Community Forum

I am a senior in college who was diagnosed with ulcerative proctitis about a year ago. When i first experienced symptoms of bleeding, I did not Once i went to the hospital I told my teachers that I was having problems. They were pretty understanding, but since it was toward the end of the semester, I ended up being diagnosed in the summer and still have not told my teachers that I have this condition.

I dont have severe symptoms, just some embarassing ones and occassional pain, but I do feel like I'm tired all the time. I want to talk to my teachers and let them know that if I leave class early or don't come that there is a reason, but I'm kind of scared because I feel ike they would jsut think I'm making up excuses because Its been so long. I havent told them until now because I thought I could handle it and I didnt want to feel like I was makig excuses, but I have let it go too far now and I dont know what to do.

Does anyone else have a similar story and how did you handle it.

 Reply posted for -Niki-.

I know this reply is kind of late but I thought I would still offer something from the standpoint of a student living with Crohn's disease. I just graduated from college this last spring and I struggled the entire time I was a college student, which was no surprise because I struggled all through high school as well. It's extremely difficult balancing your life in college as a healthy individual let alone with a new or existing diagnosis.

 Reply posted for -Niki-.

I didn't have to deal with the disease while in school but I have had to deal with it for work.  I think the most important thing is just explaining it to people.  Many people have never even heard of this disease before while some know someone who has it.  As long as they understand what you need to deal with the problems most people are understanding about it.  I explained it to my boss at work and he has been completely understanding when I need to take an unscheduled break or even go home early. 

 Reply posted for -Niki-.

I was a freshman in college when i first found out i had Chrons, my condition was so bad i dropped out and tooke 2 years off. determined to get my college degree at no other place than the school i had dropped out of 2 years earlier i went back. my first semester back was a piece of cake, i had no big issues untill the winter break when i got really sick. i didnt have to tell any of my teachers in the fall about my condition because there were no issues.As spring started i was in a bad position. i dont have a severe case of chrons but i had random BMs about 15 to 20 times aday. i was always tired and grumpy, i even had to do steroids in the spring. i informed all of my teachers of my situation and not one of them had a problem with me getting up and going to the bathroom when i needed to, or if i had to miss class they understood. i also made sure they knew that i was not giving in, i told them i was doing every thing in my own power to conrol it but some things are out of my hands. i got an A, a B, and 2 Cs, the point is dont stress to much about your teachers and not understanding, as mentioned before there are forms you can fill out but 99% of the time the professor will understand, the only way to find out is to tell them though.
just remember you win some and you lose some just keep moving forward and you'll make it to your goal

 Reply posted for -Niki-.

 Reply posted for -Niki-.

I agree with Sue-- get the papers filed incase you need them.  My daughter is only a sophmore in high school and i have already filed the papers- not just for now but especially for when she goes of too college. 
  I don't think that any teacher would think you are making this up but knowing what you are going through will help them better understand and get your work or lectures to you via email.  .  You would hate to think it-- but what if you had to leave right in the middle of a test-- no time to explain.These papers will make it easier for you and they will know why without having to explain after the fact.  Unfortuantely, you need the documentation.  it will help extend deadlines too! 

 Reply posted for -Niki-.

 Hi Niki,

I am the mother of a recently-diagnosed with Crohn's son.  He will head off to college this Fall.  Like you, he does not have major problems, but is fatigued more than when he was "well."   I have talked to his college and they have encouraged him to fill out a form for the student disabilities office.  He has no special needs at this time, but they said if he does, he will have an advocate and proof of a condition that may require some allowances--like needing not to have early classes or needing to run to the bathroom during a test.

Can you look into this at your school?  My hope is that neither of you will have need to use it, but just in case, it could be helpful.

Sue

 Reply posted for -Niki-.

 I was taking a health class (which was way easier to explain) but I let my teacher know on the first or second class that I really wanted to take the class and I would try my very hardest to make it to class and I communicated with him on a weekly basis via email on weeks that I couldnt make it.

I was raised that you go to work and class everyday even when you dont feel good unless you cant funtion as a human...

So on the days that I just couldnt do it. I would stay home and catch up on the work before the next class.

Just be honest with your teachers and work hard. It is really going to take some selling of your good performance. I ended up with an A in the class and made it to just over 1/2 of the classes. Dont miss any assignments and make sure you turn in the best work you can really do.

 Reply posted for -Niki-.

 I was taking a health class (which was way easier to explain) but I let my teacher know on the first or second class that I really wanted to take the class and I would try my very hardest to make it to class and I communicated with him on a weekly basis via email on weeks that I couldnt make it.

I was raised that you go to work and class everyday even when you dont feel good unless you cant funtion as a human...

So on the days that I just couldnt do it. I would stay home and catch up on the work before the next class.

Just be honest with your teachers and work hard. It is really going to take some selling of your good performance. I ended up with an A in the class and made it to just over 1/2 of the classes. Dont miss any assignments and make sure you turn in the best work you can really do.