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

Mon, April 19, 2010 11:42 AM

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

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 a University. 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

Thu, June 17, 2010 10:14 PM

Reply posted for dmstern8.

Is your son going to have a colostomy? Or are they able to do a J-pouch?

tallgrl30
Joined Mar 7, 2008

Thu, June 17, 2010 10:12 PM

Reply posted for tallgrl30.

I might add that I've also experienced a blood clot, was on Coumadin for 6 months. In that time frame I somehow must have been microscopically bleeding from my UC. And I went to the hospital with a hemoglobin of 6.6 (and usually I run about 9-10). I had to get 2 units of blood within a couple days. I can't take oral iron because I think it made me flare last time I took it so I've had to get iron infusions twice this year (which is 5 sessions each time. So far so good...last time I went to the Dr. my iron levels were good...I'm guessing I'll need more in August...but the length of time I go between infusions keeps increasing which is a positive sign.

I'm really praying I'm out of the woods as far as that goes!!!

tallgrl30
Joined Mar 7, 2008

Thu, June 17, 2010 10:09 PM

Reply posted for musicvet.

That's awesome that you are able to pursue your goals despite this disease. I was diagnosed with U.C. when I was 17 (about 6 months before the start of college). I just got into Nurse Practitioner school (I'm now 25 years old as well). I get nervous sometimes about it because it is a rigorous program, plus I work full time. I also have arthritis with this disease and I think I'm more nervous for the clinical portion of the schooling! I've been an ICU/Open Heart RN for the last 3 years and I do very well clinically, it's just I can't stand the questions day to day "are you limping" or having to run to the bathroom every 5 mins it seems sometimes.

I always have remained positive throughout my ups and downs and I just started taking Lialda a few days ago and I want to give it a chance to work before I throw in the towel with it. (It makes me have to go more it seems and in much smaller amounts, annoying and weird).

I'm very hopeful that someday soon I will be able to get this even more under control. I try to regulate my diet as well to combat triggoring it.

I wish you luck with your schooling and your future surgery!

Your story I'm sure has been great reassurance for people that have read it that your goals can be achieved one way or another.

tallgrl30
Joined Mar 7, 2008

Sun, June 06, 2010 6:59 PM

Reply posted for musicvet.

Seth,

I was first diagnosed when I was 19 and starting college. That was in 1979. I am now nearing 50. I am an architect. My career path in architecture was completely altered by my experience with crohn's and colitis. Most of that change was due to my attitude and pride (and to some extent the opinions of others).

I see that you already have a healthy attitude about the same issues. Your attitude is one I wish I had adopted during school. I'm glad to see someone on the best possible path.

Don't get me wrong. I have done very well for myself. It's just that I let the ailment dictate more of my life than I would have wished.

Best of luck. Please post more news as your career unfolds.

modongoad
Joined Jun 6, 2010

Thu, May 06, 2010 5:55 PM

Reply posted for musicvet.

Seth, your story is inspirational. I am a parent of a 15 year old son who was diagnosed with UC 7 months ago. Like you, he has tried all medications and therapy that did not work. In that time he has been hospitalized 3 times with complications such as pancreatitis not to mention the 3 blood transfusions. We are now at a crossroad and have determined that surgery would be the best thing. He will have his entire colon and rectum removed. Since he hegan his 10th grade year in high school, he has struggled with his grades. He is going to be home schooled for the remaining school year. We hope to have the surgery within the next couple of weeks and be cured of this disease by the time he enters 11 grade. Good luck to you. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders.

Derek's mom