunching numbers. I am an Admisitratitve Assistant to a CPA. Yep a glorified flunky that's me

I love the job and do not want to give it up even though it is getting harder and harder for me to go in with all the pain I go through. Thankfully I have a fantastic boss who is willing to work with me through all the doctor visits and really bad days when I need to stay home.

***ICNDonna*** · 02-02-2005, 03:26 AM

I'm retired now, but I had an office job and spent a lot of time at a computer. However, I also spent time in meetings and rarely spent an entire day just sitting. I actually had a bathroom attached to my office! so it was no problem going to the bathroom.

Donna

jrowley · 02-02-2005, 04:40 AM

No.1 and I don't want to be a bad person but why are you supporting your fiance'? If I had a boyfriend that I had to support I surely would not marry him. I don't know the situation but I would reconsider that one. No.2 my type of work I do is Computer Drafting. I have a associates in Drafting Design Technology and I curently draft computer, voice, and network drawings.

Imustpee · 02-02-2005, 05:01 AM

Piano teacher..

Dianne · 02-02-2005, 05:38 AM

RN: day shift charge nurse on an OB ward. IC for 10+ years. I have a disability agreement with the hospital which allows me to lie down on my lunch hour. I work two 12-hour shifts a week. I don't have to do labor anymore as charge nurses don't do labor, so bathroom problem solved. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to work anymore. I've worked in OB for 31 years. It's a huge struggle but I'm doing it. I do all the scheduling too so I pick/choose who I want to work with and I don't schedule myself two days in a row.

Babs RN · 02-02-2005, 05:52 AM

Dianne,
How did you reach that disability agreement? I have been an ER nurse for 12 years and had to give it up in May and miss nursing horribly. Not looking to be a hero, but even one shift here or there would keep me in the action. You can PM me or e-mail me if you want. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Hugs,
Barb

Dianne · 02-02-2005, 06:01 AM

When our hospital went to 12's, they wanted a concensus, not a vote. There were 4 of us holding out for 8's. I was asked what I would require in order to support this. I said I never wanted to work a shift with a certain nurse the rest of my life and I would need a disability contract that allows me to lie down on my lunch 1/2 hour. They agreed. But really you just have to go through HR. They can't deny you a disability agreement if you're employable based on the ADA. If you want to see mine, EM me privately and I can show you what mine says. We can't use the word "sleep". We have to use the word "rest". So I lock the door and take a timer and we have an agreement that they don't know what I'm doing in there and that covers everyone. Don't ask. Don't tell.
Dianne montanapets@earthlink.net

***dyno*** · 02-02-2005, 06:01 AM

I have worked as a nurse in a hospital and nursing home, worked in day care centers, as a ward clerk at a hospital, as a school lunch food service worker, and I had my own child care business in my home for 15 years.

JenG · 02-02-2005, 06:05 AM

I used to be an architect, before I had children. Then when my kids were in school I was an art teacher for 6 years. Last fall when I was in pain all the time but still not diagnosed I quit teaching, because all the long hours on my feet and the lack of restroom breaks was killing me. When I was diagnosed, I decided it was good to take a year off and get treatment started and back on my feet. I am like you, currently looking for a career that can work with my IC, I do not feel I could manage going back to teaching full time.

calmkiwi21 · 02-02-2005, 06:47 AM

I was a part time Filing clerk for a local hospital. Best part was I could use the washroom whenever I needed too

I'd only work 2-4 hours at the most during the day and the pay was pretty good too.

~Amy~

Haysmom3 · 02-02-2005, 07:03 AM

I am a certified medical coder, I work at a level 1 trauma center in Salt Lake City and do all the medical coding for the trauma surgeons. I do have to be on my feet quite a bit, walking all over the hospital from ICU to ICU and all over the floors were our trauma patients are. Before this job I was a unit clerk in the ER. That job was much more busy and time consuming and GOOD LUCK if you have to pee because you aren't going to be able. I love my job were I am now. My coworkers that I share an office with are very understanding about my bathroom trips.

Haysmom3 · 02-02-2005, 07:11 AM

oh yea, my other volunteer job is fostering dogs for a rescue group here in Utah. I always have at least one foster besides my own two dogs. But that isn't really work, and somebody has got to take care the animals in the world.
Jill

www.utahbassethoundrescue.com

rhea · 02-02-2005, 09:57 AM

I manage a Pediatric office. He is new to the area so we are not crazy busy yet so it is nice. Prior to that I managed and after hours ped urgent care...12-15 hour days.. got to be tooo much, had to cut back hours and pay-unfortunately. But I love what I do.

tango58 · 02-02-2005, 02:00 PM

I'm a Dental Assistant. I've been doing this for 20 years. I sit most of the day. Usually I work at the front desk as a receptionist but I fill in for some of the other girls in the office if they are off sick or on holidays. The way I have to sit when I'm assisting is very uncomfortable. I try to get up and stand as much as possible. I do have understanding co-workers.