7 Tips to make going back to school with IC easier
As hard as it may be to see summertime dwindle down, there is something special about the first days back at school. Whether it’s tenth grade of the final year of your PhD studies or courses taken purely for personal interest whatever your age when returning to school it is always a busy - and at times stressful - period. In order to help minimize any undo stress, and help keep your IC symptoms under control it’s important to be as prepared and ready as can before the first bell rings. Here are seven tips to help make going back to school with IC easier for you.
-With respect to the size of your school’s building or campus try, either before hand (many schools actually “open up” a few days prior to the start of classes) or as soon as the year starts to familiarize your self with the nearest washroom facilities. And map out the shortest routes for you to get from class to class.
-You may wish to let your teachers, professors, principles, etc know that you have a severe, chronic bladder condition (and any other applicable health issues) and that you will need their support (ie, letting you get up from class as needed to use the washroom, explaining that at times you may be slightly late getting to class, that you require time away from class to attend doctor’s appointments, etc) and understanding through out the year so that you are more comfortable in class.
By alleviating the stress of always worrying about if you’re “allowed” to freely use the washroom or not during class hours you will be more relaxed and more able to focus on and enjoy the activities going on in class. If you do not wish to speak directly to your teaches a brief letter could be written instead explaining the situation, as could discussing the issue with your principle, dean, advisor or other campus head and asking if he or she could inform your teachers of the situation. Remember that in many countries any program or institution, including a school that receives any form of federal funding cannot intentionally discriminate against you or your physical condition.
-Many schools, especially post secondary institutions have services and support directly available on campus for students with special needs and/or disabilities. In fact if you are applying to a new school (this is more applicable, generally, prior to September) you may want to look into how the school in question facilitates people with disabilities and special needs. Once the school year has started take some time to thoroughly learn what sort of help and options are available for you. Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t see something you feel you may need being covered in the current “list” of support available, you may able to have something new implemented for the sake your well being. As they say it never hurts to ask!
-Cut down on the amount that you have to carry! Invest in a sturdy backpack (book bag) with strong, comfortable (padded) shoulder straps and other padding such as at the area where the bag meets your lower back. Good places to find sturdy, comfortable backpacks in all sorts of designs and sizes are camping, outdoor and fitness supply stores.
Instead of hauling multiple binders or notebooks consider carrying one or two small binders with you through out the week and transferring the notes and assignments from each week (or as needed) into larger separate binders at home, or ones that are kept in your locker. Another option that some students choose is to take notes on their laptop computers.
-If applicable consider obtaining the proper permit(s) that allow you to park in a handicapped (disabled) parking spot. You will usually need to go through your doctor on an on campus doctor in order to obtain the forms required to obtain a permit from the DMV or other licensing office. By parking in such a spot you may dramatically cut down on the amount of time it takes you to get from your vehicle to the classroom. Time that you could use to make a trip to the washroom before class, or to reach class at a pace which is comfortable for your needs.
-Consider carrying a mini “IC survival” kit with you in your bag. While the goal is to always keep your backpack or bag as light as possible, some items that you may wish to always have handy are a water bottle with fresh water, one time use heating pads such as the brand Body Heat, a washroom access card (and or/wearing a medical alert bracelet that specifies your physical conditions), a day or two’s worth of your usual medication, and a small amount of NSAIDS (always check with your campus’s/school’s policies regarding legal pharmaceuticals), an acid reducer like Prelief or Tums, a quick non-perishable bladder friendly snack such as crackers, dried blueberries, certain types of corn chips or carob malt balls, and a list of all your doctors including phone numbers. < br /> As well if you feel that it may help you consider using a cushion to help make those long stretches spent sitting down more bearable. Another good option would be IC friendly chair cushions that are available from the ICN’s shop.
-One thing that many people with disabilities and medical conditions find helpful is to be as knowledgeable as possible when it comes to their health. Doing so may mean that you are more able to accurately and understandably explain your medical conditions if the need arises, or in order to get the best care and help for yourself. In short it’s always a wise suggestion to learn all you can about IC, not only for the reasons just mentioned but also for your own peace of mind and interest. (Just think, reading up on IC will help sharpen your study skills for the new school year!)
Keep in mind that these are just suggestions, there are many more tips and resources available for disabled and special needs students. Remember to always put your health and wellbeing first, if you do this the school year may pass a lot more comfortably and smoothly for you. As well always be proud of your accomplishments and how much you are able to do instead of focusing just on the negative aspects of your life with IC; a positive outlook has achieved many things!