<p>I've had a rough week, and I'm now starting to wonder if I've made the right decision about college. I've been in and out of the emergency room a couple of times this week and it's really helped to have my mom with me because she knows how to take care of me. So for those of you who are so far from home and don't have your parents around when you're really sick, is there someone there who can help take care of you? Do you have friends or a roommate or a significant other who is willing to sit with you in the hospital or make sure you have what you need?
I know I'm going to be fine once I get to college, but I'm a little bit scared right now, I'm moving 3000 miles from home to attend school. Any situations and knowledge would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>unless you're regularly in the emergency room, i wouldn't think you'd really have to have someone taking care of you. Ultimately, you'll have to take care of yourself.</p>
<p>I suggest getting a primary doctor in the area. Somebody you and your parents decide on. Seeing a primary is great becoause the doctor will know you personnaly. if you are sick you will be welcomed in and the its a better enviorment for your concerns. Instead of going ti a ER where you will ahve to fill out alot of papers take care of insurance and have a differnet doctor everytime.</p>
<p>The primary doctor will do it all for you.</p>
<p>Just ask your current doctor for any recommendations and held finding a new doctor in the schools area. It can even be a secondary. A secondary will keep in contact with your primary.</p>
<p>Unless you are having heart attacks or somthing very seriouse, the ER is not really a good place, becosue they dont know you personnaly.</p>
<p>and you always have a phone. The doctors will be happy to talk to your parents. if needed. </p>
<p>It is scary</p>
<p>The primary doctor won't be available nights or weekends most likely. A good plan is to know where the nearest urgent care type facility is, if they take your insurance, and how you can get there. College campuses also have smaller health services facilities to help in case of minor things. Many times you already pay a fee for their services.</p>
<p>When I got really sick last semester (mono and strep throat) I had a friend drive me to the ER. There's always a way to make things work, and if you truely need help people around you will be there. But no, for simpler illnesses and such you will need to "take care of yourself."</p>
<p>If you don't have some serious medical issues, you should be fine. Chances are, you'll make very good friends that'll stick by you if there is serious need. If there are minor medical problems, you can always go to the health center at your school, and if there is an extreme emergency, then your parents will be informed immediately. If you don't mind answering...what school are you going to and what medical issues do you have (both my parents are physicians so I might be able to help a little bit)...if you're a lil bit apprehensive to say on a public thread, you can just pm me, or if you'd rather keep it personal that's fine too! :)</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for your advice. I definately plan to get a primary doctor in the area when I'm at school, and hopefully the issues that landed me in the ER will be taken care of by the time I leave for school. I just figured I might as well ask the question since this is such a good source of information. I know I'll be fine in college.</p>
<p>i was REALLY sick with the flu a week ago and i called my parents a couple times each day. somewhat to complain and somewhat because i wanted sympathy and somewhat to ask what meds to take.</p>
<p>i also had a mono scare and an apendicitis scare earlier in the year. i managed to deal with both ok. too bad the university health center sucks.</p>
<p>i'm sure if you need anything one of your friends would be more than willing to take you to the hospital/doctor. I know i'd take any of my friends if they asked me.</p>