Chron's Disease and Student Loan Debt

[EmThom7990]

Hello everyone. I am new to this forum. I am so glad I stumbled upon this site. I love knowing I am not the only one out there. I am 21 and a recent college grad with over $30,000 in student debt. I was diagnosed with Chron's disease at the age of 15. I have been getting more and more sick and went to my doctor today and he said, "Oh you lost 10 pounds in 6 weeks!" UGGGGH! I can hardly work but luckily my employer's and fellow associates are such wonderful people and help me through this and have my back as much as possible. However, I can't make enough to pay off my student debt. I spoke with Direct Loans and they have dropped my payments to $0 a month. Is there anyway to get out of this debt with a disease like this that makes it so you can hardly work? I need help. I am financially struggling and don't want to have to worry about a debt like this. Thank you all! :sign0085:

 

[Lisa]

If only life were that easy. Unfortunately, debt such as that does need to be paid off - it does sound like Direct Loans is willing to work with you - and if I were in your shoes, I would attempt to pay at least something - even if it was five dollars - per month to show good faith that you want to pay your loans off.

As for hardly being able to work - if your disease is controlled, you shouldn't have a problem working - if it isn't controlled, hopefully you will get some treatment to get it under control. Been there....done that.....managed to work multiple jobs even though it wasn't always in my best interest or even something I should have physically been doing at the time.....but, I also don't like being in debt.

 

[EmThom7990]

Well thank you. Luckily I am definitely not one to have myself a pity party and do what I can. Was just hoping for once something about this disease could be easy. Oh well!

 

[KWalker]

There was actually a thread about this not long ago where they'll clear your debt (I believe) BUT there are definitely restrictions and I think you must be on permanent disability so you can never work. Something stupid. I'd search for it for you but I'm posting from my phone.

I think in most cases they look at like you would well enough to go to school and incur that much debt so working shouldn't be any different.

 

[EmThom7990]

Oh thank you for your input. If only paying it off was as easy as it was to have it build up! And congrats on not being on an meds and hopefully in remission!

 

[KWalker]

Haha thanks. I'm a student too so I know how you feel. As far as the meds/remission... As much as I feel like I'm in remission and show no symptoms (aside from D) my doctor believes I have active crohns right now. I'm not any meds because to me its not worth the risk with taking meds and their side effects when realistically they won't change how I feel so I manage with just diet... But that's another story and I don't want to take over your thread. Feel free to pm me if you'd like.

 

[Jennifer]

I just posted this back in March so it may help you. http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=33604

Edit: So far I've applied but haven't heard anything back yet and its been a couple weeks already.