how long can i work with IC??? - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

kenzycodi · 05-07-2003, 08:54 PM

Hello,

Hope everyone is feeling good. I had a question. I know alot of people are getting or have already goot their SSD. I was curious if it because IC will not let you work or maybe you have worked and need the SSD for an early retirement or something. I'm just wondering because I'm just starting my career and hate to think that IC will interfere with that. In most of your cases was it a have to or a need to case. Thanks for your help!

LOL,
Kenzy

Kelli · 05-08-2003, 01:53 AM

Hi Kenzy,
Hope you are feeling well today. Most of the people I have talked to that have IC were forced out of work due to missing alot of work because of pain. I had to leave work because I couldn't go to the restroom whenever I needed to. I worked as a cashier and some nights were so busy I wouldn't get to go my whole shift. By the end of the night I was in so much pain I don't know how I stood there. My Dr ended up only allowing me to work 4 hour shifts, 3 days per week. Then eventually he said I had to find a job where I wasn't on my feet so much and I didn't have to lift heavy things.
So I guess the answer to your question would be whenever you feel you can't work anymore. If you can work and it not cause you extreme amounts of pain then I would say you should be able to work. Not always does IC keep you from working, there are several people with IC that still work. So how long you work with IC is up to you, and what you can tolerate.

***Julie B*** · 05-08-2003, 12:54 PM

Many people work with IC and integrate it into their lives. Some have intolerable pain or frustrating frequency and still work. It is a matter of personal tolerance to your situation.

We all have to remember that there are many people with IC who do not post as frequently as some BECAUSE they have jobs and families and they function very well. The board often reflects (IMHO) those of us in pain more frequently or those of us with a lot more time on our hands due to lifestyle ;-)

Work as long as you can....personally I work parttime, do consultant work, write and am in school for my Masters.....hoping to continue to do freelance type work after.........more flexible for my crazy tired body

XOXOXOXO Good Luck.........

kenzycodi · 05-08-2003, 02:50 PM

Thanks guys. I have mild IC and as long as it doesn't progress I'll be rn'in it for a long time.

Kenzy

Kelli · 05-12-2003, 04:02 PM

Thats GREAT Kenzy......I'm sure you are going to be a fantastic nurse. And there is a bonus to having you here. Maybe as a nurse, you can get through to more doctors who dont believe IC exists, and who knows, maybe you'll be the one to get the ICN the funds for research we so badly need.

***ICNDonna*** · 05-13-2003, 12:53 AM

Julie is right. The vast majority of people with IC are able to function normally. I was diagnosed in 1975 and worked full time until I took an early retirement in 1994 because my husband was able to retire and I wanted to be able to spend time with him.

I still feel good most of the time and am able to do many things. As an example, last Saturday we both worked at a Lions breakfast. I actually cooked pancakes for 107 people! My feet were exhausted, but my bladder was fine.

Remember that for every individual posting here that they are in pain, there are hundreds out there who are not in pain and not posting because they don't need the support.

Warm hugs,
Donna

Alexa · 05-13-2003, 03:58 AM

Hi Kenzy! I think it's up to you, your body, and your doctor how long you feel comfortable working. I was diagnosed with IC many years ago, before embarking on my teaching career, while I was still in university. I did take a semester off while I took care of myself and got myself back on track, but I'm a full-time teacher currently, and doing GREAT! I love my profession, I love the kids, and my collegues and principal are very understanding and supportive. It certainly is possible to work with IC, I think you just have to find the right working evironment for you.

Good luck!

Alexa

kenzycodi · 05-13-2003, 01:26 PM

Thanks guys, I guess i chose the right profession. In a hospital there is a bathroom in every room and around every corner, just in case of a sticky or wet situation.

i plan on doing alot of IC advocating, especially now that I'll be able to afford to go to the conferences. take care and please know, I'll do my best about IC. I have a very big mouth and tend to not take no for an answer.

Take Care,
Kenzy

Ginny · 06-04-2003, 04:10 AM

I have had IC for 20 years. I also deal with Celiac, Fibromyalgia, Type 1 Diabetes and now Ulcerative Colitis. I am still working full time. Most days I think I am out of my mind but other days I think I don't know where I would be without it.
Good luck to you.
Ginny

kenzycodi · 06-09-2003, 01:09 PM

Thank you!! hi

Kenzy