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randochikn

Updated 1y ago

Dealing with EDS in College: A Personal Account

My EDS has started having more issues lately. Nothing crazy, and half the time i dont know the causes. Since I read EDS has a way of manifesting in like progression, starting usually in late teens is the pain phase. My knees have been popping slightly out of place causing nerve pain as of today, and my ankles give out for like a second while I walk. Not looking forward to it, as my mom and sisters went through it as college students (though my moms got so bad she had to drop out of her school for being unable to keep scholarships for grades). My sisters get migraines and pain and random allergies so I anticipate that, but I am going into a tough engineering school top in my state and really love science (am also autistic, and the one thing that keeps me going are my interests in science) and i dont wanna ruin that. I know I’ll be okay but I am nervous for what is to come, and know that I have a great support system currently, but still cant help but feel scared. Just wanted to share.

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curtain

1y

Hi! I know the feeling. My knees started dislocating in high school, and my ankles started giving out. I was fainting a lot and had serious solar urticaria. My freshman year of college, I started with a chronic migraine that has gotten worse over time. Even so, I'm in my third year as an applied math major at university that's ranked nationally! If you go to a 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 college, they would be accommodating of your needs. I have accommodations to type exams, be late/miss class, get extensions on homework, and much more. There are also accommodations to have an electric scooter for those with mobility needs, so if I feel my condition has gotten bad enough, I wouldn't even need to walk or bus to get to class. I have priority scheduling because of my disabilities, so I'm able to pick classes with an understanding professor or at times when my symptoms aren't as bad. I am also allowed to underload for psychological reasons and still maintain my full ride because I have severe depression (which can be linked to chronic illness). I also take classes in the summer when I'm well enough, so I'm still on track to graduate on time with a major AND two minors. Being sick DOESN'T mean you can't be successful in college, especially if you go to a well-funded school that has resources and staff who can support you. I'd suggest scheduling an appointment with your intended school's accessibility/disability resource/services office before you start your school semester so you can figure out what documents you need and what accommodations could be helpful before the semester starts. It also helps if you already have accommodations in high school or have ideas about what accommodations could help you. If you want to talk about it in more detail, feel free to send me a direct message.
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randochikn

1y

Thanks so much for sharing your experience!! The college I am going to be attending recently started adding some really awesome disability resources on their website (under construction) and the categories were specific to autism and one for chronic illness so I have high hopes for them. I will definitely be reaching out to them for accommodations when I sign up for their disability services stuff here in about a month, so thank you so much for this!! I feel a ton better about it since I know others have gone through it successfully as well :) I have to remember to take it slow and if I need I can even go part time.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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