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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 9/22/2007 3:41 PM (GMT -8)
I haven't been on the forum for a few weeks, however, I haven't forgotten my new found friends. I started school for practical nursing in August, and this is the first weekend that I don't have to study for a test!!!  This last week has been very trying and tiring.  I was stressed out big time about 2 tests and unfortunately, the crohn's kicked in.  I visited my GI last week for a check-up and he told me not to eat a big lunch so I don't have to run to the bathroom in the middle of a lecture.  I know there are others on the forum that have crohn's and go to school, how do you handle lunch?  Do you go on the light side?  I have been taking crackers, or Activia yogurt, or fruit in jello. 

I want to also thank everyone for their prayers when my aunt passed away. 

Debbie

Posted 9/22/2007 4:18 PM (GMT -8)
i have a special menu when i'm having symptoms. it consists of plain turkey sandwiches and cranberry juice, it sits well with me so that's what i eat. when i know going to bathroom isn't on the schedule i stick with that. so find what works well for you and go with it. i've done the cracker thing, add a microwavable soup. and if you're still hungry eat two, who cares? i'm a teacher so i tend to grab lots of snacks throughout the day at my desk, that way i don't feel the urge to have a big lunch. good luck with school.
Posted 9/22/2007 4:20 PM (GMT -8)
I am not a student, but the teacher!  It is even harder to be in the middle of teaching (and I teach first grade) and need to make a dash to the bathroom.  I can't leave them unattended.  For years when my Crohn's was bad, I ate very carefully at breakfast and lunch and then ate a better meal in the evening.  For me that was a dry waffle or two at breakfast, baked potato or plain turkey sandwich on white bread at lunch or something else similiar.    You are going to have to experiment to see what you can handle.  Also, try to tune into your body rhythms to figure out how long it takes before the diarrhea hits.   It can be trial and error.  Go slow trying new foods and be very cautious on days that you are flaring more than others.  Of course, if you have to go, you have to go!  Good luck! 

Posted 9/22/2007 4:36 PM (GMT -8)
You didn't ask about this, but have you filed through the disablity office at your school? I am a prof, and it is really helpful for us if you do, because then if you need any special assistance (a quick run to the bathroom during a test perhaps) it would be easier to make happen.
good luck to you; I bet with what you know you will make a fabulous nurse. yp
Posted 9/22/2007 5:40 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks for all your replies. My instructors do know about my crohn's and they have been very understanding. They are RN's, so they know how crohn's works. I never thought about a baked potato and I know they agree with me. Thanks for you help, I'll keep you posted. this is a one year class and it moves very quickly so we usually have 4 tests in 5 days.
Posted 9/22/2007 6:02 PM (GMT -8)
Props to you for going to school and getting into nursing!!! Most of my family is in that field(mom, dad, aunt, uncle, grandma are/were all nurses!) and my brother is in fourth year med school. I could only imagine the stress you are going though taking so many tests!! I just strated school myself. I have been a cook for the last 6 years, and that got to stressfull, so I decided to go back to school for nutrition with the option in dietetics. Last week was stressful for me too, but not like your week! As for lunch, I have the lucky schedule that I only have class immediately after lunch twice a week, but i usually eat half a sandwich- pb&j or turkey with some crackers or chips and a piece of fruit with water. that seems to set fine, but i have been feeling pretty good lately(knock on wood). I hope you can find something that suits you.
take care, Christina
Posted 9/22/2007 11:21 PM (GMT -8)
I also tend to eat Turkey sandwiches when I'm not feeling good. I would try to eat very lite before and during the school day. Nothing worse then running out of class for the bathroom.
Now I, don't go due to catching anything during cold/flu season.Can't take the chance of catching something.
Posted 9/23/2007 4:17 AM (GMT -8)
I just started school for radiology, luckily one of my classes falls on lunch and then I dont have another for 3 hours after. Yogurt and crackers do make a good lunch though.
Posted 9/23/2007 5:47 AM (GMT -8)
I also take pb crackers and water some days. Thanks for all the tips, I really appreciate them. I'll keep you posted.

Debbie
Posted 9/24/2007 2:59 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Debbie, I just wanted to say good on you for studying with crohn's, I know how hard it can be, I was diagnosed in my 2nd semester at university studying a bachelor of communications PR/journalism, and at times it has been extremely difficult to keep working & studying despite this disease and its impacts, but it is SO rewarding when you get good grades!

And your tutors/lecturers should be understanding, usually all they need is a medical certificate and a week's notice and they can be very accomodating and sensitive about your Crohn's.

I graduate i december and now I'm freaking out about the stressors of the 'real world' and a career! it never ends! lol
Posted 9/24/2007 12:07 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Phoebesky,
Thanks for your encouragement. You'll do fine in the "real world". If we can get through school with studying and tests, we can do it.

Debbie
Posted 9/24/2007 12:23 PM (GMT -8)
when i was in grad school last year i usually had a real light breakfast and lunch i ate usually a tuna wrap. its weird i couldnt tolerate things like cereal but i had no problem with pasta so id just eat whatever was working for me at the time, even for breakfast. then id eat most at dinner when i was home and safely near the BR. good luck with school i know its hard to be sick and go through it at the same time!

bunny

Posted 9/24/2007 1:36 PM (GMT -8)
Congrats on going to nursing school. I graduate in december (RN)! I usually will just bring an ensure (or a generic ensure) or a protein bar for lunch... It's too risky otherwise, then I find myself running around looking for an open one person bathroom!

Good luck!
Posted 9/25/2007 6:13 AM (GMT -8)
Im in your boat too. Im in law school. If I don't eat I feel sick, if I eat before I leave the house I don't make it to school. So I bring somewhat safe foods with me. (Nothing is safe 100% of the time). I usually drive to school, eat a bannana or activa yogurt, take my meds, poop, and go to class. I do still tend to leave my classes in the morning but I am not embarassed anymore about using the public bathroom. We have electric hand dryers so I just turn one on when I go in. All my profs know why I leave and I sit in the back on the aisle. Most of my problems are in the morning but I still stick to safer foods at lunch like a sandwhich or a bagel etc.
Posted 9/26/2007 4:15 AM (GMT -8)
I am also a student, so I know how you feel.  The advice about registering with the department of disabilities is really a good idea.  Even if you think that you will probably never use their services, the one time that you are forced into a situation requiring it will make it all worth it.  For those others on the site that are just getting started in school, I suggest online courses.  This has been really great for me because it allows me to work from home on my schedule near a bathroom.  Most universities offer general courses and many other courses online.  One warning that I will offer, do not take these classes if you like to procrastinate.

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