Advice from a College Student with Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is difficult to live with in any situation. It is especially hard to deal with when you are a college student. This condition affects almost every aspect of the college experience.

I have had problems in dorms. I discovered that it was best in my situation to let my dorm mates know about my condition as soon as possible. I know that this is not something that I should be ashamed of but it is difficult to talk about sometimes. I usually just come out and say that I have ulcerative colitis so that if I have a flare up, those near me do not think I am crazy.

A major problem with dorm life is that during a flare up, sometimes the bathroom is occupied. That is a bad thing because diarrhea cannot be controlled so I just can't wait. Sometimes, I have had to resort to desperate measures such as using a trash can. I know that seems embarrassing but so is having to carry soiled clothes to the laundry room.

My ulcerative colitis affects my study time and homework. If I am having a flare up, I tend to stay away from my study group. I have also been known to study in the bathroom so that I don't have to drop my computer and study materials to run to the bathroom. Basically, I just try to find ways to make things easier for me and my room mates.

As far as my professors, I schedule an appointment with them as soon as I can to tell them about my ulcerative colitis. I usually bring a note from my doctor so they can keep it in my record. By doing this, most professors are understanding if I have to run out during a lecture or lab. If my stomach is bothering me, I will wear a bladder control pad. I do that just in case I cannot make it to the bathroom. I had one class that I wore one every day because there was no bathroom on the same floor as the classroom.

In the past, I have had to ask for an extension on an assignment because of a major flare up. I try not to do this often because I do not want my ulcerative colitis to be a crutch for me.