Pre Pharma School Struggles

[xtsukiyox]

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Looking for some inspiring stories from folks in my shoes. What did you have to overcome to get to pharmacy school?

I was accepted to my first choice school at the end of September. I've been having trouble with my right elbow (my dominant one) since August... Long story short, after several doctors (including an orthopedic oncologist 😱), an MRI, and several months, found out it's not tennis elbow after all - it's a somewhat rare condition (at least in the elbow) called PVNS. Just scheduled surgery for Tuesday. I have just enough medical knowledge to scare myself. I sure hope I'm recovered in time & nothing goes wrong. 🙁 I also have to cross my fingers that it doesn't come back soon... It's been a struggle to explain to the docs that the time I have to recover before pharmacy school (with benefits from work!) is running out. Now that surgery's imminent, now I have time to be afraid.

 

[gh0lee]

Looking for some inspiring stories from folks in my shoes. What did you have to overcome to get to pharmacy school?

I was accepted to my first choice school at the end of September. I've been having trouble with my right elbow (my dominant one) since August... Long story short, after several doctors (including an orthopedic oncologist 😱), an MRI, and several months, found out it's not tennis elbow after all - it's a somewhat rare condition (at least in the elbow) called PVNS. Just scheduled surgery for Tuesday. I have just enough medical knowledge to scare myself. I sure hope I'm recovered in time & nothing goes wrong. 🙁 I also have to cross my fingers that it doesn't come back soon... It's been a struggle to explain to the docs that the time I have to recover before pharmacy school (with benefits from work!) is running out. Now that surgery's imminent, now I have time to be afraid.

I hope the surgery goes well! you have my blessings! 👍

 

[ttngu234]

You are a very special and inspiring case. I truly wish you a quick and speedy recovery. I know it is hard at times, but it is important that you stay positive 🙂

For me:

Struggled first time around in school and my mother passed away during that time too. Afterward, I worked full time with full time course load and obtained a B.S. in Hotel & Restaurant Management. I procured a management position prior to graduation, and continued to manage in front office operations for about 2.5 years. Looked to see where I would be 5/10 years out, and I would still be working excessive hours, without being able to enjoy life.

Did a lot of research and after speaking with friends who were either pursing pharmacy or practicing pharmacists, I decided to pursue pharmacy. Obtained my technician license so that I could gain experience right away. First pre-pharmacy year, I was very active with University of Houston Pre-Pharmacy Association. After the first semester of working part time at Walgreens, I was able to land a full time position at Texas Children's Hospital, which gave me additional experience and helped me make ends meet financially.

Work full time, school full time, and after my 1st year back, I was elected as President for the Pre-Pharmacy Association (PPA), which is another full time job in itself, consisting of over 300 members. There are days where I feel like I am about to collapse, as there isn't a day that I have to myself at all. However, I remind myself why I chose this path toward pharmacy, and find inspiration through friends and my fellow PPA members.

I used to look at my circumstances and what I have to do to improve myself, wishing things could be easier. Everything happens for a reason though, and I have gained valuable experience. At the end of the day, I am just thankful that I have the opportunity to even make a career change and pursue a highly trusted profession.

Failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough. Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.

 

[kcwang]

Looking for some inspiring stories from folks in my shoes. What did you have to overcome to get to pharmacy school?

I was accepted to my first choice school at the end of September. I've been having trouble with my right elbow (my dominant one) since August... Long story short, after several doctors (including an orthopedic oncologist 😱), an MRI, and several months, found out it's not tennis elbow after all - it's a somewhat rare condition (at least in the elbow) called PVNS. Just scheduled surgery for Tuesday. I have just enough medical knowledge to scare myself. I sure hope I'm recovered in time & nothing goes wrong. 🙁 I also have to cross my fingers that it doesn't come back soon... It's been a struggle to explain to the docs that the time I have to recover before pharmacy school (with benefits from work!) is running out. Now that surgery's imminent, now I have time to be afraid.

Good luck with the surgery!! About two years ago, I got internal bleeding, and after several MRI and diagnosis, I was told I might have a small tumor. I was super depressed that day, and to make the matter worse, I got a speeding ticket on the way back. Long story short, they put a camera in me, and find out there wasn't any tumor! They end up finding out some other problems going back to the MRI (but not as bad as tumor..I think). This is not an inspiring story, but I understand how you feel now. I hope everything goes well for you.

 

[oktobre21]

Looking for some inspiring stories from folks in my shoes. What did you have to overcome to get to pharmacy school?

I was accepted to my first choice school at the end of September. I've been having trouble with my right elbow (my dominant one) since August... Long story short, after several doctors (including an orthopedic oncologist 😱), an MRI, and several months, found out it's not tennis elbow after all - it's a somewhat rare condition (at least in the elbow) called PVNS. Just scheduled surgery for Tuesday. I have just enough medical knowledge to scare myself. I sure hope I'm recovered in time & nothing goes wrong. 🙁 I also have to cross my fingers that it doesn't come back soon... It's been a struggle to explain to the docs that the time I have to recover before pharmacy school (with benefits from work!) is running out. Now that surgery's imminent, now I have time to be afraid.

Best of luck with the surgery! Hopefully you will recover in time and your elbow won't bother you anymore 🙂

I had an accident of sorts back in college, which put me in a wheelchair for over a year during which I couldn't participate in any volunteer activities or do research. I spent all my summers with surgeries and/or physical therapy, and had to take time off after college to heal and also add something to my resume, which was completely blank. I took 2 years off, worked hard, learned how to walk again (I can even run! Well, sort of...) and now am accepted to pharmacy school!

You have plenty of time between now and when the schools begin in Fall. It will all be OK 🙂 At least yo found out about it now! What if it had started bothering you later on in life, when you started pharmacy school or during rotations? See, it could have been worse.

 

[PharmDoner]

Fear is healthy. If you were not a little scared then THAT would be scarey. The best you can do is put trust in you Doctor and other health professionals and do your best to recover in time. I too hope all goes well...

 

[positivesign]

Dear OP,

I hope you get well soon! I think other than the physical barriers, we applicants all go through emotional stresses as we prepare applications and such. My heart goes out for you and I wish that this event in your life will make you into a person with courage and strength who can empathize with other people who also are in trouble, hardships, etc. Good luck with your pre-matriculation processes and God bless you!

 

[owlegrad]

I hope your recovery is fast and wish you the best!

 

[Rockinacoustic]

Just remember your health comes before anything else, including school. And don't be afraid to talk to your professors if you need to reschedule exams and /or assignments. I've witnessed a very supportive faculty at my school and hope you encounter the same.

 

[xtsukiyox]

Thanks everyone.

It's only a week post-op so I'll have to see how it goes, but I will definitely let the school know if I need any accomodations. I'm sure they'll be understanding. 🙂

Sent from my SPH-M900 using Tapatalk

 

[Indypharm]

I hope you have a speedy recovery!

 

[Digsbe]

I hope you recover quickly and that after recovery your elbow is perfectly well!

 

[Nelcovp]

Looking for some inspiring stories from folks in my shoes. What did you have to overcome to get to pharmacy school?

I was accepted to my first choice school at the end of September. I've been having trouble with my right elbow (my dominant one) since August... Long story short, after several doctors (including an orthopedic oncologist 😱), an MRI, and several months, found out it's not tennis elbow after all - it's a somewhat rare condition (at least in the elbow) called PVNS. Just scheduled surgery for Tuesday. I have just enough medical knowledge to scare myself. I sure hope I'm recovered in time & nothing goes wrong. 🙁 I also have to cross my fingers that it doesn't come back soon... It's been a struggle to explain to the docs that the time I have to recover before pharmacy school (with benefits from work!) is running out. Now that surgery's imminent, now I have time to be afraid.

Going to MWUCPG, correct? I think 2.5 months of heal time will be good enough to allow you to attend classes and take notes. I believe most info is presented via powerpoints that you can print out. You can lug any books with your good arm. If not, I'll lug them for you for a little bit. If I can ever decide where I'm going to school. I think most books, if any, will stay at home. I think the biggest deal is the surgery itself. Regardless of what is going on in your life, surgery is scary and sucky. Now add to that starting pharmacy school, which is stressful and somewhat nerve racking. You will be fine.

 

[xtsukiyox]

Going to MWUCPG, correct? I think 2.5 months of heal time will be good enough to allow you to attend classes and take notes. I believe most info is presented via powerpoints that you can print out. You can lug any books with your good arm. If not, I'll lug them for you for a little bit. If I can ever decide where I'm going to school.

Yes, MWU-CPG. 😍 My hero!

I think it calls for a tape recorder, laptop, and a rolling backpack. I can certainly attend classes - my mind is just fine.

I think most books, if any, will stay at home. I think the biggest deal is the surgery itself. Regardless of what is going on in your life, surgery is scary and sucky. Now add to that starting pharmacy school, which is stressful and somewhat nerve racking. You will be fine.

The stress is a killer, although for the last week I've had this strange vacation where nothing at all has been required of me. Helluva way to get a vacation though. 😉

I had (have? IDK what the right tense is) a rare condition in the elbow, so rare that the surgeon had only seen it once before. Scary thing is that it semi-commonly recurs over time.

It was a pretty invasive surgery (as far as elbow surgeries go) although it was done arthroscopically. An uncommon complication to this surgery is losing feeling & function in your hand... It was uncommon enough the surgeon didn't mention the possibility and seemed surprised when I reported it. He thinks I'll eventually recover but it's an undetermined timeframe. Unfortunately, this is my dominant hand - I can't even really hold a pen right now, much less write.

I hope 2.5 months will be enough for me to have mostly recovered & not have to go to many follow up / therapy appointments. It's really early in the process, so I'm trying to focus on doing what I can now. I'm determined & motivated to do what I can... Time will tell. Tell you what - I will be a master at waiting after the last year. I'm the sort of person who likes to take action, and I'm learning to conserve energy where action would just be spinning my wheels. If I can learn the lesson of focused effort & patience, I hope I'll look back & say this path was all worth it in the end.

ETA: Thanks again for all the support guys. 🙂

 

[pharmula]

Wow, I just want to say, you're very inspirational. Despite all this stress, you've still managed to stay optimistic & look at this from a mature point of view. Your demeanor, mood (considering), & willingness to help hasn't changed and I think that shows just how strong you are & gives you courage that no matter what adversity you face, you'll be just fine and face it like the strong person you know you are. 👍 to you. And of course, hope you have a speedy recovery!

 

[Nelcovp]

I recently bought myself a new rolling thingy for school. You should really look at the bright side...... your surgery could have been on June 4th.

Yes, MWU-CPG. 😍 My hero!

I think it calls for a tape recorder, laptop, and a rolling backpack. I can certainly attend classes - my mind is just fine.



The stress is a killer, although for the last week I've had this strange vacation where nothing at all has been required of me. Helluva way to get a vacation though. 😉

I had (have? IDK what the right tense is) a rare condition in the elbow, so rare that the surgeon had only seen it once before. Scary thing is that it semi-commonly recurs over time.

It was a pretty invasive surgery (as far as elbow surgeries go) although it was done arthroscopically. An uncommon complication to this surgery is losing feeling & function in your hand... It was uncommon enough the surgeon didn't mention the possibility and seemed surprised when I reported it. He thinks I'll eventually recover but it's an undetermined timeframe. Unfortunately, this is my dominant hand - I can't even really hold a pen right now, much less write.

I hope 2.5 months will be enough for me to have mostly recovered & not have to go to many follow up / therapy appointments. It's really early in the process, so I'm trying to focus on doing what I can now. I'm determined & motivated to do what I can... Time will tell. Tell you what - I will be a master at waiting after the last year. I'm the sort of person who likes to take action, and I'm learning to conserve energy where action would just be spinning my wheels. If I can learn the lesson of focused effort & patience, I hope I'll look back & say this path was all worth it in the end.

ETA: Thanks again for all the support guys. 🙂

 

[snopharm]

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[rxlea]

Thanks everyone.

It's only a week post-op so I'll have to see how it goes, but I will definitely let the school know if I need any accomodations. I'm sure they'll be understanding. 🙂

Sent from my SPH-M900 using Tapatalk

I'm glad you're doing ok. 🙂

As for pre pharm struggles? I had a lot. I didn't grow up in the best neighborhood and got into some trouble as a teen. I never knew my biological father. I was gay bashed and became really depressed. This was in the 90's when being gay was still associated with HIV and there were no legal protections. I went to a high school that had race riots and being latina and gay made it tough. We didn't have as much money as other families either although we did ok. When I was about to graduate high school, a school counselor helped me fill out college apps (i didn't know how and I knew nothing about college). But when I got to college I got sucked in; I drank and partied a lot. Got into some trouble, had unhealthy relationships, and failed a lot of classes. I made up for it though and finally graduated in 2006. I was on the six year plan lol. After that, I had some health issues and it took me three years to finish pre reqs. With some determination, here I am 🙂 the ironic part is throughout all that, even in high school, I held a job. I paid for my own stuff and at one point held two jobs. I moved out at seventeen and have been managing. I don't mean to tell a sob story and I took responsibility for every single poor choice. But I'm one of the lucky ones. Lots of my childhood friends didn't graduate, never went to college, ended up in the slammer a long time, and/or never broke free from the grip of drug abuse. I guess I have a deeper understanding of life in the ghetto and it pisses me off when people call others coming from a situation similar to mine"parasites". It ain't easy to get ahead when you're poor, lack support, go to a ****ty school, and are in an environment where drugs and violence are the norm. Fortunately my mother always pushed me even when I hated it. She made me do all sorts of things like band, volunteering, theatre, etc. She knew that if I didn't and I didn't stay busy, I would end up like my cousins with kids out of wedlock, in trouble with the law, and addicted to drugs. It was the best thing she ever did for me. I'm extremely blessed/fortunate whatever you want to call it. You know that song by Maino "All The Above"? That's my song. Every word.

 

[Pojman]

We all have our own struggles. I am wracked with horrible ADD, and to make matters worse, I am a recovered alcoholic (woo hoo!). In fact, I am distracted right at this moment posting on this website. My organic chemistry book is under my arms as I type here instead of studying. We all got our problems! haha

 

[xtsukiyox]

Nelcovp, you hit the nail on the head. I had to really fight to get the surgery done as early as possible. I've been to... 6 different doctors for this issue this year? In addition to pharma school, I had to make sure it happened while I still have work benefits. I never thought an out of pocket maximum would sound so good. Plus - you can't beat paid short term leave. It was hard sometimes to go to school & work, but right now I'm glad I did.

Snopharm & rxlea, wow, thanks for sharing. Snopharm, my mom has helped me so much lately I don't know where i'd be without her. Rxlea, I have so much respect for you having climbed from where you have. Few people escape from that level, much less the special type of it we have in AZ. While I never exactly walked it, I've glimpsed it and I can say I don't know enough to understand. It's amazing to me that both of you were able to strive for & achieve something you once thought completely out of reach.

Pojman, get to work. 😉 Seriously, though, you can do it if you work at it (as you are). And what an accomplishment that will be.

Sent from my SPH-M900 using Tapatalk

 

[flyerschickxox]

Just wanted to wish you luck with everything 🙂
I had something close to that happen to me this past summer. I was taking summer classes and had the semester coming up and found out I had to have shoulder surgery. Rehab was over 6 months and I couldnt write for over a month and couldn't carry anything for over 3 months. I was worried about my classes til I got there and teachers were very willing to work with me. I wasn't sure how it would go but it went a thousand times better than I thought it would. They usually even went out of the way to help me. I hope you have the same experience 🙂

 

[Nelcovp]

I always used to think the rolly thingies were lame, until recently I realized they would be freaking AWESOME to have during school with a butt-load of books.

I used to think they were lame too. However, the older I get the less i care what people see me dragging around. Also, I find it more lame to lug 30 lbs of books.

I graduated with my bachelors degree, and subsequently, my mother died this past September 2011. I was happy that my mom was able to see me graduate college, even though she didn't last much longer.

My mom died on Christmas Eve, 2009. She was only 61. It was just after my first semester of prereqs. I feel your pain.

 

[snopharm]

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