Hello everyone! I've been following this forum for a while and thought I'd join the group. It seems like a great place for information and support, and it's nice to hear everyone's experience...I hope to contribute where I can. Recently I've been struggling with whether or not going to medical school is a realistic goal with Crohn's. Here's a brief overview of my situation:
I'm 22 years old and was just diagnosed with Crohn's in March 2010. The pains and problems started last August as I began my last semester in college, wrapping up a degree in biochemistry, and applying to medical schools. Fortunately, I was accepted to my first choice in November and chalked up the symptoms to simply being stressed and nervous about the application process. However, the GI problems continued, mouth/throat ulcers made it difficult to eat, I lost 35 pounds, had iron-deficiency anemia, and I experienced some major fatigue and lack of focus that made it very difficult to finish out my last semester in the classroom. Fortunately, I was able to pass my classes and finish my degree...but it was very rough.
My doctor confirmed Crohn's in March. Prednisone helped until I had to taper off when everything came back full strength. Pentasa did not work either. For several reasons my doctor considers my case in the "moderate to severe" category and recommended trying a TNF-inhibitor. I started Humira 2 weeks ago with the 4 injection loading dose (in the stomach >>> thigh). And now, just 2 weeks later I feel like I'm back to my normal life. However, I'm now debating whether a career in medicine (and the path to get there) is realistic.
From talking with others, I know the 4 years of medical school are extremely demanding. It's mentally, physically, and emotionally exhaustive. The 2-4 years of residency which follow can require 80 hour work weeks, and life as a practicing physician is no less stressful. Before Crohn's, I was confident in my ability to meet these challenges, I was aware of the sacrifices, and I knew medicine was the path I should follow. But I am now reconsidering this career choice should the extreme fatigue return with the other symptoms. Although I feel great now, I know it's impossible to predict how long any given medication will work and how the disease will progress. The medical field just seems not to allow for the troubles of Crohn's.
Everyone I've talked to about it says go for it, and I agree that this disease should not limit what I want to do in life. But at the same time, I want to be realistic with myself. I've only dealt with this for a few months, but I've seen people on this board who've had it for 25 years or more. I'd greatly appreciate any honest advice or perspective that some might be able to offer, especially if Crohn's has impacted your career choice or how you have pursued your career/education.
The fact that medical school will put me in about $180,000 in debt makes it such an even bigger decision...there's no room for error, haha. Thanks for your time!
I'm 22 years old and was just diagnosed with Crohn's in March 2010. The pains and problems started last August as I began my last semester in college, wrapping up a degree in biochemistry, and applying to medical schools. Fortunately, I was accepted to my first choice in November and chalked up the symptoms to simply being stressed and nervous about the application process. However, the GI problems continued, mouth/throat ulcers made it difficult to eat, I lost 35 pounds, had iron-deficiency anemia, and I experienced some major fatigue and lack of focus that made it very difficult to finish out my last semester in the classroom. Fortunately, I was able to pass my classes and finish my degree...but it was very rough.
My doctor confirmed Crohn's in March. Prednisone helped until I had to taper off when everything came back full strength. Pentasa did not work either. For several reasons my doctor considers my case in the "moderate to severe" category and recommended trying a TNF-inhibitor. I started Humira 2 weeks ago with the 4 injection loading dose (in the stomach >>> thigh). And now, just 2 weeks later I feel like I'm back to my normal life. However, I'm now debating whether a career in medicine (and the path to get there) is realistic.
From talking with others, I know the 4 years of medical school are extremely demanding. It's mentally, physically, and emotionally exhaustive. The 2-4 years of residency which follow can require 80 hour work weeks, and life as a practicing physician is no less stressful. Before Crohn's, I was confident in my ability to meet these challenges, I was aware of the sacrifices, and I knew medicine was the path I should follow. But I am now reconsidering this career choice should the extreme fatigue return with the other symptoms. Although I feel great now, I know it's impossible to predict how long any given medication will work and how the disease will progress. The medical field just seems not to allow for the troubles of Crohn's.
Everyone I've talked to about it says go for it, and I agree that this disease should not limit what I want to do in life. But at the same time, I want to be realistic with myself. I've only dealt with this for a few months, but I've seen people on this board who've had it for 25 years or more. I'd greatly appreciate any honest advice or perspective that some might be able to offer, especially if Crohn's has impacted your career choice or how you have pursued your career/education.
The fact that medical school will put me in about $180,000 in debt makes it such an even bigger decision...there's no room for error, haha. Thanks for your time!
