Any fellow nannies with a chronic illness(es)?

[Anonymous]

I would love to connect with other nannies or caregivers who have a chronic illness, or multiple chronic illness!

I have two autoimmune diseases, along with some pesky asthma. Although, it doesn't generally stop me, I do have challenges from time-to-time.

Any one else out there? I'd love to hear other's stories.

[Anonymous]

I have a chronic condition that causes severe nerve pain in my face (only on one side). Luckily I go through periods of remission during which I have minimal pain (and occasionally no pain). There are medications I can take to control the episodes, but I am currently not on anything because none of them are safe for someone who is trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding (I fall into the first category at the moment).

I am fortunate that most of the time I am relatively unaffected at work. During major flare-ups I do limit the amount of stories I read and talking in general, but those times are few and far between (maybe once/year for a week or two). Good news is that I have a very high pain tolerance so it really has to be bad for me to be affected at work. Kids know when I am having a bad flare-up because I all of a sudden start eating a lot of soups/stews and drinking a lot of protein smoothies. The know they might have to wait a moment for me to answer them, and get that we will do more activities that involve less verbal interaction for a few days.

If anything it affects me more outside of work because during bad flare-ups all of my energy is spent trying to make sure that I still meet the kids' needs (verbal interactions, stories, patience despite the excruciating pain). The pain gets worse at night when I am tired; so during those couple of weeks each year I typically avoid social engagements unless absolutely necessary. Close friends know and understand.

[Anonymous]

Asthma, insomnia, acid reflux, IBS-d, moderate back pain, severe environmental allergies

Insomnia (somewhat), acid reflux, IBS, allergies (somewhat) are controlled through diet; when I eat correctly, I'm fine and conversely, I have flare-ups after splurges. Charges have asked why I'm so careful about what I eat, and I explain that I get very, very sick if I don't eat what I should. Employers have all been okay with it, as I know how to make healthy food taste good, and by watching me eat everyday (and not seeing me eat anything I shouldn't), their kids eat more healthy food voluntarily. Asthma is controlled through both diet and exercise. Back pain just is. I do take anti-histamines everyday, because between dust, mold, pollens and other things, there's always something around.

It is what it is. I'm lucky that most of my issues are under control, and I work hard to keep them that way. I can't eat grains at all anymore, I have to eat a certain amount of protein, too much refined sugar causes problems, too much or too little fiber and I'm in severe pain. Sometimes I wish I could eat what I want, but such is life.

[Anonymous]

Yes. I have an Auto immune disease that's devastating.

[Anonymous]

AIDS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:AIDS

Wow sorry to hear that. Do your employers know? Mine wanted to provide testing results weeks into the jon and I almost walked ( I don't have it)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AIDS

Wow sorry to hear that. Do your employers know? Mine wanted to provide testing results weeks into the jon and I almost walked ( I don't have it)

There is no test for AIDS. Nor do I think PP has it, it's highly doubtful they'd be running around with kids if that were the case. What a terrible thing to troll.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry to tell some of you nannies this, but if you have an illness or disability that prevents you from being a nanny you are not really entitled to be a nanny. The "you can be ANYTHING you want" motto doesn't actually apply in real life. So please, don't burden some poor family with your troubles just because you want an easy and fun job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sorry to tell some of you nannies this, but if you have an illness or disability that prevents you from being a nanny you are not really entitled to be a nanny. The "you can be ANYTHING you want" motto doesn't actually apply in real life. So please, don't burden some poor family with your troubles just because you want an easy and fun job.

20.39 here. Being a nanny is a lot of fun, but it's never easy. It's the most physically demanding, emotionally taxing job I have ever done. Sometimes it's also mentally challenging, sometimes it's not. Overall, nannying is what I love, and I manage my symptoms without affecting the way I do my job.

[Anonymous]

I am 24, skin cancer survivor. Doesn't limit my abilities, but during the summer I am caution about going out mid-day ( every day) when the sun is the highest. Yes, I apply sunscreen, but I just don't go every single day during the day, maybe 2-3 days during the week, but thank goodness my charges are in camp so it's ok (and yes, my bosses know).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sorry to tell some of you nannies this, but if you have an illness or disability that prevents you from being a nanny you are not really entitled to be a nanny. The "you can be ANYTHING you want" motto doesn't actually apply in real life. So please, don't burden some poor family with your troubles just because you want an easy and fun job.

You aren't sorry. Put the wine down and go be a bitch elsewhere

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sorry to tell some of you nannies this, but if you have an illness or disability that prevents you from being a nanny you are not really entitled to be a nanny. The "you can be ANYTHING you want" motto doesn't actually apply in real life. So please, don't burden some poor family with your troubles just because you want an easy and fun job.

There are plenty of illnesses and disabilities that would not disqualify someone from being a nanny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm sorry to tell some of you nannies this, but if you have an illness or disability that prevents you from being a nanny you are not really entitled to be a nanny. The "you can be ANYTHING you want" motto doesn't actually apply in real life. So please, don't burden some poor family with your troubles just because you want an easy and fun job.

There are plenty of illnesses and disabilities that would not disqualify someone from being a nanny.

Why are you even replying then? It clearly says "if you have an illness or disability that prevents you from being a nanny".

I see no reason for your response.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm sorry to tell some of you nannies this, but if you have an illness or disability that prevents you from being a nanny you are not really entitled to be a nanny. The "you can be ANYTHING you want" motto doesn't actually apply in real life. So please, don't burden some poor family with your troubles just because you want an easy and fun job.

There are plenty of illnesses and disabilities that would not disqualify someone from being a nanny.

Why are you even replying then? It clearly says "if you have an illness or disability that prevents you from being a nanny".

I see no reason for your response.

OP is looking to connect with nannies with chronic health issues. Someone implying that all of us shouldn't be nannies is counter-productive and untrue.