Can people with Transverse myelitis work? What kind of work can they perform?

See how people with experience in Transverse myelitis give their opinion about whether people with Transverse myelitis can work and what kind of jobs are more appropriated for people with Transverse myelitis

Can people with Transverse myelitis work? What kind of work can they perform?

Transverse myelitis (TM) is a neurological condition characterized by inflammation of the spinal cord. It can cause a range of symptoms, including weakness, sensory disturbances, and loss of bladder or bowel control. The severity and long-term effects of TM can vary from person to person.

When it comes to work, individuals with TM may face challenges depending on the extent of their symptoms and the impact on their physical and cognitive abilities. However, it is important to note that many people with TM are able to continue working, either in their previous occupation or in a different role that accommodates their specific needs.

Factors influencing workability:

The ability to work with TM depends on several factors:

Severity of symptoms: The severity of TM symptoms can vary widely. Some individuals may experience mild symptoms that have minimal impact on their ability to work, while others may have more significant impairments. The extent of weakness, sensory loss, and other symptoms will influence the type of work a person can perform.

Recovery and rehabilitation: With appropriate medical care, rehabilitation, and support, many individuals with TM experience significant recovery. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other interventions can help improve strength, mobility, and overall function, enabling individuals to return to work or find new employment.

Accommodations and workplace modifications: Employers have a legal obligation to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, including those with TM. Accommodations may include flexible work hours, modified job duties, assistive devices, or ergonomic adjustments to the work environment. These accommodations can help individuals with TM perform their job tasks effectively.

Individual resilience and coping strategies: The ability to cope with the challenges of TM and adapt to new circumstances plays a significant role in workability. Developing effective coping strategies, seeking support from healthcare professionals and support groups, and maintaining a positive mindset can contribute to successful employment.

Potential work options:

The type of work individuals with TM can perform depends on their specific abilities, skills, and interests. While some individuals may be able to continue working in their previous occupation with appropriate accommodations, others may need to explore alternative career paths. Here are some potential work options:

Remote or flexible work: Jobs that allow for remote work or flexible schedules can be beneficial for individuals with TM. This allows them to manage their symptoms, attend medical appointments, and work in an environment that suits their needs.

Desk-based or sedentary work: Jobs that involve primarily desk-based or sedentary tasks can be suitable for individuals with mobility limitations. Examples include administrative roles, customer service, writing, graphic design, programming, or data analysis.

Consulting or freelancing: Some individuals with TM may choose to work as consultants or freelancers, offering their expertise in a specific field. This allows for greater flexibility and control over work hours and workload.

Advocacy and support roles: Individuals who have personal experience with TM may find fulfillment in advocacy or support roles within the healthcare or nonprofit sectors. This can involve raising awareness, providing peer support, or working on policy initiatives.

Entrepreneurship: Starting a business or pursuing self-employment can provide individuals with TM the flexibility to tailor their work environment and schedule to their specific needs. It allows for greater control over workload and the ability to adapt as symptoms fluctuate.

Conclusion:

While Transverse myelitis can present challenges, many individuals with this condition are able to continue working or find new employment that accommodates their needs. The severity of symptoms, recovery and rehabilitation, workplace accommodations, individual resilience, and the availability of suitable work options all play a role in determining workability. It is important for individuals with TM to work closely with healthcare professionals, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and employers to explore suitable work options and ensure necessary accommodations are in place.

Diseasemaps

Posted Aug 16, 2022 by Transverse Myelitis Folks Blue Crew

It depends upon the damage that Transverse Myelitis caused. Everyone is completely different.

Posted Feb 23, 2017 by Nancy 715

In the past I have work during the best times when I made a recovery of about 80% but unfortunately I only had two years and 12 about was the case I work part-time after that until the Falls became too great the risk became too much and the amount of medication I needed just to function was too great for me to be able to function or Focus or drive. I have not been able to work in over 2 years now and filed for disability in my state over a year ago after 12 months of not being able to work I've barely lost everything financially and I was denied and now have to appeal and I'm not alone disability knows very little about transverse myelitis its long-term effects its ability to continue to wreak havoc on your body even after you've made partial recoveries its ability to attack again and again and again seems to be misunderstood with regards to disability. The amount of fatigue pain paralysis spasms nervous system issues are so great that in my opinion unless it was a very mild case someone contracted most people with transverse myelitis should not work it only aggravates and complicates physical symptoms of the disease and you can even prolong its effects and damage to the body.

Posted Feb 23, 2017 by Jen 1001

It all depends on how much you've been affected
But speaking personally as my condition can change on a daily or hourly basis - I'm unable to work

Posted Feb 23, 2017 by Cathy 1000

I see no reason why people with TM cannot work, once the initial phase has settled and the person is feeling well.
Many jobs can be adapted to accommodate a wheelchair, however a diagnosis of TM does not mean wheelchair use. Most sufferers recover their mobility to some degree, and most can drive a car, even if adapted.

Unfortunately, I had to give up my job as a district nurse, and perhaps jobs such as this which involve driving and then physical work with less able members of the public should not be considered, as it may put the person and the patient at risk, although I would now be able to carry out any aspects of the job.

Posted May 17, 2017 by Marella Cairns 1050

Yes, you can still work. It all depends on your level of disability and what you want to do. You can do anything you feel comfortable with.

Posted May 17, 2017 by Justin 1152

It depends on your symptoms, everyone is different. Some can work almost normally, others are so badly affected that work is impossible.

Posted Jul 24, 2017 by Hagen 2730

It depends on the amount of damage the disease caused.

Posted Jul 25, 2017 by Mindy 2000

Yes. Office work with medium labour requirements

Posted Jul 25, 2017 by Conrad 2200

All depends on the severity of their onset.
Some people get hit with a minor onset and are able to function fairly normally. Others end up as quadriplegics.

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Kevin Weilacher 3420

Yes, i am an addictions counselor.

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Barbara 400

Yes, people with TM can still work but may not be able to do there original work. Ideally a low stress job would be good but there's teachers, doctors, nurses who all have TM. They can preform whatever they wish keeping in mind TM and how it restricts you.

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Amy 600

Yes, I work full time. It all depends on how you are affected by the condition as to what you can do but you will have to learn your new limits.

Posted Sep 29, 2017 by Lindz1980 905

It depends on their level of function. I was completely paralyzed and now I’m a full functioning ER nurse.

Posted Sep 29, 2017 by Samantha Bryce 2065

I could no longer manage physical work. Luckily I was a manager but then that caused an enormous amount of pain due to stress. Temperature intolerance makes me sweat profusely precisely at 74F as in a meeting or hot tool shop. Perspiration on my back sent pain through the roof. Sleep issues made me fall asleep at the wheel or even right in the middle of a conversation. Eventually I was about to be fired and knew it so I went out on disability before getting fired and losing all benefits. Depending on the severity of the TM and your personal finances, most folks continue working I think. I doubt those unfortunate enough to wind up wheel chair bound were able to continue working. Surely you will want to try to keep working but if you can manage it, I highly recommend retiring. The hard part for me was giving up using all the knowledge I acquired during my previous 30 years. Oh yeah and it sucks living off a fraction of previous income and Medicare will get you the lowest standard of care. Meds will cost you a small fortune even with Medicare part B. I was spending nearly $750/mo just for meds.

Posted Oct 6, 2017 by Chuck 2000

People should continue to work in any field in which they feel comfortable with. By listening carefully to your body, you will soon know exactly what you are and are not capable of.

Posted Nov 30, 2017 by mikado54mark 3150

I work full time as a family teacher with my wife. Long story short i am a full time paid stay at home father

Posted Jan 18, 2018 by JoeyButler 500

People with Transverse Myelitis can work in any field depending upon the severity of their condition. I was lucky enough to be able to carry on working with little problems until my retirement at the age of 66. Obviously if the role was previously of a more strenuous nature a different role might have to be sought.

Posted Feb 27, 2018 by Gill 1800

Yes they can work. I do. What work they do depends on the requirement to use their legs to perform their job responsibilities.

Posted Jun 1, 2018 by Clay Garner 2500

It's not for me to say whether someone with TM should or shouldn't work and what job they should or shouldn't do. Working with TM is a very personal choice, and depends massively on how you are affected both emotionally and physically. As with anything in life, it's about knowing what you can comfortably achieve and then pushing yourself that little bit more. For example, when I got diagnosed I was almost in a state of denial and went back to work far too early. I tried to pretend that this TM nonsense wasn't going to change my life and define me and adopted a "business as usual approach." Big mistake! I made myself more unwell, I wasn't ready, physically, practically or emotionally.

I took a long time off work but used this time constructively to rest and recuperate; to identify the barriers to me working and look for solutions. Again I turned to trusty Google and found a whole world of information.

Armed with this newly found knowledge I returned to work and began requesting and applying for things to help keep me continue working....reasonable adjustments, help with travel, requesting part-time hours...... I'm not going to lie it wasn't excuse the pun - a walk in the park - but I've finally got to a place where my I'm still doing the job I love but my work / life balance is more achievable and equitable.

Posted Jul 30, 2018 by Ally 1060

If we do it won't be consistent or painless I don't think many of us work.

Posted Jun 1, 2021 by Gary 3550

Probably best suited for a white collar job.

Posted Jun 1, 2021 by Bob1974 800

Ability to work depends of the severity. Even if you can work, exhaustion is often present.

Posted Aug 17, 2022 by gloria_kazan 7450