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UC and being in school (College, Veterinary School) - Seth's Story

Mon, March 29, 2010 9:03 PM

Hello Everyone,

My name is Seth, and I am 25 years old. I have been living with Ulcerative colitis for 5 years now (I was diagnosed March 2005). I have gone through many ups and downs and have been on every medication imaginable. I am currently pursuing my dream of becoming a Veterinarian, and I am in my 2nd year of vet school at the University of Florida. I am currently stable enough to get through school, but I do struggle. I guess I have a unique situation in that my doctor and I agree that I need to have the J-pouch surgery, but we have decided to wait a year, so I do not have
to delay school and graduate a year later. I will be having my 1st J-pouch surgery June 2011 (a period where I have some time off). It is hard to wait that long, especially when I am so optimistic about the surgery, but it is something I have to do. I have a wonderful support staff in my family and my girlfriend (who is a 3rd year medical student).

I wanted to encourage all those out there who are suffering from UC, keep pursuing your dreams and dont let anything stand in your way. Ulcerative colitis is a part of my life, but it is by no means what defines me as a person; and I encourage all of you to feel the same way.

If anyone has any questions about getting through school and UC, or anything else, please feel free to message me.

Stay strong! Pursue life to the fullest! Never be ashamed to ask for help!

~Seth

musicvet
Joined Jan 24, 2009

Tue, April 13, 2010 4:50 PM

Reply posted for musicvet.

Hey Seth and everyone,

I am a Gator as well. I'm wondering if there are any support groups for students or other UF people? I've had Crohn's since I was 5 years old. Now I'm 21, I'm about to graduate but I'm attending UF law in the fall. It's amazing the recent technologies and medicines they have now that were unthinkable when I was first diagnosed. I'm thankful everyday for this type of innovation. I've never had surgery (thank god) but I've experienced pretty much everything except that, even some things many doctors were baffled with. I've tried pretty much every medicine. If anyone wants someone to talk to about these issues, a little support, or just a friend, feel free to shoot me an email-

nnevins@ufl.edu

Living a normal life is possible.

-Nate

gator4life
Joined Apr 13, 2010

Fri, April 09, 2010 11:40 PM

Reply posted for FlowerPower.

In reply to the woman with a 6th grader with Crohn's.

Just wanted to share... I have crohns and am a special education teacher. If your daughter does need to miss large chunks of schooling she is eligible to receive helpful services from her school. I starting having auto immune problems in high school and missed a large amount of time at school. I now work as a home instructor tutor for kids who have health problems. The students are eligible for an hour of tutoring from a certified teacher each day of the week when they are out for extended time. I don't know if this specific schedule/plan is typical, but I just wanted to encourage you to make sure you get the help from the school that you deserve!!

beachgirl08
Joined Apr 9, 2010

Wed, March 31, 2010 4:04 PM

Reply posted for musicvet.

Hi Seth

thanks for sharing your story - it is great to hear something positive!! My daughter is currently out of school while going through a flare. SHe is only in 6th grade and we have to wonder how the rest of her school years are going to be affected. Hope you are feeling well and congrats to you for not letting UC Crohn's get in your way of your dream!!

flowerpower
Joined Jan 24, 2010

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