Can people with Sarcoidosis work? What kind of work can they perform?

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


Can people with Sarcoidosis work? What kind of work can they perform?


Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs in the body, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. It is characterized by the formation of small abnormal clumps of cells called granulomas. The severity and symptoms of sarcoidosis can vary widely from person to person, ranging from mild to debilitating. As a result, the ability of individuals with sarcoidosis to work can be influenced by the extent of their disease and its impact on their overall health and functioning.


While sarcoidosis can present challenges, many individuals with the condition are able to continue working. The type of work they can perform largely depends on the severity of their symptoms, the organs affected, and the overall impact on their physical and mental well-being. It is important for individuals with sarcoidosis to work closely with their healthcare team to manage their condition and determine the most suitable work options.


Factors influencing work ability:


1. Disease activity and severity: Sarcoidosis can have periods of remission and flare-ups. During active phases, individuals may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, and other symptoms that can limit their ability to work. In such cases, adjustments to work hours, workload, or even temporary leave may be necessary.


2. Organ involvement: Sarcoidosis can affect various organs, including the lungs, heart, skin, eyes, and nervous system. The impact on work ability will depend on the specific organs involved and the resulting symptoms. For example, individuals with lung involvement may experience breathing difficulties, limiting their ability to perform physically demanding tasks.


3. Treatment and medication: Medications used to manage sarcoidosis, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, can have side effects that may affect work performance. These side effects can include mood changes, weight gain, increased susceptibility to infections, and decreased immune function. Adjustments to medication schedules or alternative treatment options may be necessary to minimize these effects.


4. Physical and mental well-being: Sarcoidosis can have a significant impact on a person's overall health and well-being. Fatigue, pain, and emotional distress can affect work performance and productivity. It is important for individuals to prioritize self-care, manage stress levels, and seek support from healthcare professionals, colleagues, and loved ones.


Types of work suitable for individuals with sarcoidosis:


1. Sedentary or desk-based jobs: Individuals with sarcoidosis who experience fatigue or have limitations in physical activity may find desk-based jobs more suitable. These can include administrative roles, customer service, writing, data entry, or remote work that allows for flexibility.


2. Flexible work arrangements: Jobs that offer flexible schedules or the ability to work from home can be beneficial for individuals with sarcoidosis. This allows for better management of symptoms, medical appointments, and the ability to rest when needed.


3. Supportive work environments: A supportive work environment can make a significant difference for individuals with sarcoidosis. Employers who are understanding, accommodating, and willing to make reasonable adjustments can help individuals with sarcoidosis thrive in their work. This can include modifications to workstations, flexible breaks, or reduced physical demands.


4. Advocacy and education: Some individuals with sarcoidosis may find fulfilling work in advocacy or education roles related to their condition. This can involve raising awareness, supporting others with sarcoidosis, or working with organizations dedicated to research and patient support.


It is important to note that the ability to work with sarcoidosis can vary greatly among individuals. Some may be able to continue working full-time, while others may require part-time or intermittent work. Additionally, there may be periods where individuals need to take medical leave or adjust their work arrangements to manage their condition effectively.


Conclusion:


People with sarcoidosis can often continue working, although the type of work they can perform may depend on the severity of their symptoms, organ involvement, and overall health. Sedentary or desk-based jobs, flexible work arrangements, supportive work environments, and advocacy/education roles are some examples of work that may be suitable for individuals with sarcoidosis. It is crucial for individuals to work closely with their healthcare team, communicate their needs to their employers, and prioritize self-care to manage their condition effectively while pursuing their professional goals.


by Diseasemaps

I am not able to work. Since I have neurosarcoid. I can not stand longer than 5mins. Or sit down in the same position for longer than one hour. But this can change once you are in remission.

4/1/17 by Andrena Senola 400

People can work; however, most find that it is difficult. Some people like myself are classified as disabled and cannot work.

4/18/17 by Curt Hodapp 1150

They can work. Depending on the severity of their disease.

4/19/17 by Terika 1000

This question differs from every person as no one with sarcoidosis has the same affects. Some people are able to work and live a normal life, while others have sarcoidosis that is so debilitating that it forces them to be on permanent disability and cannot function without daily help

4/19/17 by Poliseno 1000

Yes, you can work that is depending on your current symptoms. I work an average of 28 hours a week. I struggle through the pain and fatigue, but I feel it is better for me than to just sit home and do nothing

5/2/17 by Sheila 350

depends on how bad but unfortunately most of the time they want be able to hold down a full time job because of the bad days and you never know what days are good or bad

5/9/17 by Michael 1150

Yes we can once controlled.

5/31/17 by Salosh 3601

Yes most of the people can work and have a normal life ...if the disease its not affecting very much their lifes Some can work just half time and if the sarcoidosis progress some are unable to work

5/31/17 by Mihaela 800

Yes. Any not too strenuous

9/7/17 by Jennie 400

Yes.. usually you are able to continue working. Again your activity level will be determined by your sarcoid and symptoms

9/7/17 by Kristie 2000

Any work, whatever you enjoy doing. So far the disease I have is debilitating just very annoying.

9/10/17 by Maggie 1100

Yes, Depends on how bad you have the disease what stage you are in you can work full-time.

9/11/17 by Shari 300

Most start people should avoid outdoor work. Many cannot lift heavy objects because of internal damage from sarcoid. Every person is different every job is different. Sarcoidosis affects everyone differently for every job there is.

9/11/17 by XTIENNA 2000

Some people continue to work while suffering with Sarcoidosis. It is dependent on the severity of the disease in each individual and the type of work they do. Working in any job where there are fumes or high levels of dust is not advisable as this could cause further damage to the lungs. The percentage of people who work in various fields is difficult to account due to the variety of job roles and industries and more especially as the condition and symptoms0 vary from one patient to another.

10/26/17 by Diane 2735

As long as the work does not agrivate the problems Light work would be of a benefit to those suffering

10/27/17 by Stewart 2000

Yes depends on severity and duration of illness. Some people don't realise that they have it, others it is life changing/limiting.

10/27/17 by KindredSpirit 2050

I am in full time employment and always have been throughout the duration of my illness I am a Train Driver Again different people are affected differently and sadly as a consequence of the illness are unable to work.

10/27/17 by Wendy 2000

Life can continue as normal for many but even once the disease is in remission the damage done to the body can seriously affect how the patient lives.

10/27/17 by Sandra 1200

I had to go to part time but manage this - it tough though

10/28/17 by Penny 1200

Yes, definiately, more manual jobs would be a challenge, tiredness and pain make working difficult at time, but listen to your body and explain your condition to your boss/manager and inform them at times you may have to limit your duties depending on condition...

10/28/17 by Edana 400

Yes people with Sarcoidosis are able to work but this depends on how they feel both mentally and physically. We are all different and it affects us differently. Heavy workload, working with aerosols, noisy places of work, driving long journeys, is not appropriate. Office based work is also to be assessed by the responsible employer because sometimes the equipment might not be fit for the worker or the environment might not be suitable. I am not sure of the % that work in the field because many sufferers have ended up losing their jobs due to this condition.

10/28/17 by Jessica 600

I do, i had an office job I teach ballroom too, but i do pay for that

1/11/18 by Cathleen 1900

I know this disease effects people in different ways. Where I could not do a strenuous job because of my shortness of breath, someone with different symptoms, could. It really depends on the individual and where they are in their illness.

4/2/18 by Lisa 1100

Yes! The only thing to be cautious about is a profession that makes your condition worse. If you have Sarcoidosis that is affecting your lungs, it would be important to protect your lungs and not do work that could aggravate your condition.

7/4/18 by msinky 2550

Yes, and no. Whether a person living with Sarcoidosis can work or not depends entirely on the impact the illness has on any given individual. Immense fatigue is a very common symptom of Sarcoidosis that prevents many from working at a traditional job. There are several other symptoms and complications of treatment that may or may not prevent an individual from working at paid employment. It is very much up to the individual and the impact Sarcoidosis has had on their lives.

10/15/18 by Rika 1930

Tough question to answer as it is dependant on individual circumstances bu they can work in most fields. The majority of sufferers work in environments not conducive for Sarcoidosis because every field makes them susceptible to catching germs quicker than the ordinary workforce.

10/15/18 by Zaida 1050

Some people can work with Sarcoidosis but depends on their job and more than likely a job that is not very physical is better suited...

11/13/18 by Wen 2100

It depends on the level of progression of the disease. Many with Stage 1 work just fine.

10/8/19 by Lynn 900

Yes we can work. I say stay away from alot of strong chemicals. I would say about 95%

10/8/19 by Lashawn 2500

Yes some people can work with sarcoidosis and yet some can't like myself. I am on oxygen 24 hours a day. It just depends on the severity of the illness

3/8/20 by Elizabeth 4800

Many people with the disease show no symptoms and can work normally. But there are a few with ongoing issues which may leave you unable to work.

1/18/21 by Althea 4550

It depend of each person. But most of people can do anything depend of there situation

2/13/21 by Hélène 1100

People with Sarcoidosis can work sometimes depending on how server their symptoms.

9/14/23 by Emma Johnson 2500
Translated from french Improve translation

Usually the Sarcoidose is a disease that requires rest.

9/8/17 by Ramzi. Translated

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