What do I do?

[Kristy]

Thinking about going back to college, but I'm very scared to go back. About the only thing that causes me to flare is stress and I'm scared that classes will cause me major stress. I already have a family and a 3 year old. Don't know what to do.

Kristy

[liisa]

Kristy,

There are a couple of things you can try to do. Firstly, try taking one course at a time. Talk to the college you want to attend. See if there is a disabilities resource centre - speak with them. Universities and colleges in Canada have to work with you (I am assuming it is very similar in the US) to accomodate your needs. IC is considered a disability so there may be things that they can help you with.

Most of all, don't give up on the idea of college just because stress makes you flare Have hope.

Hugs,
Liisa

[Kristy]

Liisa,

Don't have to worry much about the college. My husband is the Director of Admissions. I am planning on taking one class at a time, but the classes only meet one time a week so they are 3 HOURS LONG. I want have a problem with understanding either it is a very small college. It is a bible college that is regionally accredited. Thanks for the reply.

Kristy

[liisa]

Kristy,

That's good to hear!!! Although the thought of a three hour class is enough to scare me!! I have enough trouble doing research on my own time I hope you go for it - perhaps they can arrange so that the classroom is close to a washroom if the college is so small.

I am wishing you all the best
Warm hugs,
Liisa

[ldwall]

Don't forget in this age of computer technology you DO NOT have to do college the traditional way. You can do coursework online with nationaly known accreditied colleges and get your degree. One that I recommend that gives the best choices and services all around is the University of Maryland. Try looking them up, or other colleges to see what you can do online from your own home. Another option is Central Michigan University, where I am finishing up my degree. They don't have as many choices as Maryland, but they offer the degree completly at home like Maryland does. Don't let yourself be scared off by the thought that there is only one way to do things. I wish you the best, hope you look into the online option. Lisa

[shell]

I work at a college and used to take classes toward a degree. I've had to put that on hold now for reasons not related to my IC. I usually took classes that were 50 or 80 minutes long, but ocassionally took a 3 or 3 1/2 hour class. The last long class I took was three days a week from 8:30 a.m. to noon for four weeks. The instructor made it very clear at the first class that he would not stand for distractions in his class, and that included leaving the room at any time except for any breaks he planned to give us. I made sure to catch him at the first break and explain that I had a medical condition and I might need breaks at times other than his planned ones. I told him I would try to keep it to a minimum, but sometimes I just can't wait and he was fine with that.

I think that being adult learners gives us some leeway that tradtional students don't get. Instructors know that we are attending classes because we want to, not because mom & dad are making us.

[icnmgrjill]

And remember that the best part about being in college and/or grad school is that you WANT to be there. It's not like you HAVE to do this. You have the control and flexibility to pick classes that you sincerely want to take because you are interested in that subject.

I take a classe or two atleast once a year, the last being irish gaelic, just because I think its fun to learn and be with others who like to learn. So, rather than being stressful, I really look at it as being very fun. I hope that you do too.

Jill "I really want to get my PhD in this lifetime" Osborne

[angiec]

Boy do I understand your dilemma! I presently am getting my Masters Degree in Educational Technology and teach full time. My class meets one weekend a month-Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 8-5 and Sunday 8-5. Then we do big projects and assignments between classes. I agree with Jill in that when "going back" to college you want to be there, therefore, the stress is different. I am not saying that I haven't had a few flares from stress, but they have been... hmm, how do I say this, procrastination induced :eek:
As far as the classes go, I am enjoying them and the assignments given. So...again...take classes YOU want to take and know you will benefit from. Good luck.. Angie

[Kristy]

Just an update on my post. I have been brave. I just completed English Comp. II with an A. I just started my Fall semester and I am taking 6 hours. So everybody please keep your fingers crossed. By the way, I have had no stress related flares from classes yet.

Kristy

[MelanieJ]

Kristy,
That's wonderful! Congratulations! I finished my BA at Ohio State Univ in the middle of dealing with getting my IC diagnosis. Not fun. But when I graduated, I felt that I had kicked the ol' IC in the butt! What a great feeling! I know you can do it too! How exciting!

Throwing confetti your way,
Melanie J.

[angiec]

I am so happy for you and (without sounding condescending) very proud of you! College is hard enough without the medical frustrations that we are dealing with. An "A" :eek: !!!! Keep up the great work! Way to go girl!!!! Angie