Students with crohns

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markbills85

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Nov 23, 2009
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Hey ,

just wondering how many students out there with crohns/ what everyone is studying I did 5 years of Kinesiology and Now doing my Masters in physical Therapy, only 8 weeks away from being done my 1st of 2 full years. Its a rough go considering Im in class from 8-4 everyday then studying for hours after that or in labs. Find myself hanging by a thread some weeks but I guess if its something u really wanan do youll find a way to fight through all the pain and bad days!
 
I was a student, just graduated from Purdue University with a BA in Law and minors in forensic science and psychology.

Some semesters you just gotta do what you can... but I found myself taking advantage of the ones where I felt good. This last semester I was a teaching assistant and I took on a more managerial role at my part-time job. It was exhausting but I'm glad I got to take advantage of those opportunities.
 
I'm student in a state of limbo. I was a nursing major but I'm hopefully going to seminary a year from now so I'm just going to be taking classes to help me out in seminary.
 
Yeah I hear yah katiesue, when im feeling good I try to dominate exams then i just take huge hits if Im feeling bad - i also find myself doing work ina dvance sometimes just incase i get sick - i guess crohns makes u really proactice and organized - if u fall behind and get a flare ur screwed lol
 
I've been a student all of my crohns life for the past 19 years. Last year I graduated from Claremont Graduate University with my Master's Degree in Fine Art (I'm a sculptor). Best thing to do is to keep in touch with your professors about your illness so they know that you may miss class more than the average bear. They're all very understanding and want you to succeed so let them help you by letting them know your situation.
 
Once upon a time I was a student with Crohn's, earned a degree in literature from San Diego State University.
 
I'm going to be a sophomore next year. Doing a major in biology and minors in Asian studies and Classical studies. Hoping to go to med school one day, so I have mucha escuela ahead of me.

CrabbyRelish said:
I've been a student all of my crohns life for the past 19 years. Last year I graduated from Claremont Graduate University with my Master's Degree in Fine Art (I'm a sculptor). Best thing to do is to keep in touch with your professors about your illness so they know that you may miss class more than the average bear. They're all very understanding and want you to succeed so let them help you by letting them know your situation.
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You're a sculptor? That's pretty neat. I haven't been around for a while, but have you posted pics of your sculptures anywhere? :)

Jeff said:
I'm student in a state of limbo. I was a nursing major but I'm hopefully going to seminary a year from now so I'm just going to be taking classes to help me out in seminary.
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Good luck, man. I think my brother wants to go to seminary too. :)
 
I got diagnosed right before I started school studying bioinformatics. Now I'm doing my Ph.D in molecular biology at one of the top graduate schools for medical research in the country. Just gotta make school a priority and do your best to not let crohns be a distraction. When you flare, just make sure your professors know and get in touch with the disability resource people at your school. You have rights to allow for you to succeed even if your disease is active. You just need to make sure the right people know about it and that you have the right documentation in case you run into an asshat of a professor.
 
I had just finished my first semester at seminary studying to get my Master's in Mental Health Counseling when I finally experienced the worst of my Crohn's (no wonder it seemed to take me SO long to read for all my classes!). I took the spring semester off because I was in the hospital and didn't know if I'd be out in time to start.

I've actually reconsidered seminary and am looking to get some sort of writing degree perhaps in writing and publishing. I'd need to put together a portfolio to submit though, so I'm trying to figure out the best way to get some classes that can give me more practice and pieces for the portfolio.

It will be the first time I'll be in school knowing I have Crohn's, so I guess I'll have to start thinking about telling professors in case I feel sick again.
 
I am a predoctoral fellow in Pathology at UAB, getting my PhD by the end of the year... that is unless this flare doesn't go away. Right now I am on medical leave due to a severe flare that isn't responding to meds. My profs are pretty understanding and I'm lucky to have independent funding which makes my schedule flexible. Graduate school is a lot of work, but it can actually be quite liberating--its more about research and less class time, etc that undergraduate.

I'm looking to stay in academia and continue biomedical research when I finish.
 
Thanks for the well wishes on going to seminary. I actually just talked to the Vocations Director today and hopefully in the fall I'll apply. School just doesn't concern me anymore but at least I have a track in mind for next year. I'll be studying as much Spanish as possible and I'll finish up my last pre-requisite class...math. So hopefully I can work a lot between now and then and I won't be much of a student for a year.haha
 
Im in my first year studying Human Nutrition. Finding it rly tough atm, got an exam tomorrow and I am just not motivated, Have done hardly any revision because I want to be in bed. :( I'm scared about the exam but I just cant look at my notes without my head and eyes hurting. Ive been sat there for hours doing nothing, I get bursts of motivation and realise I don't understand anything so stop again. :(
 
Procyon said:
You're a sculptor? That's pretty neat. I haven't been around for a while, but have you posted pics of your sculptures anywhere? :)
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No, I guess I never thought to. Don't wanna hijack the thread though. You can see some of my work on Facebook under the name Jennifer Scrivani (my website still isn't up yet).
 
I'm glad I read this topic. I've been thinking over and over again about going back to school. However, the thought of a Crohn's flare has made me reconsider too many times. This topic has reassured me that I *can* do it, Crohn's or not!
 
I have a B.A in sociology and have one more course to go for a B.S.W Bachelor of Social Work. I am interested in medical social work, specifically I.C.U or P.I.C.U. ER wasn't really for me (even though I liked it) but you have to be an adrenaline junkie, I think. You also cant excuse yourself to use the washroom :)
 
You may be waiting a while ;) Haven't convinced myself I'm going yet. Though yesterday after reading a book on IBD I said "Maybe I should be a nutritionist!" Haha
 
well, should be interesting who sees me first.. you or my GI to do the tests... such a LOOONG wait haha
 
Hey am currently at uni doing my degree in nursing love it but its tough going work part time aswell.its fine when am in remission but with determination it will be worth it am sure!!
 
Roo(18) started uni this year. A couple of years ago she was pretty determined to be a dietician but in the last 6 months it changed to psychology. She has stuck with psychology and added politics. Fingers crossed she stays in remission!
 
I'm halway into my first year, studying BSc Zoology and environmental management. this far its been o.k. Just trying to stay calm and not stress about tests and exams. That just makes everything worse!!
 
I'm a student at Tuskegee University. I'm in my last semester of my undergrad education and I am studying Food Science. It has been a struggle to make it through school especially since my treatment has been on and off due to financial reasons.
 
I am a grad student for Mental Health Counseling. I had to change my career from lab work and now chose this career. It was too much for my body with too many hours in the lab. I am more than 1/2 way done with my masters for the counseling program. I am hoping that with the crohns that this new career choice will be easier to deal with when not feeling well.
 
I am hoping for psychotherapy. I know I have to start in an agency or hospital before I can get the license. To open up my options I am also looking to do the practicum in the fall for school counseling also just incase I cannot find a job!
I am really open to working with a number of different populations. I have worked with seniors but I do want to get more experience with a few different populations to broaden my chances of getting a job after!
Maybe one day I will go for the PHd in Clinical I will see!
What about you Marisa!?
 
I was diagnosed with Crohn's while I was still in elementary school... and I think high school was harder than college, in that college students are quite a bit more sympathetic than high school kids are... lol.

I, however, was fortunate enough that my parents had good jobs, so I did not have to work at all while going to nursing school, and I broke my degree down into 6 years rather than 4. It was still tough, but if you are determined, you can do it. Just don't be TOO hard on yourself! :)

BTW, anyone thinking about "further" education, concider "on-line" learning. I am taking my masters though on line learning at the moment (actually just started), but it's kinda nice 'cos you can do it from the bathroom if you need to!! LMAO (I'm kidding! - but you can do it from your home, anyway...)
 
Well, I had originally wanted to do marriage and family therapy, but I'm rethinking the whole counseling career. Just not sure I'm suited for it. But I think it's a fascinating field and admire anyone who can do it. It can be very emotionally taxing :)
 
Ahhhh... just wrote 4 exams in a 3 hour span 2day and I got 3 more to go! In a lot of pain with my crohns just trying to stay alive til thursday then i got 3 days to relax before i work in the hospital for 6 weeks
 
Hey, I've done 3 years at uni doing a nursing degree. Was going to do medicine however, the crohn's stopped that (didn't get the grades I needed for uni!). Am pleased with my choice though now. Started my first job as a staff nurse
last september.
 
I'm almost done with my third year of High school. Next year will kind of be like my first year at college, seeing as I'm kind of doing an early admission sort of thing. (Technically dual enrollment since I have one class at the high school and 4-5 at the uni)

It's tough getting up early, but it has to be done and since I'll be attending class with my sister she'll make me get up even if I feel bad, which is good, sometimes I need someone to make me do something Lol
 
I'll graduate in the Spring from Florida State with two degrees in Food and Nutrition Science and Dietetics. It's taken me 5 years but only because I added another major. Slowly looking at grad schools but currently not feeling great so my mind is just kind of focused on graduating. Was actually going to do an Honors Thesis these last 2 semesters but there's just no way in hell that's happening. If I ever start to feel better I'd like to get a masters/pHD in Food Chemistry or Food Science. I feel like I've been in school forever though I haven't had a break (not even summer) in like 3 years so I'm really looking forward to some time off to do things that I'd like to do.
 
I have three months left of my masters degree in Furniture conservation and restoration.
I'm just finishing my dissertation at the moment, it has to be in in three weeks! Plus, I have a heck of a lot of practical work to do, I'm a gilder.
I love what I do though, even if it is hard work. I can't wait to get out there and find a job!

Lucinda

Edited: because of stupid predictive text.
 
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Awesome thread! I knew there were more students on here, but we were all spread out over the forum...

I'm a first year medical student. It's really challenging but I love what I'm learning. :) I'm going through a rough patch right now with the Crohn's. Colonoscopy on Sept. 7 showed only mild inflammation, but I've started bleeding this week. Le sigh.
 
I'm currently working full time and doing a prep course for uni through distance education. I can't wait to finish and start uni, I'm aiming towards doing a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and seeing how I go from there. I would love to go on to study Medicine/Surgery but that's a long way off for me at the moment.
 
I have a month or 2 left before i complete my honours in psychology.
despite being a part timer, I think the workload has taken its toll on me. working on thesis , finding it bit stressful.. and last few months been hit by some pretty intense symptoms.
 
I'm finding it really interesting that there are so many of us who are interested in the medical, nursing and psychology fields. I guess people who have experienced what it is like to go through things like we do make the best professionals because they know exactly what it's like.
 
I am a senior at a creative and performing arts honor school, where I major in Literary Arts - I'm looking to be a freelance writer; seems like the perfect profession for a Crohnie, making my own schedule. I haven't actually been able to experience my senior year yet, this attacked me all summer and I am out until middle October. :( Ah well!
 
seaofdreams said:
I'm finding it really interesting that there are so many of us who are interested in the medical, nursing and psychology fields. I guess people who have experienced what it is like to go through things like we do make the best professionals because they know exactly what it's like.
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I agree with you!
 
seaofdreams said:
I'm finding it really interesting that there are so many of us who are interested in the medical, nursing and psychology fields. I guess people who have experienced what it is like to go through things like we do make the best professionals because they know exactly what it's like.
Click to expand...

yeah seems so true.
I was facilitating a support group for kids with chronic illnesses. You wouldn't believe how many of them wanted to study nursing or were already doing so!
 
I'm a medical student. It's been tough, especially since I was super sick during exams last spring (got diagnosed this summer).

cally - I'm so sorry you have Crohn's, but so excited to see another med student!! It's nice to feel like I'm not the only one :)
 
I have a Masters degree as well and now teach college. My advice to those of you attending school: let your profs know what is going on and when you are in class be on the ball so that when you miss class it won't set you so far behind. Also- what got me through was just doing it, not thinking about the stress of studies while ill. Dig deep. If you're in college, you're half way there already!
 
deedee said:
I'm a medical student. It's been tough, especially since I was super sick during exams last spring (got diagnosed this summer).

cally - I'm so sorry you have Crohn's, but so excited to see another med student!! It's nice to feel like I'm not the only one :)
Click to expand...

hey! what year are you?
 
Nursing seems like the safest bet right now. Baby boomers going to need care as time moves on!

I graduated three years ago from ... art school ... Crohns must have given me a mulligan because I was symptom free like I never had been during those years. I had the worst diet in the world, pulled all nighters constantly, and got low quality sleep. I was so focused and driven that for all I know I may have ignored small symptoms. I'm thankful I made it through without being sidetracked.

I am however taking concept design courses to enhance my portfolio.. and also because I like tax write offs. So I get to technically be a student again, therefore, I shall post in this thread!
 
School and child psych here.

If I could go back I would have tried to have been a GI.
 
seaofdreams said:
I'm finding it really interesting that there are so many of us who are interested in the medical, nursing and psychology fields. I guess people who have experienced what it is like to go through things like we do make the best professionals because they know exactly what it's like.
Click to expand...

yeah, it is interesting! I got diagnosed after I started med school, so that wasn't the case for me, but it definitely makes sense.

cally - I'm a 3rd year :) PM me anytime if you wanna chat!
 
I just started college 3 weeks ago...I'm taking Architecture. So far, so good :) I'm sure it'll get harder...I'm just glad I don't have to worry about running to the bathroom anymore. I wouldn't have been able to do this without Oscar :)
 
Add me to this list. I'm a junior at Pitzer College in California studying Political Science & Creative Writing. The school is really great and my professors are understanding, even though I am still undiagnosed (though GI suspects Crohn's).

Most days I am okay at school with the exception of pain and nausea, which can really throw me for a loop. I haven't had too many bouts of diarrhea at school so far (fingers crossed!).
 
I missed out on 1.5 years of school because of Crohn's on top of the fact that I started College almost a year after graduating and had one light work load for a semester. I should of had by Bachelors in Economics by now but because of some choices plus my very first Crohns flare up (which I am still dealing with) I still gotta while to go
 

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