Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: A Hello and a request to college kids

I'm currently an undergrad Economics student at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I had previously graduated with a 3-year BA in Economics in 2000, but returned in 2004. Here are my answers:

* Do you think your IBS is caused by stress?
Yes, partially -- it gets worse during stressful periods, but the primary cause is diet-related.

* Do your symptoms get worse around the time of midterms or finals?
Yes, the stress of the tests usually makes the IBS symptoms worse.

* What kinds of foods can you make/eat at school? (Super easy, cheap recipes that can be made in the dorm would be a plus!)
Keep it simple - baked/microwaved chicken breast with rice and frozen veggies is the basic staple, then add various spices or substitute ingredients.

* Have you explained your condition to roommates and friends?
No, there are very few people I know from school who know about it. Many long term friends know though.

* Do you ever drink alcohol or caffeine? (two popular college substances)
I drink both occasionally. The caffeine is worse than the alcohol for me.

* How has IBS affected your social life at school?
It's difficult to make commitments that you know you can keep since you don't know how you're going to feel hour-to-hour. Makes me more shy about getting to know people.

* How has IBS affected your school work/GPA?
During my first go at university, my GPA dropped over the two years I had IBS from about a 3.4 to a 2.2 because of missed classes/assignements/tests. It is only with years of experience now that I have gone back to attempt to reconstruct some sort of academic career. Since I can hadle it somewhat better, my previous term's GPA was 3.83.

* Have you explained your IBS to your professors?
Not the first time around. Now when I miss classes or have problems, I do mention it to them and all have so far been understanding.

* Have you ever considered (or have) droppped out of school due to IBS?
I originally intended to do an Honours BA in Economics/Political Science, but ended up because of the IBS getting a 3-year BA in Economics only, a degree that took me four years to get because of number of classes I failed.

* Have you used any college resources to help you with your IBS?(Student Health, Counseling Center, Disability Support Services, Yoga classes at the school gym, etc.)
No.

* Any other anecdotes relating to college and IBS
No.

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