Trying to get an education

[Stephen]

This has to be one of the worst conditions to have while you are trying to go to school. Don't get me wrong I know it could be worse (I mean it's not like I'm dying), but you get my point. It is nearly impossible to sit through a lecture and everytime I get up to leave a class it seems like everyone turns to see me walk out. The worst is when I open the door to come back in...IT CATCHES EVERYBODY'S ATTENTION!! I usually explain my condition to my professors at the start of the semester, so that's not the problem. The problem is everyone seeing me leave class 2 or 3 times a day. I don't know...I just don't want everyone to know that I have this condition. Last semester, I was sitting in class and I had to go to the bathroom and as I got up to go the professor actually stopped his lecture and said "Son, where are you going in the middle of my lecture?" I was honest and said "Uh..to the bathroom." The professor got upset said "Didn't you have a chance to go before class?" and the truth is I did go before class, but it didn't help, so I just lied and said "No sir my last prof. went over time and I had to rush to make it here." Keep in mind that the whole class is watching! The professor said"Well that's very rude. Next time go before class." Needless to say I dropped that class. All in all though, I find that most professors are understanding and most of stress and anxiety I have is created in my own mind.

[Alexa]

Hi Stephen!

I totally understand what you're going through...and I went through it for 5 years! At my university, we had something called a "Disability Resource Centre" which helped me out a lot. The word "disability" actually has a VERY broad meaning, and IC certainly falls under it. After I provided documentation that I had IC, and how it affected me and my health, the Centre sent out a letter to all of my professors letting them know about my condition. They didn't go into details, they just said that I suffered from a chronic problem, and outlined my symptoms and some of the side effects from some of my medications. I really, really recommend that you check out if they have this type of resource at your centre. They provided so much support for me.

If this resource is not available for you, perhaps you can get a short letter from your doctor and approach your professors before the beginning of class at the beginning of the term and let them know about your symptoms.

I'm really sorry you're going through such a rough time now, and I certainly know what you mean about people noticing. But one thing I've discovered is that most people are pretty wrapped up in their own thing, and usually don't notice who leaves the class.

My email address is [email protected]
Please feel free to write if you have any more questions!

By the way, which meds are you on? There are some options which might help your frequency and urgency.

Take care,
Alexa

[Melanie]

Stephen,
I didn't develop IC until a couple of years after college. But I suffered thru chronic UTIs during school. So I totally understand. I think Alexa had some great ideas about educating your profs.
I hate catorgizing people as disabled. But it's true that IC is a disably condition. I haven't worked now for over a year. My job required me to attend alot of meetings and be on my feet alot. It was exhausting. Try explaining to all your coworkers that you have IC. It isn't any easier than telling profs or fellow students. But the good news is that if you approach it in a tactful and friendly way, most people will understand and be happy to make accomadations.
take care,
Melanie

[ldwall]

I totally get what you are saying. Because of this I have stopped regular classes all together and I do all my course work at home through the computer. It saves on the embarrasement and I can do work when I am feeling up to it. I was missing a lot of classes just because I was feeling rotten at that time of day. I wish I had a good suggestion for you, I just sat in the back during my regular classes and went anyway......and let everyone stare. I tried to hold it a few times and well lets just say my bladder got even. I do hope you are able to find a way to work around IC. Lisa