I've had IBS for 2 years now, but just recetly had it diagnosed as that. I'm a senior in high school and I just started back at school. I almost didn't make it to several of my classes due to the symptoms. It was very stressful and now I'm completely worn out from the day. I just don't know how to get through the entire school year like this. Any suggestions??
First Day of School
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
oh my goodness i remember having IBS in high school
![]()
i took bentyl for spasms when i needed it which helped me.. maybe try some calcium carbonate, either in caltrate pill form or tums, and see if that helps you at all.. i started with over 600mg a day, and did really well.. and immodium! on really bad days immodium can really help.i'd also say get a doctor's note and tell the school nurse so you wont get in trouble when you're late for classes..
Hi, I feel for you. I start back to college tommorow. I graduated from a community college this may, and now its off to Southern Illinois University. I'm really scared and nervous. I know that I can make it, but being nervous makes my symptoms worse at times. Hope everything works out for you. Take CareHeather
![]()
Joined
·
23 Posts
Definately let your school and teachers know. I am a techer and suffer with IBS, so I can completely relate. I teach at a very small school and there are 2 teachers on the faculty with IBS (that I know of), so it is very posible that some of your teachers may also be suffers, and they wil be able to sympathize with you. Communication is the key. Good luck!Only 12 weeks until Thanksgiving holidays!
Joined
·
324 Posts
When my son was diagnosed with IBS in January, he was in 8th grade. His guidance counselor confided that she also has IBS. She made his life (and mine) so much easier. She was a real advocate and all of his teachers were great. I've heard of some not so sympathetic teachers, but I strongly encourage you to tell your teachers, guidance counselor and school nurse. I can't hurt and it'll probably make our life a whole lot easier. When my son was having morning symptoms, his guidance counselor suggested he come in for 3rd period. She made everything work.
Joined
·
112 Posts
Hi--The advice given above is great--tell your teachers and counselors, so they can be your advocate and also be someone you can confide in. Also, tell your friends, if you haven't already. Knowing that your friends understand you and will help you out is really important. Not only that, you'll feel less stressed out with them, which increases the amount of time in the day you don't feel stressed and makes the day seem better. Also, try some of the tips that people with your condition have tried (whether you're IBS-C or IBS-D). There are others on this board who are teachers and students, so feel good about having understanding ears here and rely on us! Lastly, try to limit the encroachment of IBS on your life. My motto is: Feel the fear and do it anyway. That's how people with phobias and anxiety get over this stuff. Good luck dear!
You got good advise about letting the school know you have IBS.As for your self you should look into Mike's tapes, I wish I would have done them when I was young and in school, it would have helped me tremedously as they have for me and others now. It maybe an excellent option for you in managing the IBS and reducing the associated anxiety and symptoms, naturally. I would also look into getting a copy of DR Bolens book, breaking the bonds of irritable bowel syndrome and working through the book cover to cover. http://www.irritablebowel.net/index.htm I really feel for you and know exactly what its like and how hard it is to function. I wennt to public schools and in six grade transfered to a private school for one year, in part because of my IBS.
Joined
·
2 Posts
OH I remember having IBS in high school. I got it the beginning of 11th grade. It was a terrible thing to deal with, especially in the early morning. I'm 25 now and have figured out a few ways to deal with it. First, try the calcium that so many have talked about. It has worked very well for me, second definetly talk to trusted friends, you might even discover that some of them have the same problem and are too embarrased to discuss it with anyone else. I figured that out in college...Once I moved into the sorority house it was very difficult to hide from everyone so I was very honest about it and discovered that 4 of my friends were also suffering from the same thing and we all felt so much better once we relied on one another. And my last piece of advice to get me through those rough times in high school...Immodium. Not recommending every day use, but just on those days you don't think you can take much more of the symptoms. Good luck in your senior year and don't let IBS allow you to miss out on any great experiences while you are there...
Thank you all so much for all of your replys. I really appreciate it. IBS has been extremely hard for me. I did get a note from my doctor to give to the nurse, so I guess I'll see how that goes. I'm really glad I found this board! For the past couple of years I was beginning to think I was the only one who had this. Thank you all again for replying! It helped! I hope to get to know you all!
Joined
·
1,991 Posts
Everyone else said what I would.
![]()
My only other advice is to print out Molly Brochure and give that to the nurse/teachers etc.Take care.
![]()
Kaystar, this is a good thing to read for stress and school. http://www.ksu.edu/counseling/drstress.html#PHYSICAL
everyone gave you some really great suggestions above. and yea, mike's tapes, calcium, immodium, and many others are things you should look into in hopes of improving your symptoms.i myself went thru some minor symptoms in h.s. but not dealing with it and denying it to myself led to anxiety problems related to being in a classroom with stomach pains/gas/d, etc. when i developed full-blown ibs in college a few years ago, the classroom anxiety + symptoms made it nearly impossible for me to sit in a classroom for even 10 minutes without running out. i went into a downward spiral from there, and after a lot of anguish and rebuilding, i'm just starting to get back on my feet now, and re-starting my college classes next week.anyway, i just wanted to say that there are many of us behind you, who understand what you are going through. no doubt you'll be more mature, understanding, and mentally tougher by the time you're done with high school than most people your age.good luck, and definitely keep us updated on how you're doing.methical
Your welcome kay, they should really help.Mike's tapes could really help you also and you don't really have to do anything but listen to them for a half hour a day. I would read up on it when you have time and learn about it. They have the possiblity to make you feel a whole lot better and long term.Good luck if you need anything let me know, I honestly know how hard this really is and the toll it can take on a person.Try those relaxation techniques though everyday and give them two weeks to really start working. It can be a tremendous help.all the best
![]()
Joined
·
56 Posts
Oh my goodness I dont even want to think about going back to school. Im a sophomore in college. Ive been suffering with this since senior year, so I know what you are going through. Nothing really has helped me other than Imodium. Hope everything goes well!
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
