Community Forum

I am in the process of applying to be a NYC firefighter and I was wondering if they could not hire me because of past history of colitis.  I have a medical exam coming up and I have to complete a disclosure form that specifically asks about past history of gastro-intestinal disorder.  I was diagnosed with colitis/proctitis 2 years ago, took asacol for about a month or 2, and have been without symptoms since then.  Could I be disqualified because of this?  Does anyone have any comments?

 Reply posted for crohnie.

I was diagnosed during the period of time that Operation Desert Storm was going on in the middle east.  My father was concerned that since I was 18 and out of high school I could get summoned under Selective Service if things were to drag out over there, so he checked with his uncle who was a Brigadier General in the Air National Guard and was told that the Crohn's precluded me from military service.  That was almost 20 years ago so I am not sure if it changed.

I would check with the recruiter to be sure but I would imagine it still holds true.

Hope this helps.

 Reply posted for shell.

I've always wondered if that extended into the Armed Services. I know we can't go on combat duty because the majority of us are dependent on meds... I'm too embarassed to ask a Recruiting officer.

 Reply posted for tallgrl30.

I have a question for you...I am a cna at a hospital and have been there for 10 years...In feb of this year I found out I have crohns and colitis...I've got a double problem...Anyways, I am full time and have insurance through my work cause my husband changed jobs...He was a truckdriver...I have to work so many hours cause of my insurance and also I am fulltime and have been since I started there...The lady that does the scheduleing does it for the whole month...She only gave me 10 days this month...That's not near enough for fulltime nor to pay for insurance...Our insurance costs about $500 a month...I won't end up with anything in the end...That doesn't pay bills...My boss said that the reason why she only put me on for 10 days only was cause she didn't want to have to find a replacement for me if I was sick...I have been hospitalized twice in the last two months...I have to take a day off every 8 weeks cause I take remicade...Anyways, my question is, can they fire me or let me go cause of being sick...I have always had doctor notes...Where we live you can just about get what you want from the docs cause we live in a very small community...I don't want to loose my job...I like what I do...And like I said cause of living in such a small community I am not going to find another job that pays what I make now...Thanks for listening...That's one thing I like about this website, everyone listens and are very sympathetic...That helps when you are sick...thanks alot....jdpinkmom...

 Reply posted for mdbk.

Crohn's is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, so as long as you are able to do the job, your illness part os protected by the ADA.  Hope that helps!

 Reply posted for mdbk.

Living in Ca., I'm sure our rules are different out here.  I think the best thing to do would be to research the medical requirements for your state and/or department.  I have been turned down for employment as a peace officer in California for medical reasons.  They did not have to tell me why, just that I was rejected.  Even though I had successfully passed a police academy!  Good Luck in your quest...

 Reply posted for mdbk.

First let me say good luck with all your fireman endevors. Second, my knowledge may help you. I have a close friend who has been a fire captain in Pheonix, AZ for over a decade. I was going to apply but I thought I would not be accepted because of my colitis medical history. He said recruiting is not like it used to be. They now accept many candidates with various medical illnesses. His comment was he said as long as the candidate can pass all the physical tests and continue to perform them in their job as a fireman then there isn't a problem. He also tells me he knows quite a few firemen that have colostomies. I guess my point is I don't know if they actually have a list of medical illnesses that automatically disqualify you for the job rather it seems as though it's based more on an individual performance level than anything else.

 Reply posted for mdbk.

I dont think they should disqualify you for this.  As long as your symptoms are under control and you dont have to run outta the burning building to go potty!  I often worry too because I'm an open heart nurse which a highly demanding job and it stinks trying to find time to go to the bathroom somedays.  Good Luck!