A different predjedice

[Hazardous?_3]

I feel as if I'm a second class citizen.

The other day I called up a recruiter for the military and asked about enlisting. I meet all the requirements; high school with some college, never been arrested but because of an illness I couldnt join. In today's polital climate where most westernized countries have allowed people into the military regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation (save the U.S. on the last one), but I can't join.

No matter how long I may be in remission I will never be able to serve my country. Moreover there are lots of people who will have to face the decision of either being treated for their disease or maintaining their career. I've had a lot of thing torn away from me because of this; and now I've come to the conclusion that I'm just not worthy of giving back.

I know many of you may feel I'm being too sensitive about this. However I am reminded of a discussion I was having in economics. It was three of my classmates and I; we were discussing taxes. One person suggested jokingly that it would be better if all the sick people just died so taxes wouldnt have to be so high, not knowing I am one of those people whom they wished death. So yea, maybe Im just being sensitive.

I'm tired of feeling less than others, and REFUSE to feel guilty anymore.

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Sorry, needed to share that.

 

[DustyKat]

Oh Hazardous, how awful for you....

Good for you though for refusing to feel guilty! You didn't choose Crohns, it chose you and no one has the right to make you feel inferior because of it. My daughter also had a dream of joining the armed services only to find that CD excluded her from enlisting. It hit her hard and it broke my heart when she said..."Even remission is too sick for the Army".

She has moved on though and now has different dreams and aspirations, dreams and aspirations that the words Crohns Disease on a form can't take away from her.

Hang in there mate, you will rise above this and find your way, I know you will. You are articulate, intelligent and caring, the world is your oyster.

Thinking of you, :hug:
Dusty. xxx

 

[Misty-Eyed]

There are definitely periods where us Crohnies will come across this, and yes it is hard to deal with. I've come to terms with this fact now especially as I've seen first hand that having some doors close on us in life is not always a bad thing, it just wasn't the door for us!

There was a job interview that I went to a while ago which was actually with the NHS who run all public hospitals in the UK. They asked me so many questions about my crohn's and how much time I'd need to have off compared to a 'normal' person, that I couldn't help but feel discriminated against. It was probably even illegal for her to ask me all those questions.

In the end I got a job where having crohn's was actually an advantage! I had a perspective on drugs that other candidates just didn't have. I love my job and on hindsight, I doubt I would of been happy at the other job I applied for.

It is unfair though, I agree.

 

[Mountaingem]

I think we've all faced this, where we're treated like a liability to an employer rather than an asset. I agree it is discriminatory, but some careers are just not compatible with Crohn's. I was a commercial artist and completely lost the use of my hands as an artist due to joint inflammation and disfigurement. Now I'm in school for medical transcribing, which I must admit the terminology is alot easier with my experience lol.

I understand what you're saying-you feel like you're not valued as a citizen because of Crohn's-it's unfortunate the recruiter didn't offer any suggestions. Maybe if you tried to work in another area of public service, such as at a VA hospital, you could still serve as part of a support network. Maybe look into civilian jobs at a nearby military base, or work locally at a police or fire department.

I'm sure there are plenty of public agencies that would be happy to have someone as dedicated as you.

 

[tiloah]

Don't feel guilty, it's not like you chose this life.

After my Crohn's diagnosis I thought nursing sounded like a career path that would be ideal for me. Since I had a bachelor's degree I was hoping I could go through the military to get the training, but as you said people with our disease are basically rejected outright. The cost of treatment and potential for surgery are just too much risk for the military. Also I'm not straight, but I figured that would be easy enough for me to hide.

I still wish I could join the military and think I would be an asset, but it's their loss.