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I am experiencing a flare and I'm just starting a new semester.  I've already missed three days of class.  What do other people in college do when they're experiencing this?

 Reply posted for kbiznuss.

This does not go on any kind of disabilities record for your future. None of my employers have ever said anything about me having special permissions in college.

 Reply posted for kbiznuss.

This does not go on any kind of disabilities record for your future. None of my employers have ever said anything about me having special permissions in college.

 Reply posted for hey2308.

You can get an accomodation plan in college. That you present to your teacher at the beginning of each semester. That way the teachers can understand what is going on. I graduated from college about a year ago. And every semester I had to have a meeting with my teachers to let them know exactly what was wrong. Its similar to a 504 plan in highschool.

Just get a doctors note, and go to the disability coordinators office at your college. They have to help you out with this. And have to provide your teachers with the appropriate information. I had plans that helped me able to get up out of classes when a teacher didnt allow bathroom breaks, and allowed me to miss more days than other students were allowed. Also I had a few teachers who wanted to assign seats, i was not included in this information and could pick whatever seat i wanted.

Hope this helps! Good luck.

 Reply posted for jl287664.

hi there.....i disagree with u all....i believe that the disability route is a last resort...at my college...University of Illinois at Chicago...if you go to disabilities and get some sort of allowance...then in your file u are labeled as having a disability...

personally, i am going to be a police officer after i graduate....and being labeled as having a disability is not a good thing for me...

things might be different for you depending on ur school and ur long term plans...if u can tough it out i would suggest that and disabilities as a last ditch effort

 Reply posted for hey2308.

i agree that letting the school and your professors know what goes on is really important. the first day of class i would let my profs know, i would just say i had a chronic digestive disorder and if i walked out of class i was going to the bathroom and i'd be back as soon as i could. with classes around lunch or dinner time, i would keep crackers or something with me and go out to snack on them if needed. most of the teachers were cool with it, some were kinda rude but if you tell the school you have an illness, there's not much they can do about it. i had teachers email me notes and assignments while i was in the hospital, even, to keep me up-to-date. also, knowing where all the bathrooms are is a neccesity! maybe even carrying around extra clothes in your bag just in case, too, is a good idea. i got diagnosed my second year @ college, but was sick my whole first year too and just didn't know why. if you live on campus, sometimes the cafeteria can make you special foods for a certain diet if the school is aware.

 Reply posted for hey2308.

Definitely talk with your disabilities center. It saved me in several classes where professors kept to strict absence policies and once they understood what Crohn's was they were more than willing to accomodate. Also, try to eat better and more often, I found that really helped when I was flaring. And sleep is key. If you can grab a quick nap between classes go for it. As always, know where the bathrooms are and make sure your professors know you might have to leave the room unexpectedly. Some professors get pretty offended if you run out on their lecture. I just graduated and dealt with my diagnosis for two and a half years while in college. It can be done, just try to stay rested, eat right, and make sure to take your meds and talk with your doctors.

 Reply posted for hey2308.

I think your best bet is to take advantage of your schools disabilities center. Theyll give your professors letters to excuse your absences, and depending on the school (Im guessing), they could give you notetakers, tutors, different rooms too take exams in, etc. Also, find a gastroenterologist nearby, if you havent already. Theyll keep in touch with your home doctor for the breaks. One more important thing: staying positive is the best way to fight back against your symptoms. Push yourself, dont make up excuses, because thinking youre "sick" will make you more sick. I found that going along with life and not letting crohns interfere with my college life helps a tremendous amount. Learn to adjust to your environment, find bathrooms everywhere, use the outdoors if you have to, and just remember that your disease doesnt define you. Stay positive, and good luck!