Classes

[Jessezgrl4life]

Hi there! Many times do to my IC I have to leave class early because I usually have to go to the bathroom so I am always missing stuff. When it comes to test there is always something I am not understanding. I will sit through the pain but I was wondering if their were any suggestions you guys had on what I can do to catch up with the info I am missing or if any of you have the same problem! thanks!

[Kitty920]

Hi; I have returned to school after many years and I also need to leave class to visit the restroom often, but what I do is bring a small voice recorder and record my classes. That way I can go back anytime and review the lectures and it helps with studying...it was a lifesaver when I was taking Anatomy and Physiology recently.

[Jessezgrl4life]

Thank you so much! I was always worried about that because I thought maybe someone would try to take it but I think I will get a cheap one and try it out. Thanks so much! I also admire the fact that you still continue to go to school even though you have this working against you. It is people like you who inspire me to keep on going!

[Kitty920]

Hi; I am so thankful for this site...and the courage and strength and support that people give to others. School is not easy right now for me because of the pain. I do not have frequency as much as pain. I ask myself all the time if I am doing the right thing in continuing school but when I started 4 years or so ago I was not having these problems..but really when I think about it, school gives me so much purpose and it really keeps me going; despite the pain. I try to come on this site and read as much of the encouraging stories that give you hope as I can..and it strengthens me to not give up hope that someday the pain will pass and I tell myself all the time that I will not let this bladder run my life..it's definitely a tug of war situation.
I love my little voice recorder; you can buy them anywhere and I either keep it hidden just in case; some professors do not like them being used..and others don't mind at all and I just keep it on my desk..it's been a life saver for me...at 43 years old, I need to listen to the lectures again and again in order to retain them...oh and the few times I could not make class for whatever reason, I would ask a friend in class to record for me. I wish you the best of luck; just keep telling yourself that you will do it and take one day at a time...

Nancy

[kadi]

Hi there,
You can also check in with disabled student services on this issue. If your college has a note-taking service, you might be able to subscribe for your class. And maybe disabled student services would even pay for it (?). Worth a try anyhow. It's not a bad idea to have something on file with disabled student services just in case you get a jerk of a professor and need help with accommodations...

[Jessezgrl4life]

Thank you so much! I am for sure going to look into it! Especially because I am sure at one point some professor is going to say something about it

[chey]

I graduated a year ago, and I had the same problems with classes. I was never really gone in the bathroom long enough to miss something, but I struggled with the embarrassment in smaller classes where it was noticeable that I ALWAYS left to go to the bathroom.

Now that I'm not in school, my IC has improved HUGELY. I'm getting better sleep, and relying less on caffeine (which I didn't have that often, but still needed sometimes), and am less stressed. So make sure you're taking care of yourself and identifying and reducing any school-related triggers.

[Jessezgrl4life]

Thank you so much! I go to school early in the morning and I am always so tired. Now that I can't have coffee and energy drinks (According to the diet) what are other ways that you guys manage to wake up ?

[chey]

I heard that apples give wake-up energy. Any sort of raw food can be energizing. When you eat cooked food, your body expends energy trying to break it down (which is why people get sleepy after a big meal). This doesn't apply to raw food, so make sure you have something like baby carrots, apple slices, anything that's refreshing, light and raw in the morning. Also, this is very very health-foody, but I like maca root:



It's a superfood, usually found in powder form, that is mind-blowingly good for you and a natural energy stimulant. I'll have it in the morning, mixed into almond butter on toast, then later be like, "Why do I feel so energetic, happy, balanced, and amazing today?" And then remember, it's the maca root! My warning though, is that while I've done well with it, my IC is mild, and I HAVE NO IDEA if it's IC friendly for other people. It's a root, meaning it is likely to be, but just letting you know.

And of course, remember to get sleep! Do what you can to plan enough hours, because it's possible and the most important thing even without IC.

[Jessezgrl4life]

Thank you so much!!