Strategies for Navigating the Complexities of IBD: School, Friends, Food
School + IBD
Getting Through the First Day
Understanding School Accommodations
Most schools provide special accommodation plans for those with health issues or learning disabilities. After being diagnosed, it’s important to know what your school provides and take advantage of those opportunities (e.g., extra time for tests/homework, bathroom passes, etc.).
Talking to Teachers About IBD
Communication is key, and your teachers are here to help you. When I missed 3 weeks of school, I learned to maintain clear communication with my teachers and created an efficient learning plan to catch up on the work and understand the material.
Missing School without Feeling Behind
After my initial diagnosis, I missed several weeks of school at a time. But I refused to fall behind on my classwork, turning components of my hospital room into opportunities for learning (textbook cupboards, online lectures, etc.).
Managing Tests, Homework, and Appointments
Balancing with IBD is one of the most important parts of navigating chronic illness. Time management was my best friend in high school. I planned my weeks out, studying for tests ahead of time and scheduling doctor’s appointments so they would not interfere with a test or an important learning day.
Friends + Social Life
The Social Side of IBD
How to explain IBD to your friends
Initially, I found it very hard to describe IBD to my friends because I myself was navigating it too. Here is a simple, digestible way to describe IBD to friends without sharing too many details.
“IBD is Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and I have Ulcerative Colitis, which is one of the two different types. It is a chronic condition, meaning it is lifelong, and eating certain foods causes my colon to be inflamed.”
Eating out with friends
I found it helpful to look up the restaurant before going there with friends. Based on your knowledge of food triggers for your body, you can see whether the restaurant has menu items that are safe for your gut. I find that restaurants with gluten-free or vegan options are better options.
When you have to cancel plans
Given the unpredictable nature of IBD and chronic illness in general, I’ve had to cancel plans several times. It’s important to advocate for yourself and listen to your body even if you feel guilty.
Dealing with awkward questions
Privacy is something very important to me as a chronic illness patient, especially with the stigma surrounding gut-related illnesses. It’s important to establish clear boundaries with the people you know and stand firm if someone asks a question that you may not be willing to answer. You never have to share more than you are comfortable with.
Finding people who understand
The people who truly support you for who you are will stand by you and take time to understand your condition without being judgmental.
Appointments + Healthcare
Becoming Your Own Advocate
How to Prepare for a GI Appointment
Make sure you have symptoms noted down on your phone or paper
Any questions regarding medications or uncertainty
Keep track of when bloodwork or stool tests were last done
Make sure to hydrate throughout the day
How to Keep Track of Symptoms
Notes app on phone
Using specific app trackers
Communicating with your doctor or nurse using a provided hospital webpage
Understanding Your Care Team
GI clinics encompass a whole care team to help you with every aspect of your life affected by IBD.
Psychologist: There to help and talk through any mental or emotional struggles related to IBD or even outside of it.
Dietitian: Guides you through a dietary plan and ensures you are receiving proper nutrition for your body
Preparing for the Transition to Adult Care
As you transition to college and adult care, it is important to begin practicing advocacy by listening to your body and openly asking your doctor questions on the smallest of things. You are the voice of your body, so if something doesn’t feel right, then make sure to address it and push for answers.
