Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Support Group
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a progressive, genetic disorder of the kidneys. It occurs in humans and other organisms. PKD is characterised by the presence of multiple cysts (polycystic) in both kidneys. The disease can also damage the liver, pancreas and rarely the heart and brain.
I currently don't work because of PKD, I only worked once in my life and eventually I couldn't stand up because of the pain. When I tried to lay down and go to sleep the flank pain was so severe that I had to sit up all night and then usually I had to work the next day. Like I have mentioned before,I am in stage 4 of my kidney disease. I dont qualify for disability, but I need the finances. I live with my mom and stepdad but things are real hard financially. I want to help but I don't know if I should go back to work or not. Any advice?
I am the worst person to try and answer this because I worked all my life, mainly as a secretary or in the clerical fields, jobs that are done sitting down. I always found jobs through the newspapers or agencies. I don't know anything about social services that help people find jobs but I'm sure they are out there. maybe someone with more knowledge can reply.
I agree that a you would do best in a job where you don't have to stand for long periods or do any strenuous activity.
I used to be a career counselor for low income people who wanted to get started in the job market. The program I ran was free and offered through a social service agency.
You can check with places like Job Corp or call your local city government and ask if they have any programs to help.
OKay here is a quick example of how I might help if you came to me for help in finding a job and in finding a career path:
When working with participants, I tried to find out what their interests, skills and limitations were. Based on those factors, I would present different types of "dream jobs" to them. Then we would create a plan together where we would build each of the steps required to attain that dream job. For instance, let's say you love to play on the computer and because of your PKD you need a sedentary job. A dream job for you might be a game designer. But obviously you would need to do a lot of things before you would be ready for that job. So we would look at the steps it would take to do what you want. First, you might want to practice your data entry skills and see if you might qualify for an entry level job as a data entry clerk for a bank or some other institution. You could do this by working on your own on a free program on the internet and by enrolling in a course at your local community college. Then, hopefully, someone would give you a shot at a data entry job. As you worked, if you continued to feel well enough, you could take a night or weekend class in basic programming.
I think it is great that you want to contribute. Just "getting a job" is such a huge idea that it is easier if you break it into small stpes and have someone to help guide you along the way. I think that going to school or working will help improve your feelings of self-worth and give you a positive mission to focus on. It would also help to relieve financial stress and perhaps be a path to getting medical insurance. Your PKD problems are real and you might not be able to work full time or do your dream job right away, but working will help you meet new people and gain new skills.
I say, go for it! Take advantage of the help that is out there. I wish you the very best of luck.
http://www.jobcorps.gov/home.aspx