I’m mad that its almost November and I’m making an order to Edgepark, who is my supply company. I’m mad that I was going to be done with all of this shit next month. I rarely think about it, and I rarely acknowledge the fact that in less than a month I would have been ostomy free, but right now I am. I’m still mad/bitter/sad/ect. The last few weeks I dont know if I’m getting lazy or what, but I’ve had 2 leaks. This is starting to drain on me, and I’m still not done. I have 4 more months to lose 20lbs and to have surgery.
I also got into grad school…so I have no clue…no clue at all, how this is all going to work with having a surgery in late Feb or early March. I dont even know if I should go to school. But I can’t get a job because no one will hire me with these surgeries so close. School is going be a 1.5 year commitment. And its going to cost a lot of money…Is it better to just skip school, and wait out these surgeries and get a job? I dont’ know yet. I just don’t know. I wan to go to school, but I feel like I’m getting greedy in life. I want my health and a masters degree? Get outta here. I’m pretty sure I’ve never had both of those things actually. I mean I got diagnosed with MS my last semester of my undergrad…and a few years later…here I am. I mean the idea of starting school seems more realistic now that I won’t have UC to cause me issues….but what if I have pouch problems? I mean its easier to skip class than it is work…but class = money. If I drop out of school because I get sick again…thats all wasted money.
ugh.
Stumbled on your blog and I must say, it is awesome. I am 26 and have a temporary loop ileostomy and while I haven’t had the same experience as you, I am kind of in a similar situation with going to grad school and knowing I need more surgeries. It’s stressful to consider all these aspects like money, time, and planning surgeries. I had an ostomy previously during undergrad and I wouldn’t let the pouch issues discourage you from going back to class. Just always be prepared and have your supplies with you. Good luck with whatever decision you make!
It has been hard to plan for 4 surgeries and recoveries with 4 kids too (I have no idea how school would work into it~flexibility wise)! Some how you just live your life and have ‘appointments’ you need to set up time for. Make sure you have enough help through your recovery and then get back to liven… I am planning on reversing my j-pouch this winter so I am already starting to get things in order to make our (my kids)life easier.
sarah
I say talk to the school. If they are willing to work with you if x, y, or z happens then go for it. My grad program was GREAT about my MS. I had a few relapses in a row and they really worked with me. That’s the cool thing about grad school, it’s a little different than undergrad. You CAN get sick and not attend every single class and still be successful if you’re a good writer (which duh, you are), good student, etc etc… Or at least that was my experience. I was honest with my professors and developed good relationships. You also find out pretty quickly that there are other people, profs included, who have their own health issues. I think they are much more understanding in school than in a work setting.
Not to mention if you register with the disabilities office (which I never did but know people who did and it helped them A LOT) then they will make accommodations if necessary. Schools want people with health problems in their programs so they can pat themselves on the back. Seriously. lol
Anyway, I say if grad school is important to you, DO IT. Don’t let this crap (literally – har har) hold you back. There will be a way for it to work out. And school is SO much better than work.