Dealing with Chronic Illness in College

hi! i have pots and hyperextending joints, as well as some other chronic conditions and ive been struggling alot too. im in my second year of college and i feel like my pain has gotten worse and no drs have been able to help so far, im thinking about getting forearm crutches so i can actually make it to class when im in a pain flare up. the wait on drs just for them not to be able to actually help is super disappointing and frustrating, im sorry youre going thru that as well. im here if you ever wanna talk :)

Yeah, waiting for a diagnosis really sucks. I’d recommend starting to accommodate yourself wherever you can in your day to day life and just try things that help POTS and EDS even if you aren’t sure. So like see if water and salt make you feel better and maybe start learning about CHOPS and stuff. Good luck!

Welcome! I am also a college student with POTS. Hang in there 😊

Hi AllieMae! I felt so compelled to answer & just send love & support; I have a dear friend with the same name. I also struggle with what you’re feeling. I just graduated college recently & went through the exact same feelings. I have Wolff Parkinson’s White & AVNRT. My teachers/peers/family often still don’t understand the depth of what it can be like to have conditions like ours. I just tried the best I could taking every day slow & focusing on listening to my body & taking care of myself. I know sometimes that’s better said than done because I’m not very good at taking care of myself & being preventative. However I just wanted to spread some sunshine; YOU can do this!! <3 good luck with school, reach out anytime

Same! Not in school but I work 40 hours a week on my feet 8-10 hours a day and no one understands I’m always in pain even on my days off and I’m always exhausted!

I'm literally in the exact same situation rn, if you need to talk or anything just lmk!

The best advice that I can give you is to be sure to educate yourself as thoroughly as possible about your own conditions, so that you can inform others, whenever necessary. Don’t expect people to automatically know or understand, as it’s likely they will not have a clue. But, knowledge is power, so the more you know about your issues, the more u can help others understand the depths of what you are dealing with, increasing likelihood that they will be more compassionate and empathetic to your struggles. Most people will respect how educated and resilient you are for being able to function at all and for your ability to articulate these difficulties. 💚 Stay strong! 💜 And, Good Luck!! 🍀