any college students here now?

[ShikiCat]

Are there any college students who would maybe like to talk? I'm having the worst week ever with the flareups and am probably gonna end up dropping my summer classes. I left a really long post in the just venting section incase anyone wants to know my story..its not that interesting or anything..anyway it would be really helpful if i knew there were other people in my situation, being a college student with IC that is..how do u feel about being this young and having to deal with something like IC?

[Kiyoka]

Hey Shira, I just want to let you know your not alone. I'm a senior at college. I'm taking a few classes this summer as well. Hmm how I feel about being so young, and going to school. I started getting sick after two months of school. I had a hard time at first, and something else would always happen, it was like a never ending battle. But i'm still here and if you ever want to talk your welcome to IM me on any of the messangers..or anything. I'm here if you need anythings. Hugs

[massagedoula]

I think that I am replying to all your posts inadvertently, Shira! This year was my first year of college (doing prereq courses for my midwifery schooling) and it was also the year that I got IC. I got IC right in the middle of the winter term. In fall term I was a straight A student. In winter I was an A-B student. I finished out spring with a D in one class and an A and B in the others. Basically, I felt that finishing was the most important to me, and I did not have to stress out about the grades, which is why I took a D in one very hard class.

I start Midwifery school in September. Sure I thought about not going, but ti has been my lifelong dream and I don't want to give it up. I know that I am going to get 100% better eventually, and I don't want to waste years of my life waiting, I want to keep going. That said, I am SO HAPPY that I took the summer off from classes. I am getting better and better slowly, and I think that this summer of no school has helped. I can gets lots of sleep and have very little stress, compared to when I was in college. So taking the summer off for you might be a great idea! Then you will be refreshed for the Fall.....

[ShikiCat]

yea lol i noticed u reply to my messages, that's a nice feeling though so thanks. Id like to think im gonna b 100% better but i dont really see it hapening. I'm glad u have enough will power to keep on living life like that and enjoying it. i feel kindda pathetic that i keep stopping everything bec of the pain and am always miserable instead getting over it. i cant seem to get over it and just not think about it and it really is controlling my life

[superpam4]

Hi everyone, I've been in college for what seems like forever. There have been times where I knew I was not going to make it to the bathroom after I've parked my car and I have peed in the parking lot. I am always scared that I'm not going to make it to the bathroom in time, and there were a few instances where I haven't. I have MS on top of IC and I have bladder spasms and can not control my bladder all of the time. Since I've been diagnosed, the pain has been getting worse, especially the week before my period. But it hasn't gotten to the point where I have missed school. It's just embarrising to have to use the bathroom so often. I've been taking Elimron, which has helped. My urologist (#7) isn't that symphathtic about the pain. Are there any other treatments that you have found effective for the pain?

[A.J.]

I'm also in college, this will be my sophomore year. I was not doing so well in school the first semester because I went to a school in Iowa, but came back because of the IC. I'm doing so much better now that I'm back home because I have my doc and physical therapist here. It seems like no one could help me when I was away, and moving back was a better choice. Now I'm close to my school and live with my family again. I want to move out soon but I need to work and get money. My post in career-related topics was about my new job and it being almost impossible to work there b/c of the standing. I might have to look for another one and I would hate it because I love this new one. I've had IC since I was 16 but there's still so much to learn. In one way I feel so unlucky to have gotten it so young, but on the other, I'm still young enough that a cure might be in our future. I'm just hopeful for that. I do physical therapy which helps so much. I take Elmiron and try to watch what I eat. I try to do gentle exercises. Heating pads and baths are my best friends. As far as pain, only PT, heat, and time seem to help.

Anyway, it's nice to know others my age can relate. We're really strong to have to deal with this, but I know how you all feel and am here if anyone would like to talk.

[superpam4]

16, wow, I'm so sorry. I look back at the days when I was 19 and never worried about where a bathroom was. I couldn't imagine dealing with this in high school. How does the physical therapy work? What do they do? My doctor never mentioned that as a treatment option.

I'm sorry you have had to re-arrange your life and your job. I know the feeling though. It's like your life revolves around your bladder. I hate it. I hope to hear from you soon.

[A.J.]

hi Pam,
thanks for the support. My PT has been my lifesaver. I couldn't tell you exactly what she does, but it just involves a lot of random massaging in the pelvic area, legs, and tummy. She has started a new approach which is cranial work. so I feel like I'm going in for a head massage and it's great. First starting out, 3 years ago, she had me do a lot of exercises and there were some special machines for that. I have a reformer (pilate) machine at home so I can do those exercises here. It has helped tremendously. I do have to say though, when I went away to college for one semester, I started seeing a PT there. She tried, but she just didn't know what to do for me that much. I was so glad when I came back because the lady I go to works strictly with IC patients and she knows exactly what she's doing. If you haven't though, I would strongly urge everyone to try physical therapy. It works wonders.

[superpam4]

AJ- Does the PT help with the frequency or just the pain, or both? I'm going to look into finding one but I've never heard of that kind of specialist before so I think I"m gonna have some major searching to do.

[janelle77362]

:hi: Shira,
I too am a college student. Actually since I have had IC since I was 18; I decided to skip the traditional classroom and go for online courses. Online degrees (as long as they are from a good acreditted college or university) are just as well recieved by employers as traditional colleges. Some typically traditional universities (U of H in my area) now offers online courses in addition to traditional classroom environments as well. Online course have been better for me because I don't have to worry about running out of class every 15 minutes to go to the bathroom and teachers in the online environment tend to be more flexible on late work.
I don't know if your college has a department to deal with ADA students but if they do this is somewhere you can turn for help. According to ADA rules your college must be accommodating to your needs as a technically disabled student.
What I was able to do was get a five day extension on all projects/papers due. This helps me so much when I am having a terrible flare for a week and can't even think about school. All I had to due is have my doctor sign a paper that states I have chronic pain and describes the nature of my disability. Try talking to your Academic Advisor/Counselor about what can be done to help you.
As far as being young and dealing with IC... it sux to be honest but just take it one day at a time. I had a hard time when I was first diagnosed but I have been living with IC for 5 years now and each day gets a little easier. You learn coping strategies and pray for a cure. I have learned to let go of the things I can not control and accept that I have limitations.
Good Luck! :grouphug:

[leb922]

I'm about to be 20 and I've had symptoms since I was a kid. Over the years it has gotten worse to sometimes an almost unbearable feeling.

Beth

[dharmakitten]

I'm 22 and a senior in college. I've had the bladder symptoms since I was a kid, but was only diagnosed today when I went to a gyn to talk about pain during sex. I've always felt so bad leaving class to go pee. Surprisingly, I have found the teachers in college are more understanding. When I was younger, though, the teachers thought I was just trying to avoid class even though I always was a 4.0 student. And of course, all the kids thought I was some sort of nut.

[Hollydoll85]

Hi all! I've been away from the site for awhile, but I'm 20 and I'm a Culinary Arts/Special ed major. I just started at a senior college and I'm quite scared to death. I was doing pretty ok with the IC, then the new semester stress hit and I'm away from home and the pizza in the cafeteria looks so good....Anyway...I look forward to getting to know all of you. If you need me, I'm here.

[macdaddy]

I am also a college student, and have been dealing with IC since I was in high school. Unfortunately, college seems to only make things worse! I have found a great deal of comfort in taking time for yourself. For example, take an afternoon and get a massage, hypnotherapy, etc. Do something for yourself in the midst of all of the classes, stress, exams, and such. Good luck with everything

[superpam4]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that gives into temptation of foods we aren't supossed to eat. When I first saw the list of things we should avoid I thought it would have been easier to list what we can eat.

[Intune]

Yeah, I'm 21 and in remission if you ask me. I find that the harder the semester gets, the worse my IC gets. but I'm being adventurous all the same with my food.

Jon

[TabbiH]

The harder the semester gets, the worse the IC gets? Boy, am I in trouble! I probably had it for a year or so, but it really got back this summer while I was teaching summer school. (Grad student by school year, adjunct faculty by summer...when is vacation?) I'm trying to avoid telling any of my teachers since they will have a direct impact on if I can get a job or not. How do you handle the social part of it? i.e. "Let's go out for pizza after tonight's lecture?"

[dharmakitten]

The harder the semester gets, the worse the IC gets? Boy, am I in trouble! I probably had it for a year or so, but it really got back this summer while I was teaching summer school. (Grad student by school year, adjunct faculty by summer...when is vacation?) I'm trying to avoid telling any of my teachers since they will have a direct impact on if I can get a job or not. How do you handle the social part of it? i.e. "Let's go out for pizza after tonight's lecture?"


Is there an office for students with disabilities? I've registered there for my IC. I can get accomodation letters there that I give to my teachers (but only if I want to). The letters don't list my diagnosis, only that they shouldn't mark me down for using the restroom often or coming to class late. And the teachers are legally bound not to discuss my condition with ANYONE without my permission. Same goes for the disabilities office.

I don't know what kind of job you are going to try to get, but you might have better luck if your teachers know you have a legitimate excuse for any extra bathroom trips or other issues (and not that you're just bored or goofing off). I've actually talked to some teachers about my condition, and they are all very supportive. Afterall, I'm learning that most people have some issue they are trying to work through.

And if you do tell, it makes it easier to say no to the pizza without people thinking you're just antisocial. Other than that, there's just the usual excuses - got a lot to study, previous engagement, etc.

[Intune]

Don't worry about it! As long as they know what's going on, They'll be very helpful most of the time. let em know what's up and then come test day, if you're stressed out from studying and go into a flare, tell em what's up and make it up later. There's a big issue with parking here so I asked for a handicap sticker to keep from having to walk half a mile between classes. Not to mention, you may be able get help moneywise through rehab services. There's no reason to hide this. it's part of you, not part of who you are. Work hard where you need to and don't sweat the small stuff. They'll give you a good recomendation.