Crohn's disease

[sonnina]

I really need some help and information. Is there any active duty RN out there that has Crohns's disease? Specifically, anyone that was diagnosed prior to joining the military. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

I would suspect that one would probably not be permitted to join the military with any form of IBD, either ulcerative colitis or crohn's.

You may wish to check that though with them.

[2012RN2b]

I'm not sure what the regs are for entering Active Duty w/ Crohn's but a good friend, w/ about 10 years of active duty servie, was medical boarded and medically retired last year due to Chrohn's. I'm not 100% certain but I believe she began to have issues and was diagnosed after she was already active duty for several years.

[Star City RN]

My three sons have IBD (two with Crohn's; one with ulcerative colitis). The two youngest (now ages 20 and 25) have, through the years, inquired about joining the military.

It is our understanding that the Surgeons General of each branch have their own standing policies regarding IBD (ie: the Marines will not consider any recruit with a hx of IBD), with the Army now being the most "lenient." For the Army, the recruit's disease must be inactive, without IBD-related meds, for at least one year.

Also, the the type of military career choice may be limited for someone with IBD; for instance, they may be excluded from flight careers as pilots.

Good luck, and be well!