Mighty Well
  • Shop
  • Learn
  • Journal
  • Join Us
  • Who We Are

Mighty Well

  • Shop
  • Learn
  • Journal
  • Join Us
  • Who We Are
Friends in the Fight

How to Ace College (and Have Fun) Despite Having Chronic Condition

by Emily Levy September 21, 2017August 3, 2018
written by Emily Levy
Emily Ace School 2.jpg

Now that school has started, what’s your biggest fear? If you’ve been recently diagnosed with a chronic condition, your excitement might be replaced with fear. Fear that you might fail. Fear that you won’t have the strength to accomplish everything you’ve set out to do.

Anxiety and fear are normal. But it doesn’t have to take over your college life. Take it from me. I’ve been there.

From sorority girl to spoonie

My freshman year at Babson College, my family and I knew something was medically wrong with me. My mom was dead set on finding out what it was.

Answers to our questions came between my freshman and sophomore year. It was an answer that I wasn’t hoping for.

I was diagnosed with Chronic Neurological Lyme Disease. It was as if time had stopped. Questions flooded my mind. How am I supposed to get through college with a chronic illness? I went from a carefree sorority girl to someone whose schedule revolved around doctors appointmnets.

Luckily, I was able to turn my tragedy into triumph. Despite my chronic illness, I not only enjoyed college but I actually excelled! I even got into the Dean’s List and started my own company.

This is my hope for you, too. I want you to not only survive college but also to have fun and even excel!

Here are my tips on how you can do just that:

1. GET THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

3ce95cd4-048a-441c-8227-09a2930efcd3-2.jpeg

Let your school understand your condition and your needs, so they can better help you.

Don’t be afraid to set up a meeting with the head of Academic Services in your school.  Under the 504 Plan, your school is required to make physical, mental, and medical accommodations for you in order to help you do your best at your place of study.

This includes any special housing requests you might have. If you’re in a boarding school or live on campus, you have the right to a room that works for you. My friend was even able to receive a room with a kitchen in it because she had extreme allergies.

As for me, I needed extra space in the fridge because of my PICC line supplies. Thankfully, I didn’t have any problems getting the extra space!

Plan ahead and figure out the best situations that work for you. You might get exactly what you want!

2. MEET YOUR Professors ONE-ON-ONE

Getting along with your new professors is already intimidating even without a chronic condition. But it doesn’t have to be intimidating (or scary)! They are actually there to help you do your best even when there are times you’re not feeling your best. They play a crucial role in your college life, so meeting them one-on-one can make your life easier.

Talking to my professors was a huge relief for me! I will never forget Professor Mary Gale, who let me excuse myself from class when I had a sudden bout of nausea. Professor Sims was also very understanding when there were days that I just couldn’t get out of bed and make it to class. 

3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR EXTENSIONS

When you’re meeting your professors, it’s best to set expectations. Tell them you’re going to do the best you can. However, there might be times when you might need extensions. If you can, let them know about your doctor appointments and new treatment regimens ahead of time. And if there are unforeseen circumstances, let them know right away if you think you’re going to miss a deadline. That way you and your teacher can work on a different set of deadlines.

Most professors know the difference between a slacker and a hard worker. As long as you’re doing the best you can, they’ll be more than happy to work with you.

When I was at Babson, I had to write a Math essay (yes, I said Math essay) but I couldn’t make it on time due. My professor generously gave me a two-week extension.

4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EXTRA TIME

Emily Ace School 1.jpg

Test taking can be a source of anxiety, but add a medical condition on top of that, and you might as well be asking for a full-blown panic attack. Most schools have a separate exam room for students who have different accommodations. At Babson, for example, I got double the time for exams (which became really helpful when I was taking Accounting 2 and I already hated math subjects anyway!).

The plus side is that you might end up making friends with other students who have medical challenges.

5. MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE SCHOOL’S HEAD DIETITIAN

Let’s be honest. Foods in school suck. Not because they don’t taste good, but they don’t actually meet your dietary requirements. Meet with the head dietitian at your school to put together a custom meal program.

If you have allergies, talk to the head chef about making meals that are prepared just for you and free of allergens.  Most schools also now have “allergen-free zones.” Make sure to take advantage of that!

What I did was sent my schedule every Sunday. With that setup, I just had to pick up my custom-made meal every day at 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

6. FORGET ABOUT UBER AND USE PUBLIC SAFETY

Public Safety may seem like the bad guys on campus for breaking up the best parties, but turns out, they are a dependable source of transportation. On crutches? In a wheelchair? Joint pain? Dysautonomia and P.O.T.S? Or just a straight up spoonie?

Call Public Safety and request a ride from point A to point B. Many times they can also help with rides to the psychologist, doctors appointments, and hospitals.

7. STOP BY THE Campus clinic

Schlepping off campus to go to the doctor takes enough energy out of a healthy person, so why not take advantage of the clinic on campus?

Every two weeks I got my blood work done on campus, had my PICC line dressing changed, and stopped in whenever I needed a little extra medical help.

Thank you to Nurse Amelia for being my Friend in the FightTM!

8. REMEMBER, YOU’RE NOT ALONE!

e1e050c0-ce45-4340-bd74-67b838239f74.jpeg

You may think you are all alone, but you’re not. Your friends may not know how to treat you or talk to you now that your life is medically different, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t love you regardless. Take the time to sit them down and let them know what you can do and what may be a challenge for you moving forward.

I am so grateful to all of my Friends in the FightTM who helped me shower in a dorm room bathroom right after I had my first PICC line placed, and those who were down for a quiet night of Netflix while everyone else was out at the latest costume mixer.

You will quickly realize who your real friends are and that they will love you regardless.

Some say college is the best time of your life. It’s pretty hard to believe if you have a chronic condition like me. But you have to believe it! All it takes is a little bit of planning and a lot of help from people around you.

 

Got more questions about PICC Line?  Join us in our Friends in the Fight Group to connect with our community. 

0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Emily Levy

previous post
My experience at medcomp
next post
I’m Suffering from PTSD But No One Knows Because of My “Perfect” Instagram Photos

You may also like

Jameela Jamil: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Warrior

September 30, 2019

Keeping Friends from the Depths of your Fight:...

June 19, 2019

Adaptive Athletics, Giving Back, and Turning Passion into...

August 21, 2019

Halle Berry Opens Up About Type 2 Diabetes

June 11, 2020

Halsey: Raising Awareness about Life with Endometriosis

March 4, 2020

Self Care Case: What do you carry?

April 21, 2022

Conversations with Jimi Olaghere: Entrepreneur, Father, and Sickle...

February 21, 2020

Partnership For Progress: Mighty Well & Suffering the...

July 10, 2020

Staying Sane During The Holiday Season During Treatment

December 23, 2017

Beautiful Disguise

March 15, 2017

About Us

Hi, We're Mighty Well.

The mission of Mighty Well is to help patients and their caregivers turn sickness into strength. We are leading the global charge that changes the perception of patients from victims to fighters. We do this by improving the experience of being a patient. We create the products we wish we’d had: functional and stylish apparel and accessories that you can wear with confidence - and content that can help you get through the good times and the bad. It’s wellness you can wear.

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Instagram

No images found!
Try some other hashtag or username

Recent Posts

  • Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

    June 22, 2022
  • Body Image and Mental Health in the Time of Covid

    June 16, 2022
  • Accessing Medical Supplies

    June 10, 2022
  • 4 Tips for Creating a Disability Inclusive Workplace

    June 3, 2022
  • Halsey Celebrates New Diagnoses

    May 26, 2022

Categories

  • Adaptive Wear
  • Chronic Illness
  • Featured
  • Friends in the Fight
  • General Wellness
  • Healthy Work Environments
  • Lyme Disease
  • Medical Devices
  • Mightier Together
  • Mighty Models
  • PICC Line
  • Popular Posts
  • Relationships and Support
  • The Undefeated
  • Treatment and Care
  • Uncategorized

Tags Cloud

Adulting Be Your Own Advocate blm Cancer Chronic Illness coronavirus coronoavirus covid-19 Daily Brain Fog Fix Diabetes Dysautonomia EDS feeding tube Feeding Tubes feeding tube supplies Gastroparesis holidays how does a feeding tube work immuno hoodie invisible illnesses Living Mighty Well Living With a PICC Living with a Port lyme disease MCAS Medications MedPlanner mental health Mental Illness mighty mask Mighty Pack mighty well mask Misdiagnosed neurodiversity New Years Organization Tips PICC PICC line cover PICCPerfect POTS Self-love self care case Support Systems TPN Tube Feeding

Our Story

Mighty Well - Founder - Emily Levy - Our Story

 

It all started with a cut off sock, a cute hockey player, and an 8 AM finance class. Oh, and a PICC Line. That moment inspired us to launch our first product, the PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover.

 

We know it stinks to feel defined by a diagnosis or feel like just a name on a doctor’s chart. Sounds like you? Read how our founder turned sickness into strength.

Recent Posts

  • Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

    June 22, 2022
  • Body Image and Mental Health in the Time of Covid

    June 16, 2022
  • Accessing Medical Supplies

    June 10, 2022

Join the Fight

Mighty Well's Facebook Page

Find us on Instagram

mightywell_

One positive that came out of the pandemic was tha One positive that came out of the pandemic was that many of us were able to have flexible working arrangements. As more states lift restrictions, heading back to work after months of working from home can be a huge adjustment for so many of us. Allowing time in our schedules for commuting, brushing up on our social skills, and making sure to have access to our medical supplies are just a few things we need to prepare for.

📸 Mighty Well ambassador @ameliablackwater headed back to the classroom last week and is working on finding a happy balance of working, socializing, and finding time for herself. 

If you've returned to work, what was the hardest part about making the transition back? 
.
.

#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Autism #WFH #RemoteWork #Telecommute #MightyWellMask #Pandemic
Before you move forward always be sure to check th Before you move forward always be sure to check the price tag 💵
.
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Anxiety #Depression #PTSD
Life is full of uncertainties. But there will alwa Life is full of uncertainties. But there will always be a sunrise after every sunset 🌅

"The only certainty in life is uncertainty. I challenge you to embrace it. Even if it's just for a bit" ~@kali_rarerootedwarrior ☺️

Featuring: The Mighty Pack & Undefeated Hat
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Gastroparesis #EDS #MastCellDisease
We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In fact, we couldn't have said it better ourselves 🤗 Chronic illness is filled with ups and downs and everyday will look a little different. Know that you're doing your best even on the days that you are flaring, in pain or fatigued. Remember that we are here to support you on the good days, the bad days and all the ones in between 💚 
. 
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #ChronicFatigue #MultipleSclerosis #Lupus #SickleCellAnemia #Endometriosis #POTS
Going into a medical procedure is always a little Going into a medical procedure is always a little scary. The best way to minimize fear and anxiety is to go in as prepared as you can! If you are feeling nervous for an upcoming PICC line placement procedure, head to our latest blog (link in bio) for some confidence boosting tips so you can feel ready to go! 

📷 Friend in the Fight @zebrajemma loves her PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover. It keeps her PICC line in place without adhesives and is so comfortable 🤗
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #IVIG
You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened and  suddenly start talking and realize you don't know where the story is going...has this happened to anyone else lately 🙋‍♂️We've been there! Brain fog, perhaps the most universal aspect of illness, is exhausting. Cognitive disorders can be frustrating but take solace in knowing that you are not alone. We've all experienced that foggy feeling 🌫 and although it's not permanent, it can arrive quickly and definitely overstay its welcome. 

Looking for a little help getting the fog to lift? Our Brain Fog Fix Planner is more than just a reminder system. It includes space to track daily symptoms, hydration, thoughts and moments of gratitude amidst the daily challenges and is brought to you with input from our Friends in the Fight® Click the link in our bio to find out more. 
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #BrainFog #ChronicFatigue #CognitiveDisorder
We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first medical backpack designed by patients, for patients. Our backpack is perfect for wheelchair users, as it has multiple strap locations to allow for flexibility. Nobody needs to know that you are carrying or wearing your essential medical devices and supplies. As patients ourselves, this is a product that we wish we’d had! 💪💚 Best of all this can be purchased with most FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) Click on the photo to take a look inside the Mighty Pack. 

📹 We are all smiles over this video of Mighty Well ambassador @rebellious_story & her dog Sherlock 😍
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #Community #Health #Wellness #ButYouDontLookSick #InvisibleIllness #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #ChronicIllnessWarrior #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #LivingwithChronicIllness #Crohns #InfusionPump #MedicalBackpack #DiabeticLife #Gastroparesis #EnteralNutrition #Wheelchair #Tubefeeding #MedicalSupplies #TubeFed
The school year is quickly coming to a close and w The school year is quickly coming to a close and we wanted to send a Mighty shout out to all the students who worked so hard this year despite the challenges of COVID 🙌 We know that it was a challenging year with limited in-person learning, social distancing, and the requirement of face masks. We are so proud of all of you and you should be too! 💚

📸 Featuring The Mighty Well Mask
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Pandemic #HomeSchool #Graduation #SocialDistancing
I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disa I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disabled — because you can’t put a boundary on being yourself ~@thedisabledhippie
 
Happy Pride Month to all of our Friends in the Fight in the LBGTQIA+ community 🏳️‍🌈
.
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #Pride #LBGTQ #Transgender #LoveisLove #NonBinary #BiSexual #GayPride #Instalove
Follow on Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin

Mighty Well © 2018 All Rights Reserved


Back To Top