- Joined
- Nov 14, 2010
- Messages
- 11
Hey guys!
So I recently sent a private message to a college student here in the forum who needed advice on dealing with college and IBD. Since we don't have a "college" forum, I thought these tips might help those of you transitioning from high school to college!
A little background before I start: I've been diagnosed with Crohn's disease for the past nine years, and although it is frustrating and difficult to deal with, it is possible to succeed in college with IBD. I am a senior at a university in California studying Biology, and I graduate in spring. I plan on continuing on to medical school to become a pediatrician.
Now on to the tips!
:
1) Do let your teachers know that you have Crohn's. I know you may feel uncomfortable telling them, but trust me when I say that your teachers have encountered students with medical conditions before. You will not be the first and you will not be the last. If it makes you really really uncomfortable to talk to them in person, let them know via e-mail. They can't possibly make accommodations for you if you aren't open about why you might need them.
2) Don't procrastinate and allow assignments to build up. Stress may not cause Crohn's, but it is a trigger for flare-ups. When you leave assignments until the last minute, you risk stressing yourself out and being unable to complete things or finish things on time. I suggest getting a planner and utilizing it as best as you can. The benefits of this are two-fold: you will stay on top of your homework AND your healthcare appointments!
3) Get plenty of rest! Seriously. I cannot stress this part enough! lol
4) Keep on track with all doctor's appointments and lab tests. This is critical.
5) In the event of an emergency on campus, have a little baggie prepared in your car or in your dorm room with necessary essentials (back up medications, etc).
6) Have someone to contact in the event of an emergency or a flare-up. If you need a ride to the hospital or something of that nature, this is the reliable person you would want to depend on.
7) Be willing to make sacrifices. It seems funny to say that, I know. We've made so many sacrifices already to accommodate our conditions. But sometimes, you have to change and alter your lifestyle in order to be as healthy as possible. For example, bring your own food to campus. This may mean making it on a Sunday night and bringing it with you when you go to school. It's a hassle, but it's a lot better than eating something that doesn't agree with you and getting really sick!
8) Have some sort of positive outlet. For me, this is reading. I love love love to read! It's a huge stress reliever for me. Many Crohn's patients are prone to depression, and it's not surprising as to why. Having Crohn's disease is a loss of control for a lot of us. We feel trapped in these bodies that don't function properly and it can be emotionally and physically taxing. Paint, write, sing, play guitar... whatever you need to do to make sure that you're dealing with the emotional side that comes with Crohn's. It may be a physical issue, but that doesn't mean it won't take its toll emotionally. And if you're having a very difficult time coping, utilize the counseling services at your school. There is absolutely nothing wrong with talking to a counselor. Many schools provide this for a reason, and if your school provides these services, don't be ashamed or hesitant to take advantage of them if you need to!
9) Take time to relax each and every day. You deserve it.
Well, that's all I can think of. If you ever need to talk about college or dealing with IBD, let me know. I know being an IBD patient is difficult, but you CAN DO THIS. College is a wonderful experience, and don't allow this disease to define who you are. You are you, first and foremost. You are a Crohn's patient second. Have fun, study hard, and as Henry David Theroux said, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Life the life you have imagined."
So I recently sent a private message to a college student here in the forum who needed advice on dealing with college and IBD. Since we don't have a "college" forum, I thought these tips might help those of you transitioning from high school to college!
A little background before I start: I've been diagnosed with Crohn's disease for the past nine years, and although it is frustrating and difficult to deal with, it is possible to succeed in college with IBD. I am a senior at a university in California studying Biology, and I graduate in spring. I plan on continuing on to medical school to become a pediatrician.
Now on to the tips!
:1) Do let your teachers know that you have Crohn's. I know you may feel uncomfortable telling them, but trust me when I say that your teachers have encountered students with medical conditions before. You will not be the first and you will not be the last. If it makes you really really uncomfortable to talk to them in person, let them know via e-mail. They can't possibly make accommodations for you if you aren't open about why you might need them.
2) Don't procrastinate and allow assignments to build up. Stress may not cause Crohn's, but it is a trigger for flare-ups. When you leave assignments until the last minute, you risk stressing yourself out and being unable to complete things or finish things on time. I suggest getting a planner and utilizing it as best as you can. The benefits of this are two-fold: you will stay on top of your homework AND your healthcare appointments!
3) Get plenty of rest! Seriously. I cannot stress this part enough! lol
4) Keep on track with all doctor's appointments and lab tests. This is critical.
5) In the event of an emergency on campus, have a little baggie prepared in your car or in your dorm room with necessary essentials (back up medications, etc).
6) Have someone to contact in the event of an emergency or a flare-up. If you need a ride to the hospital or something of that nature, this is the reliable person you would want to depend on.
7) Be willing to make sacrifices. It seems funny to say that, I know. We've made so many sacrifices already to accommodate our conditions. But sometimes, you have to change and alter your lifestyle in order to be as healthy as possible. For example, bring your own food to campus. This may mean making it on a Sunday night and bringing it with you when you go to school. It's a hassle, but it's a lot better than eating something that doesn't agree with you and getting really sick!
8) Have some sort of positive outlet.
For me, this is reading. I love love love to read! It's a huge stress reliever for me. Many Crohn's patients are prone to depression, and it's not surprising as to why. Having Crohn's disease is a loss of control for a lot of us. We feel trapped in these bodies that don't function properly and it can be emotionally and physically taxing. Paint, write, sing, play guitar... whatever you need to do to make sure that you're dealing with the emotional side that comes with Crohn's. It may be a physical issue, but that doesn't mean it won't take its toll emotionally. And if you're having a very difficult time coping, utilize the counseling services at your school. There is absolutely nothing wrong with talking to a counselor. Many schools provide this for a reason, and if your school provides these services, don't be ashamed or hesitant to take advantage of them if you need to!9) Take time to relax each and every day. You deserve it.
Well, that's all I can think of. If you ever need to talk about college or dealing with IBD, let me know. I know being an IBD patient is difficult, but you CAN DO THIS. College is a wonderful experience, and don't allow this disease to define who you are. You are you, first and foremost. You are a Crohn's patient second. Have fun, study hard, and as Henry David Theroux said, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Life the life you have imagined."
