College students, how do you cope with the symptoms of IC with a horrible workload

[ICstudent]

I'm a 20 y.o medical student. I'm kinda in denial, too... I knew what the implications of IC are. When the symptoms first started I thought I was imagining them, then thought I had a UTI/stone. When those results came back negative, I again thought I was imagining the whole thing. Then the Uro brought me crashing down to earth.

I'm still trying to work out what the implications are for my medical career. I'm darned sure that interns aren't allowed a toilet break every half an hour. Most of them don't go for the whole day.

ANYWAY, enough ranting, here are my questions

1. The frequency/discomfort are pretty distracting. How do you settle yourself down to study?
2. Nocturia + no coffee. I'm not a big fan of coffee but I take my caffeine tablet every now and then when I've had a bad night's sleep. Now, I've been told to avoid it. Problem is, I've been sleeping rather badly consistently for ages and without the stimulant I can't get through the day. The workload requires my full effort and I just can't give it all. How do YOU cope with this problem?

[snow_melt]

I miss coffee too!

Are you taking any IC meds currently? I take Atarax and Elavil in the evening, and they make me sleep through the night (or, at least wake up just once). If you are sleeping badly, an OTC antihistamine could help in the interim.

I find studying next to impossible when I am in a flare, but it's relatively easy to forget that urge if I'm having a good day. I take frequent breaks to pee, but I just settle back down when I'm finished. It can be annoying, but you can train your bladder to wait longer as well. It's tough, but you just wait a few extra minutes each time you need to go. Theoretically, your bladder should be able to hold a bit more in time.

As for a medical profession, I can't tell you whether or not to continue. But, I would seriously look at 'easier' specialties that would provide you with more breaks (ie I would worry about surgical/ER specialties). Nursing and research are good options as well.

I have been very affected by IC, and it has severely distorted my plans for the future. I hope that you find something that works for you --- neither making you worse nor making you settle for less.

[LithEruiel]

I've been in school since January doing prereq's for nursing school, then I started nursing school in August. I was doing ok, but now I'm getting worse. I had to leave Monday and didn't go today because I've felt like I had to pee 24 hours a day. I can't take OAB meds...I was on Ditropan, but had to stop for the second time because it makes my muscles too tight, but when I'm not on it I can't deal with it. I wish I could help you, but I don't know what to do myself.

[Tara_09]

I know exactly what you are going through. I am getting ready to graduate with a BS Dec. 12. Its definatly a challenge as you know but trust me its worth it. I just did my internship over the summer and I must say it was extremly hard and took my IC to a new level. I worked at a vet clinic and was constantly lifting and on my feet. Its really hard but I tried to distract myself. I know the same thing doesnt work for everyone but physical therapy plus bladder training really helped me. I also started taking Elmiron. In place of caffine I found that sour candy kept me awake lol. I dont know how far along you are but if you come across some professors aka jerks that try to stop you in anyway fight through them. Ive found that most people are accepting of the condition but you will always find a couple that want to stand in your way and trust me you will learn some of the most important lessons when you get past them than almost any class in your college career.

[bluetart]

I have had IC for over two years now, all in school and will be graduating on time with a bs in Forestry. It was difficult when my bladder is in 24-7 flare the first year while I am going to double weekly appt to have my urethra tortured by regular intills. However it is possible I understand the sleep issues I have always had them and IC dosn't help. I try to get as much sleep as possible limit my extra activites, clubs, trips, sports. After awhile giving up on caffine isn't as hard.

Try asking your doctor for an antihistamine, I take one evey night, sometimes it helps. I have also tried relaxing techniques, bed time team ect. You might want to take the semester easy and make up for it in time. I have found sleep is my most important tool, if I do not get enough sleep I will not deal with pain very well the next day which means I can't do well at college.

As for trying to buckle down and study, Do things ahead of time so that there isn't as much stress which can trigger you to go to the bathroom more. IC is unpredictable so being prepared for an exam and or already written a paper will help when the night before due date your badder decides to go hay wire. You can also try studying in more confortable positon (with a heating pad).

i wish you good luck IC is hard to deal with and I am still bitter somtimes about it. Just make sure to find a doctor that listens and don't put up with any b.s. Try the "bladder training technique" Holding a little bit extra each time. It has worked well for me. Don't forget about getting support when needed college is hard enough and add IC into the mix can bring that stress to a new level.

[Carolinamoon]

I'm pretty new to this IC thing too. I feel you though-- i am going to law school next fall, graduating in may, and am an honors student which means i am writing a thesis. its VERY hard to get things done when all i can do is sit in my bathroom and cry!!

I miss coffee SOOO MUCHHH. I drink decaf when i am really missing it. when things are REALLY tough (as in i studied for 5 hours straight) i make a "half caf" mix with half regular coffee, half decaf. it doesnt seem to bother me too much, and i only drink a llittle bit. the good side is that when you haven't had caffine in such a long time, even half caf perks you up!

[LithEruiel]

Welcome CarolinaMoon. I'm sure you'll do well...you're almost done!

I've been crying all day myself. I went to the urogyno in December and they "only" charged me $167 (I don't have insurance) and now they sent me a bill for $463 out of nowhere saying it's the remainder. Needless to say I no longer have a urogyno because I'm not paying that.

[Carolinamoon]

oh my gosh--- i hope everything works out for you, that is NOT ok!!

[LithEruiel]

Thank you! I know...I filed a complaint with the attorney general's office...I'm hoping they come through for me. I don't know what else to do. I talked to the billing office supervisor and she says "that's what it costs." They did do some tests in the office but I had one of them done before and my entire total that day was $70-something!!

[katie87]

I am also a student, finishing up my last 3 classes to get into the full time nursing program. I have a dr.s note that says i can leave for bathroom breaks sometimes every half hr. it also said i can park closer to the school. I found that these 2 things are helpful. already being in pain then walking with a heavy backpack makes my PFD worse, so i am getting to park a little closer than before.

i also use a heating pack when i study i sit on it or drape it over my bladder and vaginal area. it is a bean bag type heat pack.

i drink coffee which is against IC food recommendations, but i love the taste so much i am "addicted" to coffee, i have a cup every morning and have for years, however i drink baking soda/prelief with it, it does cause urgency flares so i am going to switch to tylers low acid coffee as soon as i can afford to.

[CherylSLP]

Just something to keep in mind, there are many medical careers that are not just being a Dr. if for some reason you would need that option. Medical school is hard on the best of folks (my brother went through it). I am a speech language pathologist for example. Therapy careers can work well with IC due to the time of the therapy sessions and the also simply the presence of colleagues who usually get disability since its what we work with and treat (usually, not always).

I must confess, I do drink coffee. With something called Coffee Tamer (like a Prelief Shaker). I take Benadryl to sleep at night and that helps sleep and IC a bit.

Stress strategies are key. Many of us have found gentle yoga helpful.