back to school...

[april582]

For those of you in college, are you ready to go back? I'm not. lol I was enjoying this time off. I start my winter semester tomorrow though. Also, does anyone have any tips for coping with the stress that comes along with it? [img]wink.gif[/img]

Hope everyone is doing well

-April
<img src="graemlins/angel.gif" border="0" alt="[angel]" />

[rnewman]

HI April...

NOoooooo not ready to go back. I have until January 13. Im in graduate school though, so I have to do some work to prepare...I start right off on January 13 in my clinical setting in a doctor's office. (Im in nurse practitioner school.) Just a bit anxiety producing.

For the rest of break, Im in and out of doctors. Im going to go back and try accupuncture again. Im starting a pilates class. Im hoping the "core" strength that pilates emphasizes will help my bladder because I have weak pelvic floor muscles- I also hope its going to be my once a week relaxing treat to myself. Im going to make it a point to go no matter how busy I am. It is a bit expensive, I think each class is like $10, but if its peace of mind and good for me, its worth it. Im continuing my PT, and Im going to see a school counselor before school begins. I am not on any depression/anxiety meds, and I dont really want to take any. I always thought I had good coping skills, but I guess my IC is telling me that I dont- or that I internalize everything- or something like that. So I am going to see what this counselor says. Most schools have something like that. Hopefully, mine will be helpful- have you looked into your schools resources?? If they give me any good tips this week when I go, I will post!!! Happy New Year and Happy New semester!
Sendign Good luck to all!
<img src="graemlins/grouphug.gif" border="0" alt="[grouphug]" /> Rachel

[april582]

Rachel,

What is pilates? I have no clue what that means. lol I'm new to all this IC stuff, I was just diagnosed in July. I am not on any meds either besides Elmiron.

No, I haven't looked into my school's resources. My IC is pretty mild, so I think I can manage it on my own right now. Actually I have been doing pretty well besides the 3-day flare I had that started on Christmas. When I'm not in a flare, I almost feel like I am in remission. I think stress and lack of rest contribute to my flares, but that is unavoidable when you have to work a job and go to school at the same time. I'm hoping this semester will be less stressful though, as most of my classes are in the same building at school and my hours have been cut at work.

Anyway, happy new semester to you too!

-April

[Alisha]

Hi April, I also start back tomorrow....I am actually looking forward to it because I really enjoy school. Sitting through class is extremely hard, but my teachers are always informed from the begining of the semester that I have IC and I must have special consideration when it comes to going to the potty room, and missing classes because of pain. I have never had a teacher that does not understand, especially female ones. Try to keep on top of your classes to prevent stress, which could lead to a bad flare. Good luck with the semester and let us know how you are doing.

Hugs,
Alisha <img src="graemlins/grouphug.gif" border="0" alt="[grouphug]" />

[april582]

I think I am different from most people on this board, because I do not even tell my professors about my IC. I just don't think it is necessary right now because I've been able to keep it under control, and I am now able to go for fairly long periods of time without using the restroom. I think I may have stretched my bladder from holding it so much while I'm at work. lol
The only time I really have problems is during a bad flare...

I will probably start telling them if I get worse, but I just hope it doesn't get to that point. <img src="graemlins/blink.gif" border="0" alt="[blink]" />


-April