Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,

My name is Haaya Rizvi and I am appealing to drop (ARTH 250, GNDS 215, WRIT 250) from fall term 2015 due to extenuating medical circumstances. I was unable to continue my courses for Fall 2015 because I was diagnosed with a large fibroid tumour and fell pregnant during the term. In July 2015 I started working part time and while my first two months of work, I had many symptoms that had been bothering me on a daily basis. I had severe abdomen pain and bleeding. I visited the doctor occasionally and they were not sure what to tell me. I then went to the hospital emergency department to see if they could diagnose me. My frequent visits to the doctor and hospital made my doctor realize something was actually wrong. In September my doctor arranged a few tests to see what was going on. I had blood drawn and ultrasounds done. During this time the Fall Term had started but because I was caught up with tests and visits to the doctor, I selected my courses a few days after classes started. When the results came back the doctor had mentioned that I had a uterine fibroid tumour which was causing the frequent pain and bleeding because it had grown in size. He also mentioned that it might have to be surgically removed before it grows larger. The pain was intense and kept me sleepless and restless for days and nights. I was also diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). The doctor wanted me to rest as well as suggested me not to lift weights or walk a lot because it caused random bleeding. He explained to me that treatment needed to start sooner. I thought about the four courses that I took and decided to drop one (FILM 245) to lighten the work load. I was then left with three courses. Around October 10th my symptoms got worse and unbearable. I began to cry and asked someone to take me to the hospital. I decided to book an appointment with my doctor who then told me that I was pregnant. I had a fourth week scan for unexplained bleeding on October 31st, 2015. I had another appointment on November 13th and 17th for a pelvic scan and check up. I asked the doctor why did my pregnancy start off so painfully and the doctor mentioned that the fibroid tumour and its size may have triggered the pain since it is a uterine tumour and the recent conception may have disturbed my body. The surgery was now impossible to take place due to the pregnancy. I was told that I had to wait until I deliver the baby. The doctor said I needed to be extra cautious due to my health conditions. I had appointments from time to time so the doctor can keep an eye on the fibroid tumour as well as the baby. He was concerned that it may affect the baby's growth. Regardless, I was told to be extra careful. On December 8th, I had an appointment at the hospital for a check up with the midwife. I did mention to her that I had suffered from severe depression in the past. She said having a painful uterine tumour, depression and being pregnant all at once is risky and that I needed to be seen frequently. While leaving the hospital, I was standing at the bus stop when suddenly I blacked out and collapsed on the ground. A passerby shook me and held me by the shoulder and took me inside the hospital. She asked me to get something to eat or drink and I thanked her for her help. After she left I was standing inside the hospital shop looking for a drink when I began to feel dizzy again. I made my way to the help desk with a blurry vision and asked the lady at the desk for help. She looked at me with confusion. I collapsed again and this time in front of the help desk. She asked for help and doctors passing by ran to help, sat me on a wheelchair and took me to the emergency department. I was taken in for treatment and a check up right away. I had to get a drip and the doctor asked me to rest in bed. I was unable to stand. During this time I had already missed out on most of my courses. My manager also came to know my circumstances and suggested I rest rather than work. I had to resign. Due to my circumstances through out the fall term I was unable to carry on or focus on my courses. It got worse to the point where I had to leave work as well. My sickness has been so bad lately that I am not able to do anything. I can barely walk, sit, eat etc. My doctor has called me in for another check up just to make sure the tumour is not interfering with the pregnancy as well as make sure there is no unusual bleeding or growth in size of the tumour. I have documentations to provide that prove my frequent visits to the doctor and a doctors note from the time I had been seeing him. I hope you can understand that my conditions are worse than they may seem. I am always restless and in pain and did not expect this to happen which is why I was not able to give time to my courses. I also spoke to academic advisor, David Yosef, who also suggested that I take a break and get my health sorted out. I am expected to deliver in July and may be taking a break from my studies in the meantime to recover as well as treat the tumour. I may start my studies soon after I recover or get some treatment done. I am very anxious and stressed regarding the fibroid tumour as it has grown in size causing severe abdomen pain. I understand that I am late to drop the courses but because of what was happening I was caught up with a lot of issues which did not allow me the time to give to my courses and did not drop the courses earlier. I thought I was able to continue with my studies but when I had spoken to my doctor and advisor, they both suggested I drop the courses and focus on my health in the meantime. I kindly request you to help me during this difficult time and understand my circumstances. I am very stressed. If there is any other documentation you will like to see I will be happy to be provide you any further documentation. I would appreciate your help and I would be grateful. Thank you.

Kind regards,
Haaya Rizvi
Student 10125309