Hi,

I know this question has probably been asked before, but I want answers specific to my situation.

I was well in 2010 when I did my GCSE's. I got the following results.
GCSE's 2010: 4A*s 7A's
I had to take over a month out in 2011, (end of Oct, whole of Nov) because I had to have my appendix taken out. After that things were ok for a while, then I began getting bad joint pains and headaches. I was later diagnosed with joint hypermobility syndrome, severe cluster headaches and PCOS (which explained my unexplained weight gain). I managed to do my exams in between illness. I got the following results.
AS 2011: Biology C, Chemistry B, Maths + Mechanics B, Physics D
A2 2012: I did the first 2 months of this year (Sept, Nov) but my headaches got so severe I was advised to take the year out. I had already applied to medical schools (extended degrees due to my poor grades) however my UCAS application was obviously withdrawn.

I spent the rest of the academic year at home, going to regular appointments and trying to adjust to my illness. In the meantime, I have also been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. I am being treated and things are looking up. However, the weight is still a problem and am being seen by a specialist who is considering me for bariatric surgery.

Despite all this, I am still focused on a career in medicine. In the past I have been on many summer schools (Cambridge, Kings, Nottingham, UCL) regarding medicine. I have also had some work experience shadowing a general surgeon. I've done volunteering and various other extracurricular activities.

I expect to become more well over the coming months. While sleep apnea is being treated, my tiredness and weight gain should decrease. Once my weight gain decreases my symptoms of PCOS and joint pain should also decrease. I also have diabetes but that is under control.

All in all, I expect to be physically well enough to become a doctor and treat others. I am now waiting to go in to college again in September. This time I am doing A Level Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Psychology.

I hope to get the best grades I can get this time round. I am starting from AS, so I would be applying to med school in October 2013. I have several questions for you all.

1) Will medical schools even consider me with such a medical history my self?
2) Will medical schools consider my illness in 2011-12 which is causing me to retake?
If so to the above questions, please tell me which med schools I should apply to.
3) Have any of you been in a similar situation? Please explain.
4) What do you think I should do, please give me some advice?
5) Also, should I seek out more experience that is more recent? Or will my old stuff do?


Sorry, I rambled. Please help. Thanks.