What's the point of a degree if my Fibro won't let me use it

Hi, I am 43 and always been the bread winner in my family, I was  an air conditioning unit July  2013 when y had a series of injuries that I just can't shake off. In September 2014 having not  been able to work for over a year I was diagnosed with fibro. 

I left school at the end of my fourth year without taking  any "O  levels " and went college to complete a City & Guilds course in Motor Mechanics. I  now wish I had stayed  on at school because I need at least 5 "GCSE" to be able to get an office based job.

What I am  trying to say is try and get through your course now  as it might just help you  finding employment with the results rather than without. 

I wish you well  with whatever your choice is. 

Hi caitriona47134. I was at uni a few years ago.  Like you I found it hard to keep up, understand eveything and write assignments. I went and talked with support services at uni who arranged for me have a support worker. They attended my all my classes and took the notes. It was then typed up and sent to me via email.  I also had help with writing typing assignments. I spoke they would write what I said. I also given equipment such as a laptop,  scanner, printer, software,  dicaphone.  I even had support worker who can to my house each week. I was able to pass my degree in sociology and social welfare. 

Hope this helps. Take care

Hello Catriona,

So sorry to hear you are struggling at the moment. From what I can gather ther is a lot of good suppport and advice out there - you might have to search it out, but people on here can help you.

Some people with this do manage to work full-time and have happy, fulfilling lives - so please don't give up!

You need to manage your symptoms and, more importantly pace yourself.

I still work part-time as a teacher, and help to look after my 5 grandchildren, it's not easy but I do it.

You keep going - and believe!

Take care, Anne

Hi hun 

Although i cant really help here does your uni letctures now about this condition and if not why dont you explain because they could be helpful, i think you should carry on get your degree but take it slow i used to be a dance and drama teacher years agao and although pain and the fibro fog was bad i learnt to carry on through it but didnt know i had fibro then just thought it was because i was working a 14 hour shift day in day out so chin up hun i know that many people carry on with their jobs and that why having fibro so i hope this helps a little

love and best wishes

Cherl

Dear Caitriona,

sorry that you're finding uni tough at the moment.

I was lucky in that I had finished all my studies by the time the fibro hit last year - I'm 29 now.

I would really strongly advise you to get through your college course any way you can. When you have a qualification, I think it gives you more work options and flexibility. If you aren't qualified, I think that in general you have to work harder or put in more hours to make money. If you have a good qualification, you could hopefully find a job that isn't too strenous, and possibly work part-time or home-based, and still earn enough money to support yourself.

I have had fibro for less than a year, so I can't tell you about long term job prospects, but so far I am managing to work full time. I am lucky in that I can work from home one or two days a week which definitely helps keep the fibro under control. I also feel that if I couldn't work, it would definitely affect my mood - even though I find it tiring to go to work, I think it would affect my self-esteem a lot if I couldn't work. I find my job rewarding (I work in a university doing research) and also important for getting out meeting people. I know everyone is different but this is how I feel. 

I find getting gentle exercise every day (when possible) is a big help for my energy levels. 

There's also another lady at my workplace who has had fibro for a long time - she is working full time also. So it is possible (for some people at least) to work full-time with fibro - you just need to keep your chin up and believe you can be one of these - and hopefully it will work out for you.

My neighbour at home also told me that his sister had fibro for years, but has recovered from it. It is not necessarily for life - although it could be for years. You might have phases where it comes and goes. Try to stay optimistic.

Please don't drop out of college and remember to keep the final goal in sight! It will help your fibro in the long term. You can do it girl!

All the very best,

Marie

 

Hi, I'm 36 and I've had Fibro and ME/CFS since I was 14. I've also had Functional Movement disorder since I was about 19.  I have 11 GCSEs, 3 A Levels, an Advanced GNVQ in Art & Design and a degree in Interior Architecture & Design.  I have a fantastic husband and 2 kids (9yrs&6yrs).  I am a self-employed Architect.  Previously I did work Architecture Practices full-time.

So if I can do it - so can you!!!!! 

Is it worth it=  Yep!

Will it be hard work = yep!

Will you be glad you did it = yep!

Although they haven't found out how to get rid of it yet it doesn't mean they never will.  In 5years time they might know how to make it go away - maybe sooner?  It would be easier to do the job of your dreams with your degree than without.  When they find the answer to all our pain wouldn't be be great to have the knowledge to make the best use of your life. Have that degree to wave at people and say "my pain has gone can I come work for you?"

With the law stating that employers need to try and accomodate our physical needs in the work place even if you can only work part-time it doesn't mean you are unemployable.  However, without your degree you might not even get to have a job interview in the first place.

I wasn't diagnosed until 2 years ago (my fault for not questioning the pain).  I didn't get any of the support that appears available to you.  It's there, use it.  It will only be only 3 years of your life.  You can do it in order to create opportunities for yourself in the future. 

We never know when the end to Fibro will come.  It could be very near. Stay strong xx

Hi Caitriona, My heart goes out to you. It must be very tough dealing with this at your age. Your initial reactions are quite normal - I was only diagnosed earlier this year and went through the feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Many people make a full or partial recovery from Fibromyalgia. I believe knowledge is power so read as much as you can about the recent research and medical trials. Although still not fully understood there is strong evidence to suggest that those who can actively manage their symptoms their is a better chance of improvement. As you are at Uni you may have access to a lot of information in your library. Try to read up on CBT, Mindfulness and pacing (when you have the energy). One of them may be right for you and you could perhaps try some of the ideas over your christmas break.

I think you should try to stay at Uni if you can as a degree will open many more doors for you in the future. You won't always feel as bad as you do at the moment. If you want to know what books I have found helpful please send me a private message as I don't think I can list books and authors in this forum.

By the way, I do still work but have had to reduce my hours. I am still hopeful that I will improve further over the coming months.

All the best with whatever you decide. xx