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Going to register for DSS (Disability Support Services) in College

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/15/2008 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
Greetings, I've been attending college for the past two years but never really found it imminent to make this condition known to anyone since it was under control. Now that I'm in a flare up, I have no doubt it's going to thread into just about all my academic endeavors. I just missed a discussion class (we have to participate and voice our thoughts) due to cramping every 15-20 minutes and constantly having the urge to go. I really can't picture myself participating in class while experiencing these symptoms, people will be able to sense my discomfort easily.

My workload isn't too much but then again I'm taking a few computer science classes which is definitely not ideal given the situation I'm in. I'll be visiting my GI soon and I have little doubt that he's going to put me on steroids to get this under control. In the meantime, I'm looking to register for DSS in college to make sure that the professors can give me extensions on assignments if needed.

I'm hoping that my professors will be understanding and sympathetic. With that said, I'm wondering if anyone has had similar experiences in college. I certainly hope my GI does not downplay the symptoms in the medical documentation form.

Thanks in advance.
Posted 9/15/2008 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
I'm in college too but I've been in remission my whole college experience. Where I go to school the disabilities services is mainly for people with learning disabilities and physical handicaps, however prior to starting my freshman year I talked to health services. My GI wrote a letter explaining my condition and I wrote a statement as well and we give them to both health services and housing.
Would you be uncomfortable explaining your condition to your professors? If you do and they don't understand I would talk to health services (or DSS if that's how it goes there) and have them talk to the professors. I think they can get in a lot of trouble if they aren't reasonably accommodating.
There may be an easier way to go about it...I just haven't had to yet

Good luck!! :)
Posted 9/15/2008 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
DSS covers crohns and colitis at my school! It is a disability and you are entitled to reasonable accomodations.
Posted 9/15/2008 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah I am willing to tell my professors and give them a vague sense of the disease (autoimmune) so they understand.

And I'm glad you're in remission, hope it stays that way. Worst time for a flare up to happen is during college and exams. :(
Posted 9/15/2008 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
Well its definitely good you're willing to do some explaining for them and I'm sure they'll be understanding. If not, you gotta pull out the big guns and tell someone!
Posted 9/16/2008 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, I'm also registered with my campus' disability services for UC. They help with housing and w/e other needs I may have. They also email my professors to let them know about UC and symptoms.

I think it's a good idea to do so even when not in flare; it's nice to know that the support is there!

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