cf and college

Hi there rara, welcome to the forums! Sorry I'm late, not been 100% myself, so been hiding out a bit.

I am 23 with CF. I am currently studying in college, and am finding it quite easy, though I am only doing 12 hours a week at most.
I find myself getting tired quickly, but I have very understanding tutors who are making things as easy as possible.
Another thing I'm finding good, is taking advantage of the colleges councelling service. They're helping make sure I'm on the right track, and giving me someone I feel really comfortable with, so can voice any problems as soon as they crop up.

I guess the main thing is, making you know someone enough to help if you're finding things hard with your health. They will always make allowances too make sure you stay as healthy as possible and not stressed out.

When I was 16, I went to college, to do a childcare course. I never had anyone to support me, I never even had a social worker at the time. I found it really tough, and the tutors had no understanding. I never knew what I knew then, that your CF team doctors can right a letter explaining things if you need them too and that allowances can be made if you have to have time off college sick, or can't keep up with the work load. I never knew back then that anyone could help, so I gave up and packed in after a few months.

I think that's definately a think to keep in mind for going to college, people can help you if you ask.

I hope you do well at college and that your healths holds up so you can enjoy your course and get the qualifications you want without too much stress.

Hope you're well now!
Gem

I'm a Junior (or should be) and would have to say if you're healthy enough to go to school, it's worth it.

I was diagnosed the summer before going to college. So yeah. Talk about shaking things up a bit.

But I went. I go to school nine hours from home. And it's the best thing I ever did. Being new to CF I had a lot to learn. I took it as a chance to almost start a new life. New routine. New friends. New everything. And things worked out well.

Yeah, I made some poor decisions (DON'T PLAY PONG IN A DIRTY FRAT ... or anywhere else for that matter). Came down with some complications (and went into school having some), but I worked most of them out.

Right now I am recovering from a nasty infection with microbacterium absesses. Don't get that -- ha ha. I was sick all summer and couldn't go back to school, and right now not being on my own at school is really what's killing me. Life changes a lot when you're on your own.

I think if you ever want to be independent, your best move in this situation would be to stay in college. The most important thing is to make the right choices related to your health and to be DILLIGENT with your therapies and treatments. No slacking off. Be responsible not only for your grades but your overall well-being. Don't take anything for granted.

Yeah -- when I went to school I really was reluctant to tell people about my CF. I tried to hide it. But the more I hid it, the worse I felt about it. I leaked it to a few individuals before being a lot more open about it with my friends. Trust me -- if you surround yourself with the right people it will make things a lot easier. They respect my health issues and are always there when I need support -- even now when I'm home and they're nine hours away. Don't isolate yourself because you're technically disabled. Just make smart decisions about what you're doing and who you do it with. Don't be afraid to take advantage of the resources most schools will offer you. Yeah -- you might be a little "different", but so what? You're you regardless, and you're living your life. If someone has a problem with you having a terminal illness, so what? Good people don't react that way, and it's good people that you need to emmerse yourself in. Don't let CF run your life (if you can), but you need to make it a big part of how you take care of yourself from day to day. Everyday.