Symptom Flare-up at College

[Jarrett3Hearts]

I'm tired almost all the time, my body is sore, and Crohn's isn't helping anything.

To give a little context, I am a freshman at college (just moved in a few weeks ago). My diet has been all over the place because I have to eat most of my meals at the cafeteria. Before college, my diet was super strict (I never ate out and avoided gluten and dairy etc.). In addition, I'm also playing basketball here. The workouts have been intense and most of the time I just feel sore and tired. The combination of these two things has caused my Crohn's to flare up a bit. I experience sleep disturbances when my Crohn's is acting up as well, so I haven't really been sleeping.

I'm not really sure what else to do. I've talked with my coach and the cafeteria staff about my disease and it hasn't really helped yet (I have been getting some special meals recently so maybe that will help a little with time).

My mental health is starting to deteriorate from worrying and feeling like crap all the time. I'm not the type of person to quit anything, but this is starting to get very stressful.

On the bright side, at least I have all A's in my classes. That has to count for something, right?

 

[lukesjr]

Don't quit! You can turn it around. Just try and get back on your diet the best you can. Drink lots of waters and make sure you are taking a good vitamin. When I struggle with sleep I take 5-10 mg of melatonin, really helps also seems to help any stomach issues for a little while. I wouldn't take it for months at a time, everything in moderation.

Others will tell you to go the doctor, but I get that can be a pain on campus sometimes. Try getting some Lglutamine and taking 5-10grams first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Get the powder and mix with water. It has no taste and mixes well. Some people say it helps with crohns but it definitely helps with muscle rebuilding.

 

[Jo-mom]

@Jarrett3Hearts - are you currently on any medication? All these changes to your life definitely would be stressful.

 

[Maya142]

Are you registered with disability services? They can make sure you get special meals - my daughter would have to call the cafeteria before she wanted to eat and they would make something "safe" for her - grilled chicken for example, and a baked potato. This was arranged through disability services, who got her in touch with the head of dining services. It was one of the accommodations her GI put in her plan, along with a semi-private bathroom, stop the clock testing, extra breaks during exams etc.

The transition to college can be hard, so take advantage of any help you can get! And give it time - it takes a while to settle in. You could also reach out to your GI and talk to him/her and see if he/she has suggestions for you.

 

[Jarrett3Hearts]

Are you registered with disability services? They can make sure you get special meals - my daughter would have to call the cafeteria before she wanted to eat and they would make something "safe" for her - grilled chicken for example, and a baked potato. This was arranged through disability services, who got her in touch with the head of dining services. It was one of the accommodations her GI put in her plan, along with a semi-private bathroom, stop the clock testing, extra breaks during exams etc.

The transition to college can be hard, so take advantage of any help you can get! And give it time - it takes a while to settle in. You could also reach out to your GI and talk to him/her and see if he/she has suggestions for you.

I am registered, thank you. I recently had a sit down meeting with the head of the cafeteria and my name is on a list. I tried to get a private bathroom but they couldn't do that. I haven't had any issues with the classes yet (when I feel well enough to attend them).

Thank you for the advice.

 

[Jarrett3Hearts]

@Jarrett3Hearts - are you currently on any medication? All these changes to your life definitely would be stressful.

I'm on remicade infusions every 7 weeks

 

[Jarrett3Hearts]

Don't quit! You can turn it around. Just try and get back on your diet the best you can. Drink lots of waters and make sure you are taking a good vitamin. When I struggle with sleep I take 5-10 mg of melatonin, really helps also seems to help any stomach issues for a little while. I wouldn't take it for months at a time, everything in moderation.

Others will tell you to go the doctor, but I get that can be a pain on campus sometimes. Try getting some Lglutamine and taking 5-10grams first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Get the powder and mix with water. It has no taste and mixes well. Some people say it helps with crohns but it definitely helps with muscle rebuilding.

Yeah, I don't really have the time to go to my doctor (Didn't want to change so the office is 3 hours away). I'll look into those remedies.

Thank you

 

[Jo-mom]

Did you contact your GI/doctor to report your symptoms. You might need an adjustment to your Remicade dosage so it might be a good idea to talk to your GI and perhaps get a blood test. Good for you for getting A's!!!!!