studying with IC, any tips?

[hannahw]

So, being in college means that there is a lot of studying, and a lot of tests. Does anybody have any tips on how to manage having IC and getting through classes, and the long hours spent studying?

Right now, I'm having trouble, because once I get situated, and start studying and get in the zone, I have to go pee! and then I get back to my desk, get myself seated comfortably again, and by that time I've completely lost my train of thought. And then 20 minutes later the same thing happens all over again!

I don't know what it's like for others, but I find sitting extremely uncomfortable. I bought a ICN chair cushion, and it just arrived yesterday. So we'll have to see if it helps at all.

What do you guys drink to keep you alert, seeing as coffee is a no no. I don't drink soda, never have, and it's on the no no list too. I seem to have bad reactions to any sort of caffeine, so I avoid them. Any drink tips? I'm getting a little sick of my glasses of iced water...

[VickiB]

Right now, I'm having trouble, because once I get situated, and start studying and get in the zone, I have to go pee! and then I get back to my desk, get myself seated comfortably again, and by that time I've completely lost my train of thought. And then 20 minutes later the same thing happens all over again!
I know what you mean. It's like IC competes for 60% of my brain's attention during a flare. Always in the background operating in full distraction mode!

It's been a long time since I was in school but many of the same difficulties apply when compared to responsibilities and deadlines at work I'd think. The one thing that always seemed to help me the most is to take full advantage of any good days. Get everything done as far ahead of time as I can. I found I sure can't procrastinate because with IC there's no way to know what even the next 5 minutes will bring! Plus the stress from falling behind in my responsibilities can bring on increased symptoms, causing more stress, more increase, more stress......it's a road I don't dare even start down!

As far as what to drink to stay alert, the only thing that works for me is ice water. Hot herb tea just puts me to sleep and like you say coffee is a no-no. Probably the one thing I've found that helps me to stay alert through the day is allowing enough time to get a good night's sleep.

It's tough! IC certainly adds a whole new level of difficulty to succeeding in school!

Vicki

[ermkenne]

Hello again,

Well when I have to study for exams, I sometimes study in my office (I am a grad student studying chemistry for a doctorate), because my seat is cushioned and it helps. When I study at home, I will sit on the couch and have TV trays set up everywhere! Also, they make back pillows where they have the arms on them and you can sit back comfortably, and those help me. I also understand when you have those days where you just need to pee nonstop, but you would really like to study! Sometimes, you just have to deal with it. It's hard to do.

Staying awake. Okay, I will admit it. I love coffee. I have found things that I can have related to coffee. I cannot have fresh brewed coffee-once made me urinate 20 times in one hour-ouch! I found I can have frappacinos-you can make them half-caf or even decaf for the coffee, carmel, mocha ones. I also always go lite on them. I have always been able to tolerate the blended ones, not sure why. I have also found that I can have a 2/3 decaf Iced Americano, which is mostly decaf and one shot of espresso, so I get something. Those do not bother my bladder at all. Hot drinks are tricky for me, sometimes they bother me too much, but cold drinks can be okay.

I also make my own iced drinks. I have a pitcher, where I put the coffee grounds, put water in it and let it steep overnight. Then I filter it through the pitcher into a container through a filter paid, and it comes out as a concentrate. This reduces about 60% of acid in coffee, and it is amazing. I do not have any issues, plus you can make your coffee as dilute as you want. They sell them in the IC store-I think they are Toddy coffee maker things. I got mine at walgreens for 5 dollars, it was an as seen on TV thing, and on clearance!

Also, sometimes I cannot study at my apartment. TOO MANY DISTRACTIONS. I have PS3, my boyfriend, movies, TV, TV shows I've DVR'd, a crazy cat, so you get the picture! I love studying at borders or starbucks. I have actually brought a cushion (donut kind, but not inflatable), and studied with that and it worked out great. I have to use it if I am going to be on hard chairs. I did not get any looks, and if I did who cares? If it allows me to get my work done, then I am happy!

Hope this helps! Especially since you have been helping me on the pelvic floor stuff!

Erin

[alycat]

When I got into school my mother bought me a really good computer chair; well cushioned, a good back on it, and that helped a lot.

The Toddy makers are a godsend if you really miss coffee. I can't tolerate much caffiene at all, but if I brew decaf in one of those I do okay. I do have to dilute it with milk though to not go overboard (I make a lot at once and then freeze it into cubes, works well). I agree it's irritating to not have caffiene to keep alert, and a flare can ruin a good study session.

Another thing to try when ice water gets dull is to add a little vanilla extract (the real stuff, no imitation) and some sugar. Gets a sort of sweet soda taste but without the added chemicals and pain. Discovered that trick last summer when I was dying for something even remotely resembling cold soda.

[Jan S.]

If I have to be seated for a long period of time I always take pyridium. I keep it handy because it helps with my pain anyway, but it always works to eliminate so many trips to the bathroom.

When I was working on my master's I spent a lot of time with the heating pad in a comfy chair to do my reading. Even today if I get sleepy I eat a piece of fruit (pears are about all I can handle). Something like that little crunch wakes me up. That and ice water.

I know how hard it is to concentrate and keep pushing forward. Good for you for hanging in there!!!!! Good Luck!

[Erica1836]

Studying sucks when you have IC! I try to take a small walk when im getting too tired to study anymore. My problem is always sitting through the hour and a half classes without getting up to go to the bathroom -- and those uncomfortable chairs!

[theclownster]

Hi there! I'm sorry to hear what you are going through with your IC and studying. It sure sounds frustrating. I wasn't sure that I had anything to contribute that might be of help. I made it through grad school with IC and as I read your post I realized I did most of my studying from the couch. As I think back I do not believe I ever sat at a desk or table even once while at home studying. I only went to the library to get what I would need or would access library resources from my computer. I used a laptop and spread my stuff out on the couch. I also have an ottoman that I would kick my legs up on so that I was in more of laying down position. I'm not sure everyone could study like this, but it sure worked for me. I'm not sure I ever correlated that this may have helped my IC - yet now that I read your post, I thought it might be worth mentioning. I must say I was usually in a half laying sort of slouched position that I actually find comfortable. I am sitting/laying this same way as I type this post.

Best wishes as you find what works for you,
Jennifer

[hannahw]

thank you so much everyone for your suggestions and support.
I will definitely take some of your advice into consideration, next time I'm stuck studying!

Hannah

[Aza]

You have my sympathy sweetie :) I have just started a really intense professional course, and not only can i not take any meds during the day because my job forbids it, but like you i am spending long periods of time sat in uncomfortable lecture chairs, trying not to fall asleep!! My god-send at the momment is air-activated heat packs (like the kind you can buy for muscle aches or period pain) I find heat really comforting and helps soothe my bladder while i am sat in lectures all day- no one can tell i am wearing a heat pack constantly under my clothes! At home when i feel uncomfortable but have to study, i prop up loads of pillows and sit in bed with my laptop on my knee. I love to blend blueberry juice (with a little drop of melon or pear to sweeten sometimes) with lots of ice in a blender- the crushed ice dilutes the blueblerry juice and makes a really refreshing "shushy" type drink for me to sip while i'm studying- icy drinks seems to make me feel more awake for some reason.

[keln9813]

I always bring a ice cold water bottle to class so i can have it inbetween my legs and I study in the bathtub, when you have to write things that can be difficult, but for reading, I was most relaxed in there!

Good luck!

[angryflamingo]

Hey there,
I know that when exams come close I start flaring up from the stress, so I write out my calender and begin studying in chunks about 2 weeks before the exam. This way, when I do flare up, I'm not trying to force myself to study (it won't do anything, studying in pain). Since I have studied the past two weeks, I can allow myself a break and calmly rest (well, as best I can :) ). Two weeks is just my range, if you decide this is good then of course, adjust accordingly.

Also, I recommend keeping a voiding journal. I sometimes have the constant need to pee but instead of going at the urge, I make myself wait... the feeling usually passes (I had to work on my Kegel muscles for this). My voiding journal on days that I feel like this is usually - 8am, 3pm, and 8pm (as I figured it out from trial and error). Of course I make exceptions but I try to make it to the next allotted time. I have ballet class at 12:30 and so the 8am thing allows me to feel poorly but have time to readjust and feel better again after I go.

Good luck!

[SSaxton1989]

At times I have trouble focusing because of a flare-up or pain, but I find that wearing soft cotton undies and sitting on a comfortable bed while studying can help a lot! Also I'd talk to your doc about trying Uribel. I just got put on it and it really helps my symptoms. If I am having a major flare-up though, I find it best to drink a vanilla milkshake an hour or so before I sit down to study. Then I feel well enough to focus a bit.