Faintinggoat Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 Hello all...I don't know how many people will have input on this but, I am a senior at university right now, and I graduate in August. Lately I've been considering not walking at graduation because of my health status, though this might change between now and then. I go to a very large university (40,000 undergraduates alone), so even the summer graduations are very large (several thousand people) and thus long. There is so much about graduation that screams POTS trigger. Not hydrating well, not being able to take my meds at appropriate times, Sitting still for hours at a time, getting up and walking after long periods of sitting, being around thousands of people, etc. For me it isn't about walking. It's been such a difficult haul for me over the past 6 years that just getting the degree is such an amazing feeling. But I also know that there are many people who have helped me along the way that want to see me walk. I'm not looking for anyone to tell me what I should or should not do, I am simply just looking for input. Fainting Goat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogini Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 Can they give you special accomodations? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faintinggoat Posted January 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 I have a meeting with the disability people on campus on Tuesday for my semester accommodations, I'm sure I can ask. But I can't see why they wouldn't be able to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahA33 Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 Hi!First and foremost.. Congratulations! What a major accomplishment you have coming up! That's so awesome.I wish I had some advice for you, all I can tell you is that you seem incredibly strong and driven and I'm sure you will come up with an idea that works best for you. I'm keeping my fingers crossed your meeting goes well on Tuesday and that they'll be helpful. Like you said, there isn't a reason they shouldnt be. Here's a thought (that I'm sure you've already thought of..) how about some iv fluids that morning? And this always helps me when I'm sitting.. I cross my legs and then switch every 15-20 minutes. Seems to help me with the pooling somewhat. I know thats just a really small bandaid though. Let us know how it goes!Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigskyfam Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 You did it! Way to go! You know what to do. You've made it so far and learned how to adapt with your pots. This is no different. I can't wait to read your post after grad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
looneymom Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 So very happy for you! This is a big accomplishment. If I wanted to participate, I would ask for some accomodiations like a wheelchair, water, meds, and snacks. I have been at ceramonies where someone has been pushing the wheelchair. I would not be afraid to ask for this kind of assistance.Rachel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tobiano Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 Congratulations!!! Such a major accomplishment. I think you will know what will work best for you. See what the accommodations office says. I really hope they can put things in place to make the event more enjoyable for you. I'm just brainstorming... maybe some of these could help... Asking for an aisle seat in case you have to get up (maybe on the wall side so that it's not as obvious if you get up - and that way you could get up slowly before you have to walk on stage), being allowed to carry a small bag with you (with your meds, water and other things you could need), and having someone to escort you down the aisle and up the stairs to the stage. Looking forward to your updates! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjensen Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 I like Rachel's thoughts. They would be similar to my own. Otherwise, my thoughts would be to do what you want to do. Just consider how you might feel about it a year later. Not just that day. Would you wish that you had? Regardless, congratulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigskyfam Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 Well put Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faintinggoat Posted January 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 Thank you all for your kind words, and input. I am seeing the disability people today like I said, so I will bring it up with them. It definitely feels like a huge feat just to be talking about the idea of graduating after everything. I def don't want to make a final decision right now, rather I would like to sit with it and think about it for a while. Because I know there is a chance that I might regret going on day if I do not. Anyway, thanks everyone again for the comments. Fainting Goat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogini Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 I think they could do a lot. For example, they could seat you up front and/or you could be one of the first people to walk across the stage so that you could go home if you weren't feeling well after. My guess is that they will have some ideas for you. Let us know what they sayI would sign up and see how you feel on the day of. Also, try not to worry too much about it. I have done that so many times (with travel, interviews, and other things.). The truth is I have survived every time and usually come through much better than I had imagined, usually with flying colors You can worry about the weather being hot, etc, but you never know what it is actually like until you get to that day. It's the times that I don't prepare for when I have a flare up! And even if you don't go, it is amazing that you'll have a college degree. What a huge accomplishment for someone with POTS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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