📣 Discussion Topic: How has pancreatitis impacted your career?

[Skye_MC]

Navigating life with pancreatitis throws challenges our way, even in our careers. How has this disease impacted your professional journey? Have you found helpful strategies for balancing your health needs with your job? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 👇

[deniseinmilden]

I had one before! 😃

I am a mixed farm manager by trade, specialising in cattle and sheep, but can run fruit trees and vines too.

I struggled for many years and finally had to give up doing what I love and live for, just before my diagnosis a few years ago.

I've had several people ask me to run their herds/flocks for them but farming is 24/7 and I'm just not well enough these days. I can only do a few hours each day, I constantly battle deficiencies, I have to sleep a lot, and I break bones easily. Often I'm in pain and sometimes I can't eat.

I voluntarily coordinate a number of farmer WhatsApp groups and, as an independent contractor, I do some bits of farming as and when I can.

[madonbrew Pioneer]

I was a student nurse when I got diagnosed with pancreatitis. I was just 19 at the time and was in and out of hospital lots so had to give up my training. I was initially signed off sick long-term. This may sound a bit strange, but I'm almost kind of in a better position now my pancreas is completely shot, as I have no pain. The diabetes is my biggest issue and trying to get any control over that.

I have had variable jobs, but struggle lots with fatigue and now the diabetes kind of freaks me out in the scheme of work.

Currently, I care for my mum who has parkinsons disease, although I'm having some help right now because I recently came out of hospital after an 11 day stay with a severe asthma attack that landed me in icu on Boxing Day. 😢 ...I'm doing much better now, although feeling slightly traumatised by the experience.

But pancreatitis wise, part-time hours I could manage...it's just all my other health issues mixed in together.