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Very ill at uni - what are my options?

Hi everyone. Apologies if this is more suited to the health forum, but I feel I can get better replies here. Move if necessary.
Since the beginning of August, ive been suffering from functional dyspepsia, a chronic digestive illness that causes nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and just a general feeling of unwellness. Ive seen doctors and specialists about it, have had pretty much a full body MOT in terms of blood tests (all fine), and have been on a variety of drugs ranging from gaviscon to omeprozole (a drug that prevents the stomach making acid) to domperidone (an antiemetic). Domperidone is the only one which has let me lead something resembling normality, but now even that seems to have failed have the effect it was having. Im just starting my second year at uni, and so I feel that stress this summer was the cause of this illness (I had a half built student house, rent payments, a holiday i had to book, a festival to go to, and the thought of starting my degree proper to worry about). Since ive moved back in, which has been abut a week or so now, im just feeling sick most of the day, and on top of this the inevitable freshers flu has hit me as well, making me feel even worse. Feeling like this, I cant see myself being able to make many of my lectures or seminars this year (at its worst, the nausea is crippling and im unable to walk), especially as the university is at the top of a hill and I live at the bottom of it.
Essentially, im seriously considering my options. The last thing I want to do is drop out uni or delay my year, as I want more than anything to complete this degree here and at the same time as all my friends. Im wondering, is there an alternative? Have unis in the past, in circumstances such as these, allowed students to study from home, or some other similar arrangement? Im aware of a girl who's become pregnant this year on my course doing her 2nd year from home, so I have some hope. Im aiming to go and see student counciling on monday, as im terrified that this illness is wrecking my plans for the next few years and its having a severe impact on my life.
Many thanks to anyone who can help.

Reply 1

TomInce6666

Bet you a tenner your uni will let you defer/redo a year if you explain circumstances.

Reply 2

Cybele

Speak to somebody at your Uni - tell them everything you've just written, I can't see them not being sympathetic with you. They will tell you what your options are and probably contact your module organisers to see what they say. In the mean time, go back to the doctors and demand to be referred to someone who can get to the bottom of whatever you're suffering with.

Reply 3

insignificant

I had similar symptoms and my uni are letting me work from home currently.

Reply 4

Ice_Queen

I had a very similar situation at the beginning of my second year - I was on new meds and could barely get out of bed (literally standing up made me feel desperately unwell).

Like the above poster has said, just speak to your uni about it. Hopefully things will sort out soon, but your uni will be on your side and should try and accomodate your needs now and in the future as much as possible. This might include personal tutorials, lectures via e-mail, stuff like that.

Reply 5

BlazingApostle

thanks for your help guys, i really appreciate it.

insignificant

I had similar symptoms and my uni are letting me work from home currently.

how was your course/timetable changed to accommodate your symptoms? Lectures arent too bad, as they're usually up on Blackboard nowadays, but what about seminars?
Thanks again guys.

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 6

BlazingApostle

update:
had to go home today, symptoms are still there and making it quite difficult for me to attend lectures. The uni's undergradate admissions director is ill at the moment, but my welfare officer seems to think I wont be allowed to study my english degree from home, and that ive only got a few weeks at home before they consider removing me from the course. Im kind of nervous now, I feel as if ive been given an ultimatum to feel better :/