University as a Crohnie

 

This weeks blog is all about how my crohn's has effected my University life.

 

 

A lot of people find it strange and weird that I decided to stay at home and commute every day to University and normally when I tell people they say "Oh that's nice for you then" in a aww she couldn't leave her home and family tone of voice. But actually the main reason behind this choice is because of my crohn's.

 

My crohn's at times can be incredibly embarrasing; my tummy gets so bloated from the inflammation that it looks like I'm pregnant and sometimes I have to occupy the bathroom more than I would like too! And the thought of having to deal with that at University in an environment where I would possibly have to share a bathroom with 6 others terrified me! Having to exaplain to people I'd never met before what's wrong with me and why I may need to use the bathroom immediately scared the shit out of me! Great way to make new friends! Whereas being at home I know I am in a supportive comfortable environment where I am surrounded by people who understand and can help with what I am going through. If I have to spend the day in bed in pain I know I will have peace and quiet and access to the bathroom asap! If I need special dietry requirments I haven't got to worry about have I got enough money to spend. It's relaxing knowing that if I feel shit I can just drive home and curl up in my bed.

 

Another reason for staying home is being close to my hospital. Knowing that I am only half an hour away from help instead of 3 is reassuring. Through out this year so far I have had some major up's and down's which have affected University a lot to the extent where I have had to miss day's and important rehearsals and I feel bad because I feel as though I am letting people down. So being able to get in touch and see my consultant and get treatment quickly is so beneficial and comforting. Whereas, if I had moved away this could of been a realy struggle and stress resulting in possibly a worse flare-up.

 

As much as I LOVE going out and hitting the town I just couldn't physically keep up! It would just end in disaster for me! And I know that I would be a push over and if people asked me to go out, I would. So I am actually trying to be sensible in order to look after myself.

 

I have been asked by many people as well "Do you not miss out on the student life?" Well simple answer yes I do. I am at times jealous of those who have moved out and get to be independant and be as crazy as they like but I'd rather be healthy than be living the student life whilst suffering on the inside.When I started Uni I didn't instantly make best friends with people who I see everyday and go out with all the time, I struggled and just had to go with it and at times I did doubt that Uni was for me because I felt like I stuck out because I was the girl that lived at home but now I have met some amazing lovely friends who are just fab and make Uni enjoyable!

 

Thank you for reading

Mwah

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