Eek, College!

[pacificfirefly]

Hi,

Another high school girl here with a suspected case of IC. It is albeit a relatively very mild one, but it is enough to worry me-my main concern is that it will relapse back to the state it was at when I first began to really feel it's effects, or even worse, grow in severity. My main symptom was constant frequency with a bit of pain and general genitial discomfort, which I complained about and doctor bounced a bit I ended up with a Naturopath, who did not diagnose me with IC, but with "Leaky Gut Syndrome", hypothyroid (which was confirmed by my MD who also stated that ht can contribute to frequent urination), and an allergy to wheat and dairy. Who knows how true all that is, but the cutting of wheat from my diet has been amazingly helpful, even with occasional slip-ups.

My biggest fear is college next year. I really want to be able to have the "typical" college experience, with dorm life and all of that, but i'm worried about the potential of my IC-like symptoms get worse during college, of being away from home (and my docs), and the food/cafeteria situation. Has anyone in here had to deal with something similar or have practical solutions for dealing with the above?

My heart goes out to all of you. This is an awful illness that has often made me feel alone and helpless in the world, and I can sympathize with similar feelings and stories that I have read about on the boards and other IC resource sites. Best of luck to you all. <3

[statesboro]

I figured I would give you a welcome. Ok. I am currently feeling lousy and planning to see my primary care doctor later on. Regardless, I can't say if you have got IC or not. It sounds like a good possibilty. Anyhow, I don't know about leaky gut syndrome, but I do take Synthroid everyday because of hypothyroidism. Actually, it is under control because of the medicine. Ok. I have read posts from individuals in high school and college before. Yep! I don't think I could handle being in class, but some have been doing it. Besides, you seem to be able to stay in school now. We don't enjoy having IC, or any chronic illness, but it is still good to be properly diagnosed. Ok. I would suggest seeing a urologist. Also, I know we have got a student disability resource center at the university where I work.(Georgia Southern University) Yep! There should be one where you want to go to. (where you could talk to someone about your situation) (and hopefully a proper diagnoses by then) Oh, yeah! IC is listed as a disability. Ok, then. I will let that be all now.

[baaaby11]

Well, unfortunately, there is a lot to think about when having IC and moving away for college but that does NOT mean you can't do it. It does mean that you should be as prepared as possible so you will feel as comfortable as possible.

I am 23 years old. I started having my symptoms in May. This has been my first semester at school while having these symptoms. I am a junior in college and I have what feels like mild IC as well. I am a graphic design major and let me tell you... it is probably one of the most time consuming majors out there. (Besides the obvious things like medicine and stuff. Let me tell you, girl... I will NEVER have to worry about majoring in anything like that because I am terrible at math AND science! haha)

I manage to keep up just fine. I am still getting just as good of grades as I was before.
Here are my suggestions. Have your parents talk to someone from disabilities at your school. Many times you can ask the people at disabilities to speak to your teachers about your special concerns or accommodations. This can include anything from extra bathroom breaks, being able to take tests in a seperate room, extra absent days for doctor appointments, etc...
Even if you don't believe you will need this special things, it will be comforting to know that you will have them if you ever do need them.

I live off campus and love cooking so I cook all of my own meals. Living in a dorm and eating dorm food might cause a problem. I know you can definitely check with whoever does the meal planning in dorms if you have special allergies or stuff like that. You could always check with them and ask about the food they serve. Do any of your dorm rooms have kitchens? If they do, I would attempt to get one of those instead.
Also, if possible, I'd make sure you get into a dorm with it's own bathroom. The dorms where there is one community bathroom for the whole floor wouldn't be ideal for someone with IC. Plus, let's be honest, even if you didn't have IC symptoms, who really wants to use a community bathroom anyway? haha. NOT ME. So gross!


Lastly, I would try to look up some doctors in the area just in case you need them. Maybe your doctor even knows of some good ones near your college. There is also a list of doctors on this web site you could check out!

If you have any questions at all, just ask! Going to school with IC can be challenging but it's not impossible. I was so nervous going back to school with these new symptoms but I am doing fine with it!

[ginamariex]

Hi!

I've been diagnosed since November of last year, and I'm a junior in HS (: I'm nervous for college as well, but not so much as you are because I am living at home. I would probably recommend that for you as well, because you will be able to cook your own IC friendly foods, keep your pills together and just the comfort of home. I know when I'm flaring I just want to be in my room at home in my bed.

Good luck!

Gina

[Cortana-mana]

I was still in school and living in a dorm when I was first diagnosed. The meal planner really helped me find a lot of foods in the dorms that I could eat. It also helped that I worked in the dining halls and could sort of make my own stuff that wasn't really on the menu. You should be able to talk to the special diet manager before you decide on a school. That might make a real difference for you.

Also you can check with the disabilities office to see if they will give you an exception and let you live off campus. I know you want the full experience, but I know many people who would have liked to skip the whole dorm life part of college. Maybe it will save you a lot of head (and bladder) aches.

[knb10701]

I keep all my meds with me. I know I must look like a crazy junkie (especially when I'm flying in and out of the bathroom all the time), but having them with me helps me through the school day. Someone here recommended me icy-hot patches for pain and irritation, and it helped a lot. I've got two more weeks of high school, I can make it to college, and you can too, promise. <3