Not declaring disabilities/health issues: did anyone else do this?

Re: Did anyone else do this?

I'd advise anyone to disclose anything. I don't think its worth the risk, to be honest. I have a disorder that won't affect my daily life or my capacity to be a good midwife, but I'm still declaring because its better to be safe than sorry. They won't penalise you for it, but you never know whats round the corner, and it wouldn't look too impressive if halfway through your course you needed to declare it. You can still be a midwife (although somewhat restricted) if you have HIV/AIDS so I'm sure that if it didn't affect your daily life, there would be no problem!
You could just put that very occasionally you have joint difficulty but it does not affect your routine tasks and you've covered all eventualities

Re: Did anyone else do this?

that's a good way of wording it, thankyou, I'll say that

Re: Did anyone else do this?

you must tell them, occy health will get your doctor to disclose any illness/disability on your record. If you lie it will effect your place. I know that people with heart conditions, depression etc have been fine as long as they see that its under control.

I would echo what everyone else has said. You need to declare conditions that may affect your work. There are some that may bar you from practising, but they are very few. You can even practise if you are HIV positive, with some small limitations. Occ health will support you all the way and make allowances for your condition. It will get you extra help in exams, etc if necessary, it will get you dispensation with shifts and absence, if it warrants. You could get support in writing essays as well. If you have something covered by the disabilities discrimination act (DDA) you have a lot more clout. I have bipolar disorder and dyslexia, and have practised midwifery for 7 years now. It gets you a lot of support, there's no issue with my increased absence, and so on. It makes your colleagues and employer more understanding. If you have something covered by the DDA you CAN'T be treated unfairly because of what you've got.
However.... if you don't declare it, you are opening up a BIIIIG can of worms. You could be deemed unsafe to practise, which is a big no-no as far as the NMC is concerned. It may also negate your insurance too. It's also dishonest, which the university won't like. There are loads of benefits in declaring stuff, but it really isnt good to keep it to yourself.
Yes you will need more than just a sign-off by an occ health nurse, but that is OK given the benefits

this thread has made me think about my situation. Early last year i suffered from depression to the extent which i wont say but you can probably guess what happened. But i am all better now, so do i need to declare this as im not on any medication or anything for it? xx

Yes, I think so. My occy health department gave me a form with the question "have you ever had depression?" and asked for brief details and dates. x

okay thank you lovey xx

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (kinda like CFS/ME, but with joint pains similar to Arthritis) last Summer and spent 6 months off work ... to be honest, I don't know now and will never be 100% certain if that was what I had. I was tested for Arthritis, Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis as a result of my varying symptoms.

I worry to a degree about telling prospective Universities about it - because I don't want it to hold me back. But I have decided to be honest and upfront about it ... my recovery has been the driving force to make me consider my life, my career and my future.
Less than 2 months ago I was dependent upon a crutch to walk and barely had the energy to get out of bed - I don't know what has made me better, just as I don't know what made me ill. But after the struggle that I went through - I know that I need to make the most of every second of every day as an able bodied and minded person.

It is as a direct result of getting my life back - emotionally, physically and mentally, after this 'blip' - that I am soooo determined to push forth and make my dreams a reality!!

well im glad your better now and not letting it get in the way of your dream! xx