Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

As for the caffeine, don't risk it. What you really need to do is stay organized and get plenty of sleep. That way you'll lessen two triggers (stress and lack of sleep) and won't need the caffeine. I went to night school, but found it very helpful to take a walk during breaks (not a long one) but just enough to wake me up.

as for staying safe with foods, if you can't cook for yourself, make sure you have plenty of safe staples that don't need to be cooked or refrigerated. As with a restaurant, ask the cafeteria staff what is in things and how they are prepared. People tend to listen better when you say it's an allergy as opposed to a "diet" thing. Try to also find safe restaurants that are nearby too.

I think stress can be the biggest trigger in going away to school. Don't let worrying about food add to that stress. You'll be able to find it work. Lots of people do. If you still can't find options, talk to the school (student advisor maybe) about special accommodations due to your chronic illness. Schools are getting better at allowing more for people with chronic illness, as they would if you were in a wheelchair. But you still have to ask for it. Maybe you can get special permission for a microwave. Push for the cafeteria to add a healthy/vegetarian section. You may even be able to get extra time for exams (almost without fail caused an attack for me). These are all things I learned after finishing school.

Good luck and enjoy yourself!

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