|
By hopeful_gemini on : Oct 24, 2007
|
|
I am a 34 year old woman who never thought that
the career that I have worked so hard for would
ever cause such a dilemma in my life. See, since
being diagnosed with celiac disease in the summer
of '06 it has been very challenging for me to
maintain a healthy diet and work in my profession.
I am a clinical social worker and have worked in
the field for fifteen years. I have been blessed
to have worked with many different populations
within the community and love the work that I do.
I have accepted having celiac disease, but
continue to struggle with integrating my gluten
free life style into my work day. Because I am an
energetic person and am in the field most of the
day and not in an office behind a desk ( not
stationary in one area) - it is difficult. I am
involved most of the time in crisis situations and
need to be prepared to change what I may be doing
in a moments notice. Ultimately, I need to be
flexible with my schedule, which includes eating.
Since having celiac disease, my health has not
improved necessarily and I no longer can be
flexible with my eating. Recently, I took a leave
of absence from my work to get healthier and learn
better ways to manage my diet and take the time I
need for preparation and time management. Once
again, I feel that I no longer have the control in
my life that I once had and will need to give up
my lifes work and settle for doing something that
will allow me to eat at more assessible times. I
have not come across any fellow social workers
living with celiac disease and desperately am
looking for advice, contacts and assistance in
trying to have a healthy work life in the field of
social work as a woman with celiac disease. PLEASE
HELP!
|
|
Reply to this comment 
New Topic