Teachers: How Are You Coping? Any Tips?

[jazzlover]

You MUST drink water during the day!!!! Everyone should do that, SJS or not...

I have IC and when I was teaching I found that if I SIPPED a little water all day long, I didn't have to run to the bathroom any more than usual.

So... Take little sips .. but OFTEN!!

PS.. Do you HAVE TO HAVE a lip biopsy?

[brooks1teacher]

Mayo Clinic said probable Sjogren's based on my nuclear salivary gland scan which was abnormal.  Blood work is negative for everything for the most part but the rheumatologist there said I wasn't nuts and making things up and that something is going on with me.  (I could have told you that!)

The rheumy at University of Rochester reran a ton of blood work (9 tubes) and wants the biopsy done.  I won't see the rheumatologist again the end of June.  I have been on Plaquenil since the end of January along with an increased dose of Gabapentin.

I am trying to get answers and for people to believe that I am sick.

My throat is so sore when I wake up and my glands are swollen every morning.  Ugh, I do not like this but I will soldier on.

Brooksie

[ktfabian]

I'm not a teacher, but I do understand how difficult it is to try and work while dealing with illness and injury. I'm so sorry you're having such a rough time!

Doesn't the Americans with Disabilities come into the picture for teachers as well as it does for other workers? When I first injured my back, which started me down the road to fibromyalgia, Sjogren's, and a host of other medical problems, an occupational therapist was brought in to my work area and made all types of suggestions to increase my ability to work and my productivity. Two of the biggest changes were my chair and the height of my desk. They rearranged the items in my space to put the ones I needed close at hand and other stuff that was used only occasionally was placed further away. These seem like obvious things to do, but the company took the suggestions much more seriously coming from an occupational therapist than if I had suggested them myself.

It doesn't sound like you necessarily need accommodations that would add to other teacher's burdens. Some may prefer to take recess outside over being on cafeteria duty, for example. A stool to perch on at the front of the room is not unreasonable, either.

It sounds like your principal may be a bit of an ogre who would really prefer that you just quit. Unfortunately, there are a lot of bosses in businesses like that, too. Is there someone else you could discuss this issue with at the school? You may be able to contact and ADA attorney who provides a first free consultation to advise you, or find out more on the internet.

I understand your financial concerns, too. Even with my husband working, we've been in foreclosure 3 times and eventually had to file for bankruptcy. We filed Chapter 11 or 13, I don't remember which, but we paid off out debts over 5 years, or most of them, and were able to keep our house. I'm not recommending this option to you at this point, just trying to let you know you're not alone.

Our mortgage agent also took pity on us, knowing how we were struggling, and once the bankruptcy was cleared, she went to bat for us and they reduced the interest on our mortgage from 8% to 1%. I know you haven't owned your home for long, but it might be worth appealing to you mortgage lender, explaining that you had no idea how quickly this illness would become so debilitating.

I hope the end of the school year comes quickly and that you'll be able to rest and take you're time preparing for next year.

Take care of yourself and please know that we're all pulling for you,
Tracy

[engy]

Yes, ADA applies to teachers too. My doctor's note was enough. I gave it at the end of the year so my administrator could adjust the schedule for the next year to fit my accommodations. They are also NOT allowed to share with other staff why changes were made.

I drink water all day. I used to drink Gatorade for the electrolytes but I gave up artificial sweeteners. Now I put a lemon in my water.

Sigh. I have 3 days to go this week & 1 is a field trip. Those wear me out! Hang in there!

[slccom]

Nowhere is it written that you  must WALK from here to there. Get and use an electric scooter and save your energy for more important things.

Sharon

[Nymph]

Hi Brooksie,

I am sure that you will make it! Hang in there for now. It sounds like next year there are a lot of changes you can make to make it work.

Thank you, everyone who has replied here. This thread is a huge help to me, too. I am currently in a licensure program to enter the teaching field. Knowing myself and my limitations from fatigue, I am going into high school social studies. Some days I wonder if I will be able to do it! My sister was even questioning me the other day - "Are you sure you'll be able to teach?" I just know that's what I'm meant to do. So I have to try. This thread encourages me that perhaps I can succeed.

Best of luck to you, Brooksie. Keep us posted.

[quietdynamics]

If you do not get a clear answer via the lip biopsy.
The IMMCO Early Sjogrens test (either full panel, or the panel for markers alone which is around $330. Then they also have one which I believe is a finger prick?) You are in NYS and it is approved and covered by insurance there. I do not know the cost of the finger prick test. If you find out could you post that.

The idea of an occupational therapist once you have a Dx and come solidly under ADA, is a really great idea.
And if you like the therapist she/he can work with you on a continuing basis.