bring heated blanket for pain even if it’s not allowed- just hide it well

5

Talk with the disability people on campus and get accommodations asap, saved my life for real

5

i’m always stocked with a big container of ibuprofen and keep some on me as well while going to class. don’t be afraid to take the elevator if one is available! the elevator has been a lifesaver for me and i even made a friend in the elevator :) tell your professors if you think you might be late to class due to your health, they almost certainly will understand completely and not mark you as late some sort of heating pad. when i have a rough pain day, i cover myself in warmies stuffies

3

Salt your water, weighted blanket, a good fan if your dorm doesn’t have ac are all a must. I also highly recommend getting a mobility aid (just like a cheap cane) to have about, because for me I didn’t need one until college and then I crashed HARD and when I finally got over myself and bought one it helped so so much.

3

I’m gonna be so real, I’ve got POTs and hEDS w/ dislocations. I strong-arm it for two days and run off the adrenaline and sodium filled McDonald’s. Take WAYYY more salt than anticipated (but not more than like 4-6grams+ what you usually do) And then I prepare a crash site for the next 2 days along with a flare for the first week of school. It sucks but I feel like doing small pieces at a time flares me up for longer.

2

When I left home for college (10 years ago now), it took me about two months to adjust. College is a marathon, not a sprint! Each year brought both successes in managing my symptoms and difficult setbacks. Some classmates were uncomfortable with how ‘put together’ I seemed, because from their perspective 18 year olds aren’t usually the best at self discipline and moderation, but I had to live a balanced life. If I pushed too hard in any area, it triggered a symptom flare-up.

2

drink water w electrolytes & exercise your legs to improve your circulation. if your campus has a workout center, the incline bike is your friend even if it doesnt feel like it… i promise you i was once in the same place and i got on the other side of it but it is hard and takes willpower.

1