![]() Thanks to my buddy Bryan, today I had the opportunity to speak to 60 first year Med students at Rutgers University. I was invited to speak about my diagnosis, inpatient/outpatient experiences and explained the disadvantages and disabilities after HLH treatment and living with Stills Disease. Amanda was able to explain more of the medical aspects of things from when I was sedated. I was able to teach them some of the long term effects of the diseases and medications that affect my joints, organs and mobility on a daily basis. Some of these occurred because it took a long time to get a diagnosis and start treatment. Stills Disease is often referred to as an invisible illness because on the outside I look quite healthy, but on the inside my body is still attacking itself every day for the past 6.5 years. There is no cure and I have been unable to get to full remission with current available medications. The students also learned how difficult it can be for patients like me to maintain a full time job while navigating the healthcare system, insurance company, seeing specialists, getting labs, testing and pre-certs just for a few meds to keep me alive. I am truly grateful for this experience and hope it helps even just one student along their journey to becoming a doctor. |
Eric MajusiakEric was diagnosed with HLH & Still's Disease at 27 years old in 2012 and given only a 5% chance to live. This is his journey. Connect with EricArchives
November 2019
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