It’s often possible to make your job work with CIDP. But certain roles may be tougher to manage. “Jobs that require sustained physical exertion, prolonged standing or walking, heavy lifting, fine motor precision under time pressure, climbing, or high-level balance can become unsafe or impractical if CIDP causes persistent weakness, sensory loss, fatigue, or impaired proprioception,” says Dr. Carcione. Construction, firefighting, certain nursing roles, assembly-line work, commercial driving, or jobs involving working at heights often fall into this category.
A job might also no longer be a good fit if there’s no room for a flexible schedule or if you’re missing work for things like infusions or symptom flares, he adds.
In some cases, it may be possible to ask for a modified role, particularly when your symptoms are acting up. Robinson uses her own work as an occupational therapist as an example: “If I was having a bad flare up, I wouldn’t be able to do my regular duties with patients,” she says. “But I could ask about being moved to a desk role where I look at admissions data, make discharge phone calls, or do something else where I’m not on my feet all day and have to be lifting, moving, and balancing.”
In instances where a role shift isn’t possible, it may be worth considering pivoting to a career with fewer physical responsibilities. Depending on your age and financial situation, you may also opt to retire and focus your energies on other areas — like volunteering when you’re able, pursuing hobbies, or spending more time with family and friends.
These sorts of changes can feel daunting, but you don’t need to make a decision right away. In fact, since CIDP symptoms can change over time, you may want to see how your condition responds to treatment before you make a major move (whenever possible). “Severe symptoms can be treated and get better, even if it might not be immediately apparent,” says Robinson. “So if you can, try to be flexible in how you respond to your initial limitations.”
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