Going to college/University?

[Allegra]

Hello everyone! This might not be posted in the correct forum so apologies! But I was just wondering if there are any members that are in their first year of Uni an are in a flare up or experienced a flare up during the start of Uni? I'm due to start in two weeks and I'm only just diagnosed and only on Pentasa, and I'm really scared of going off to Uni still feeling this terrible. I don't know whether to take a year off and go next year once I have this a bit more under control but then again something tells me I could be even worse next year! Someone help, is it possible for me to enjoy my first year with this constant pain, I don't wanna miss out on all the typical "studenty" things!

 

[nogutsnoglory]

We have an academic life with IBD group which is new and quiet but post in it and maybe it will generate some steam http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=64614

 

[Rmclyburn]

The thing people often forget about being a university student is the pressure/ stress. Obviously there is the partying and socials but also the deadlines and late nights. It is a major step up in every way from college. Your fending for yourself for the first time (washing, cooking, generally looking after your own well being) its a big adjustment for many let alone those who suffer from IBD.
I'm going to sound like an old biddy but try and get your work done ASAP. If you leave it to the last minute you will get stressed and could trigger a flare up. If it comes at the wrong time it's pretty hard to deal with.
I had flare ups through all 3 years of my degree. The best thing to do is keep lectures informed about your medial situation.... It's not like your just missing lectures due to being hungover. But you may well have to miss lectures, however, this means you should receive extra time for assignments. I found alcohol really made my pain and tiredness worse so avoided it, it is hard to be the only one not drinking at a party but it's not worth being ill over!
I can't tell you if your well enough to go to uni bit I will say it's totally doable if your sensible and communicate with the uni.

 

[Lottie93]

Hello!!
It was during my first year of university that I got sick with Crohns. It took pretty much the entire year for me to get referred and for a diagnosis of Crohns to be made, initially I just thought I was run down with 'freshers flu' or stomach upsets until I got more worrisome symptoms.
Despite this I still had a great time!! Looking back I realise I was a lot sicker than I new but I guess I have that just carry on attitude and you never think it will be anything serious.

I still managed to take part in all the activities I wanted to, I attended the discos, joined a sport and never let me attendance slip!! But I was constantly exhausted (yea I slept through many lectures!!) and this did have an effect on my work as I spent a lot of my free time sleeping/resting/exhausted!! However my uni were great and gave me special considerations which helped me get through. My results for first year were not great but I still scraped through and now I am on treatment and my uni have special considerations for when I am flaring . I am in my 4th year of uni and still loving it!! My course is very stressful but I still enjoy it!!

Don't let your crohns stop you from doing what you want and from having that university experience. But listen to your body!! When you feel exhausted it is best you do rest as otherwise you could make yourself worse!!
Make sure you let your university know most will give you special circumstances esp for exams!! I get breaks during my exams so I can stop and rest if I need.

Ultimately I can't tell you if you are ready to go to university or not. I went through my entire first year with symptoms before I got a diagnosis and It wasn't easy but I wouldn't do it any other way. I made great friends who are still supporting me now through my crohns!! Even if you do start uni and decide it's too much you can then take the rest of the year out.

Good luck!! I hope you start feeling better soon!
Xx

 

[shamrock15]

Like Lottie, first year was when my crohn`s started to ramp up. It hit full stride in second year and nearly made me drop out. I got through it though on a slightly slower schedule (took an extra year) and later went back for a bachelor of education.

Some good advice here already. Keep on top of your assignments, pre-read when you can, get sleep, exercise, eat healthily, speak to your profs and let them know what you are going through and you "may" get accommodations - if so, don't abuse it. Keep a journal of some sort you can have as objective a view of your symptoms as possible - pretty easy to let ordinary stress get into your judgement. If there is a medical team on campus, get them or your doctor involved as well so that you can be supported if you have to move a deadline or two.

Final decision on it is yours. You do need to keep in mind that some people have symptoms for a really long time. Mine took over 20 years to go to remission. While I hope yours disappears, you may need to learn how to work through small levels of discomfort as a regular part of your day. Best wishes for a successful year!

 

[Daisy123]

As a University Lecturer with crohns, my advice would be to continue with your plans. If you cannot keep up, you can always suspend studies and carry any credits over to when you resume your studies. Let your University know, make contact with student services and disability services. In the Uk, you can also get help with finances for equipment or anything you need to help you succeed in your studies. You can also have extra time for assessments, special arrangements for exams and alternative assessments if something like a presentation will be too stressful. Be careful of your health. Eat healthily and try not to drink too much. My first GI said to me that you need to fit the crohns in with your life rather than the other way around. The best advice I had ever had. Don't let the illness define yourself or your life.

 

[Allegra]

Thank you so much! I think I will go, it's just so scary not knowing I have a handle on this disease and going into unfamiliar situations! But thank you so much to everyone who answered

 

[Allegra]

Saw my doctor yesterday and he told me to defer for the year because there's no way I'm well enough to go
I got my first choice uni course though which is exciting, I'll just be starting it next September instead! Bit heartbroken but health comes first, right!

 

[Daisy123]

I would do some preparation for it so that you are ahead of the game. I am sorry but you obviously have a GP that cares for your health which is a good thing.