Angela

I spent the last two days planning the next 12 years of my life. I've decided to reconsider becoming a doctor, so I had to change every minute detail of the "map" of what I expected life to be like in the next years.

I am positive that if I do become a doctor, I'm going to become an endocrinologist specializing in diabetes management in children. This would entail finishing my current degree, going on to medical school, a residency and finally a fellowship. This means the next 6 years of my life would be strictly school work. The 6 after that would be training in my field.

My consideration, as a diabetic and a woman, is about my health and the sacrifices I'd make. First, the time and energy it takes to complete a medical degree and program is unfathomable. I know diabetics deal with challenging careers every day, but it's still a factor in deciding the rest of your life. The late nights, the unhealthy eating habits, the stress will all affect my control. Am I willing to give up the "ease" of control in my semi-stressed life right now for that?

The biggest sacrifice I'd have to make would be putting off my family. As a normal woman, I don't think I'd have a problem with this. I'd just keep waiting until it was the right time and face the problems when I got to them.

However, as a diabetic with other health issues, I see fertility and pregnancy as two of the biggest challenges in my life. As a diabetic, I'm already a high risk pregnancy. Delaying this till I'm over 30 seems very dangerous to me (and to the future baby). As a woman with fertility issues already (read anovulatory syndrome), this seems nearly impossible for me.

So as I'm considering the medical field, I'm also considering my future with children. Should I adopt? Should I freeze my eggs? Should I just not worry and let the higher powers take control? What's best for my diabetes? What's best for my body? What's best for the child?