spannah
New member
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2014
- Messages
- 4
- Reason
- DX FIBRO
- Diagnosis
- 00/0000
- Country
- UK
- State
- South Humberside
Hi,
I came across this site as I searched on the internet for 'teaching with fibromyalgia' and came across a closed thread on here and the site just asked me to start a general discussion about how FM affects my day!
First of all - I was diagnosed in April 2013 and found it incredibly difficult to cope as a 2nd year teacher, particularly as I could barely get around school and move classrooms between lessons. The last year has been a difficult one - I have moved house and gotten dogs so keeping on top of the cleaning is a bit of an ordeal for me!
I guess the reason that I am posting on here is because I haven't come across many people that continue teaching when they are diagnosed. I couldn't imagine giving up my job - I love it, despite all of the work that goes into it (especially as I was promoted last year). A usual work day for me lasts about 11/12 hours. 9 hours at work and 2 or 3 at home in the evenings. The most difficult thing for me is standing for a long period of time as it is my back, hips, neck and shoulder blades that play up most. I can usually avoid doing this by walking slowly around the classroom and regularly sitting for a few minutes during lessons whilst the students get on with their work. I regularly have hot water bottles to lean against or wheat bags to ease the pain. The kids are fantastic about it - they offer to carry things or tell me to take a seat when they see me struggling and are particularly forgiving when my brain fogs and make me mash two words together. I find that being a little open about my condition helps - I usually tell the kids I have something similar to arthritis but it is my muscles around the joints that get sore and not the joints themselves. I do feel burnt out by the end of a term (especially as we have had 7 and a half week ones this year) but the regular time off really helps me to recharge. 2The most infuriating thing about teaching in a large school though is the fact that some teachers are quite rude about the fact that I struggle at 'such a young age' according to them. Most are fine, but there are a few who could do with being a bit more compassionate. I have actually been asked before 'What's actually wrong with you?' and when I am open about my condition it soon shuts people up!
I actually find that keeping busy is a good way to take my mind off pain. Teaching is a stressful job and I know that I will always struggle with pain management but I simply refuse to sit around and feel sorry for myself (which is what I am well known to do when I get ill - I will count down the days until I think that I will feel better). I definitely prefer teaching to factory/shop/lab work which I have done in the past.
For anybody else considering teaching - it is worth it if you are strong willed enough to not let the pain defeat you. Have a routine and a to-do list and stick to it. Organisation is key and don't be afraid to admit to those around you when you need help/are struggling. If you are good at your job then a good employer should, within reason, take measures to help you out.
Spannah.
I came across this site as I searched on the internet for 'teaching with fibromyalgia' and came across a closed thread on here and the site just asked me to start a general discussion about how FM affects my day!
First of all - I was diagnosed in April 2013 and found it incredibly difficult to cope as a 2nd year teacher, particularly as I could barely get around school and move classrooms between lessons. The last year has been a difficult one - I have moved house and gotten dogs so keeping on top of the cleaning is a bit of an ordeal for me!
I guess the reason that I am posting on here is because I haven't come across many people that continue teaching when they are diagnosed. I couldn't imagine giving up my job - I love it, despite all of the work that goes into it (especially as I was promoted last year). A usual work day for me lasts about 11/12 hours. 9 hours at work and 2 or 3 at home in the evenings. The most difficult thing for me is standing for a long period of time as it is my back, hips, neck and shoulder blades that play up most. I can usually avoid doing this by walking slowly around the classroom and regularly sitting for a few minutes during lessons whilst the students get on with their work. I regularly have hot water bottles to lean against or wheat bags to ease the pain. The kids are fantastic about it - they offer to carry things or tell me to take a seat when they see me struggling and are particularly forgiving when my brain fogs and make me mash two words together. I find that being a little open about my condition helps - I usually tell the kids I have something similar to arthritis but it is my muscles around the joints that get sore and not the joints themselves. I do feel burnt out by the end of a term (especially as we have had 7 and a half week ones this year) but the regular time off really helps me to recharge. 2The most infuriating thing about teaching in a large school though is the fact that some teachers are quite rude about the fact that I struggle at 'such a young age' according to them. Most are fine, but there are a few who could do with being a bit more compassionate. I have actually been asked before 'What's actually wrong with you?' and when I am open about my condition it soon shuts people up!
I actually find that keeping busy is a good way to take my mind off pain. Teaching is a stressful job and I know that I will always struggle with pain management but I simply refuse to sit around and feel sorry for myself (which is what I am well known to do when I get ill - I will count down the days until I think that I will feel better). I definitely prefer teaching to factory/shop/lab work which I have done in the past.
For anybody else considering teaching - it is worth it if you are strong willed enough to not let the pain defeat you. Have a routine and a to-do list and stick to it. Organisation is key and don't be afraid to admit to those around you when you need help/are struggling. If you are good at your job then a good employer should, within reason, take measures to help you out.
Spannah.