Dealing with Personal and Social Issues
- Let your rommates know your situation. It will be a lot easier if a problem arises or you need them to take you to the hospital or doctor's office.
- Keep a good line of communication open with family, friends, doctors, professors, etc. By being open with them they are more likely to be understanding instead of guessing incorrectly about what is going on and reacting negatively.
- Learn to manage your time, including planning time for yourself. You will appreciate having time to relax, especially when you're not feeling well.
- Learn to manage your stress. Sometimes it can aggravate your symptoms, so know how to handle situations when they come along.
- Find out if there is an IBD support group on campus, and if there is, get involved!
- Consider seeing a counselor. Because stress can sometimes upset your system, talking with someone might help you sort any issues out and make things easier to deal with.
- Having a social life is important, and so is not giving in to peer pressure. Know your body and know when to say "no" when you aren't feeling well.
- - Carry around a doctor's note, and at least some medical records, including any recent test results, in case a situation comes up in which you need information or verification.
- - Look ahead and make sure you have enough medication or supplies to last until you know you are able to get more.
- - Carry extra medication with you in your backpack/purse. This will enable you to go to class and do other activities without worrying about going back to your dorm or apartment to take your medication.
- - Carry a card in your purse/wallet listing any medications you might be on in case of an emergency.
- Before going off to college, contact Student Health Services and locate a gastroenterologist in the area. In case of emergency, you'll know who to call and they'll already have a record of your condition.
- Know the locations and phone numbers of any hospitals or clinics in your area.
- Call your doctor at the first sign of symptoms. Getting treatment earlier in a flare-up will prevent a worsening of your condition and longer periods of time away from class.
- Chances are you might be give a medication temporarily and will need to have a prescription filled. Or, you may run out. Or, your doctor, or a local doctor may change or add to your medications. Find out where the closest pharmacy is and have the phone number and/or fax number ready for the doctor to call in or fax in a prescription.
- Have all your professors' e-mail addresses grouped together so that you can send one e-mail message if you have to miss class because you are in a flare, or are going home for treatment. This will save time and the hassle of locating their e-mail addresses or office phone numbers.
