On being chronically ill during a pandemic: I woke up this morning determined to try and address my situation, but I got a bunch of emails this morning that just floored me.

I am in the middle of being diagnosed with a complex chronic illness. I was seeing three different specialists in the UHN.

All of my appointments have been cancelled for the foreseeable future, and I was referred by one specialist to a hospital for further testing, which because I am not immediately at risk, has postponed my intake indefinitely.

This morning my GP's office (in a family practice setting in a hospital) deferred all non emergency appointments for three months (these are already virtual appointments).

While I'm capable of functioning at a very reduced level, I'm on a medical leave which requires documentation from a doctor to return from, and documentation to extend. I cannot see the specialists I was seeing. So, I took my situation to my university.

I have been referred to graduate studies, which has told me I have access to student wellness through my supplemental fees. I have paid no fees (because I am currently living on savings). But more saliently, student health cannot stop gap a complex chronic condition.

I had to see specialists because my GP could not diagnose or treat me. Telling me I have access to online counselling does not address my problem.

My problem is that the university does not imagine itself as a place where sick people can be without being penalized. My problem is I have a complex chronic illness that is not well understood by medicine.

My problem is I am being told I can pay to access care that should be available to folks on a medical leave without a fee because IT'S A GODAMN HUMAN RIGHT.

My problem is that as a student on a medical leave I am not eligible for CERB. So, given I have had my care suspended, with what $$ am I supposed to pay these fees?

Would someone please tell @EIOMcMaster that graduate studies is holding up a fundamentally ableist policy that is extraordinarily punitive in this moment? #chronicallyacademic