Nusing school --- and IBS

Published

I start an accelerated nursing program this fall. I'm not really nervous about passing the classes and what not- I'm a hard-worker and I'll do what it takes. The thing I am pretty terrified of though is my IBS. I had a GI infection for like a year and a half before they figured out what it was and by the time they did, it had already wreaked havoc on my system. Now, I have IBS-D which is severe. I'm on the strongest medications for it and I've tried every diet/food elimination thing out there. I *usually* have my symptoms in check though I have pain every day, almost all day. This past year I've worked full-time and gone to school full-time and I believe only had to leave work maybe 4-5 times because of this but recently things have been acting up more. Basically- when I get sick it's pretty much incapacitating- like doubled-over type pain. When it flares, it's not a fast process- usually last several hours and is very painful so it's not like I can just "hold it" or get through the day. So, after providing way too much information, I was hoping to get some advice. Can anyone relate to this or gotten through school with this? This is something people generally talk about or share. I'm worried about getting through my clinical hours and classes. Guess I just wanted to know if I was alone in this or if anyone has any advice? It's sad the one thing that scared me the most about becoming a nurse was my stomach. Thank you so much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I wish I could offer advice, but I can't.

I am, however, in the same shoes, and would like to hear what others have to say.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have ulcerative colitis

Last semester was tough, I let my professors know, only after I had an issue

Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I too have IBS after my gb removal and the slightest bit of nervousness or stress really does a number on me. On test days you will see more people make frequent trips to the restroom! I can usually feel mine coming on and I always allow myself extra time for emergencies. Yours is way worse than mine since even prescription meds don't help much. Wish I had some advice but I don't, I can only reassure you that you are not alone.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My son has Crohn's and he is 3 1/2. He has a lot of pain and diarrhea all the time. You need to be up front with your professors, get a note from your doctor so they will give you freedom of having to use the bathroom often if you need to. Also see if that qualifies as a disability at your school. If it does then they can give to double the amount of time for testing. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day, kayleen4246:

I feel for you, and have been in similar straights with my own IBS.

Talk with your professors in private to see what type of accommodations can be made. I was concerned for the one class I'm taking now that's 2.5 hours long; but the professor gives all of us a short break half way through.

In terms of a long term picture, here's what I did over the past 18 months which has made a major difference in my IBS:

  • Over time, I changed my eating and life style. I try to exercise daily (minimum goal is 30 minutes per day). I'm very careful of when I eat; I found out that eating too late causes more problems. I try to eat three meals per day with dinner being the lightest meal. I eat as gluten free as I can do so; and, when possible grain free (that's not too easy). I lean towards vegan; and when I do eat meat, I stay away from pork as much as possible. My wife and I also try to buy organic; and, when we get meat, look for grass fed with no chemicals or other types of genetic modifiers.
  • I started going to a naturopath who through pH and other tests determined that my kidney and liver were not functioning properly; and so, I'm taking various supplements (whose amount has been slowly decreasing as my body is getting better). Basically my body was not properly processing the food I eat.
  • I still deal with the stool issues of IBS; and for that I try to manage by leaning more vegan with fiber.

For me, the weight loss (55 pounds over the course of 17 months; life style changes are often slower at weight loss than fad dieting, but the weight stays off as long as you keep the life style changes in place), change in when, what, and how I eat along with following the advise of a naturopath took my IBS from a scale of 7 to 10 in yuckness down to about a 1 to 3.

Also, consider that college / university is not like high school. When you have to go to the bathroom, get up as silently as you can, and leave (you don't have to ask permission). Based on the class setting, it may be wise to pack up your stuff and take it with you. But if you feel comfortable about it, and you are recording the lecture, possibly leave the recorder behind to continue on while you are in the bathroom. Just understand if it is gone when you get back, that's not the school or professor's responsibility (maybe make arrangements prior to starting the recorder for a class mate to keep an eye on it should you have to take a bathroom break).

Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have IBS as well and gastritis. However, I slip up and don't take my meds everyday...knock on wood I haven't had issues in a year. I hope u can figure it out!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you everyone! Sorry it took me so log to write back again. I appreciate the advice and it's nice to know I'm not alone! I think my biggest fear is doing the med-surg. rotation. I can just see myself standing there mid-surgery and have my stomach act up. Nothing like having an awkward moment in front of a room full of people :blink: :banghead:. Who knows--- it may not even be like that. I honestly have no idea what clinical rotations entail so I'm probably imagining worst case scenarios. Thanks again all!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology/hematology.

I have Celiac Disease which is also a GI issue. I have learned, after many years, what foods cause my issues, and the night before clinicals especially, I eat very light and very clean in order to avoid running to the bathroom during clinicals (since I have no time).

Good luck with everything. I hope you figure out your triggers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I have GI issues as well and, when stressed, go on a liquid diet for 1-2 days. Glucerna and similar products work best for me. Quit all sodas and some symptoms magically disappeared. I also recommend being up front with the school, including perhaps a talk to the Dean about whether or not you qualify for "diability" during testing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Im in the same boat. I have terrible anxiety over it as well. I dont deal well with it though and have days of extremely limited diet so I have zero helpful tips for you.... hoping some others have tips I can follow as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Early Intervention, Nsg. Education.

One of my favorite resources for disability accommodations is the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). JAN - Job Accommodation Network JAN is supported by ODEP, the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the DOL, so sources are reliable.

It's easy to find all kinds of accommodations, low-tech to high-tech, for just about every situation imaginable. Here's the page with accommodation ideas for GI illness: GI DisordersJAN also suggests other resources for additional accommodation ideas for each disability, illness, symptom, or situation. Another great place to get information is DisabilityResources.org, a non-profit internet clearinghouse site. Due to the nature of the site, double-check the reliability of your internet sources.

Here's the page with IBS accommodation and resources: The DRM WebWatcher: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion