Dealing with health issues while on clinics? Need advice/encouragement

[Ash15]

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I was just diagnosed as being in early stages of an endocrine disorder earlier this week. I'm not having serious problems now because of it, but it's going to require close monitoring and probably some major decisions on treatment over the next couple of years. My biggest concern now is that I'm starting clinics in March and I'm worried about how I'm going to manage this then.

I know I won't be penalized for doctor's appointments as long as I get them excused in advance, but I'm still worried about how it's going to affect me. Then there's the possibility that by the time I get to clinics I'll have some symptoms to deal with too, which likely wouldn't be completely under control before clinics start since they're only 4 months away now, and that makes me really worried.

Does anyone have any advice or experience with something like this? I know at least the initial adjustment to clinics can be rough, and I'm afraid this will make it worse.

 

[dyachei]

I was just diagnosed as being in early stages of an endocrine disorder earlier this week. I'm not having serious problems now because of it, but it's going to require close monitoring and probably some major decisions on treatment over the next couple of years. My biggest concern now is that I'm starting clinics in March and I'm worried about how I'm going to manage this then.

I know I won't be penalized for doctor's appointments as long as I get them excused in advance, but I'm still worried about how it's going to affect me. Then there's the possibility that by the time I get to clinics I'll have some symptoms to deal with too, which likely wouldn't be completely under control before clinics start since they're only 4 months away now, and that makes me really worried.

Does anyone have any advice or experience with something like this? I know at least the initial adjustment to clinics can be rough, and I'm afraid this will make it worse.

Right before I went on clinics, I had surgery. While it wasn't a continuing issue, I did have to deal with some issues ahead of time.

Make sure you talk to your clinicians in advance.

Don't use it as an excuse. This is still your opportunity to learn.

Remember that your health needs to come first.

And good luck!

 

[Ash15]

Thanks for the response! And I definitely won't be using it as an excuse- I've been excited about clinics for months now and I'm determined not to let this trip me up.

I might have scared myself thanks to all the horror stories on the internet, but there's still no doubt that it'll progress over the next few months/year. It is manageable though, so I'm thankful for that. Oddly, the thing that most bothers me right now is knowing I'll be losing large chunks of some days to doctor's appointments (my endocrinologist is just over an hour away). I'm hoping I won't need more than one or two during any single rotation.

 

[dyachei]

Thanks for the response! And I definitely won't be using it as an excuse- I've been excited about clinics for months now and I'm determined not to let this trip me up.

I might have scared myself thanks to all the horror stories on the internet, but there's still no doubt that it'll progress over the next few months/year. It is manageable though, so I'm thankful for that. Oddly, the thing that most bothers me right now is knowing I'll be losing large chunks of some days to doctor's appointments (my endocrinologist is just over an hour away). I'm hoping I won't need more than one or two during any single rotation.

Just be prepared that you may have to make up some time. at the school I went to, missing more than 2 days per rotation required make up time (either during vacation blocks or at the end of all blocks.

 

[Lissarae06]

The 2 day rule is what Oklahoma State uses, too.

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Thanks for the response! And I definitely won't be using it as an excuse- I've been excited about clinics for months now and I'm determined not to let this trip me up.

I might have scared myself thanks to all the horror stories on the internet, but there's still no doubt that it'll progress over the next few months/year. It is manageable though, so I'm thankful for that. Oddly, the thing that most bothers me right now is knowing I'll be losing large chunks of some days to doctor's appointments (my endocrinologist is just over an hour away). I'm hoping I won't need more than one or two during any single rotation.

I would also make the students on your rotations aware as well. Clinics is about teamwork, and you don't need people getting resentful. If I was on a rotation with someone who I knew had health issues, I wouldn't be as pissed off if I needed to cover for them if I knew the reason. Just a nicely worded email to everyone - "Hey guys, as you know I am dealing with XY and Z, so I want to apologize in advance for any absences that result in you guys having more work to do. I will make up any missed time or work whenever I can, and if you guys need extra help with things I will be more than willing. etc"