Teachers: How Are You Coping? Any Tips?

[brooks1teacher]

Mayo Clinic diagnosed me as having probable Sjogren's and fibromyalgia, along with mild multiple sclerosis which I have had since 2004.

The MS had been treated aggresively but Mayo said that mine, in their eyes, doesn't even need treatment.  Rheumatology there says fibro, Sjogren's and maybe mixed connective tissue disorder.

I am 43 and I teach second grade.  I have been out of work from almost the end of September until two weeks ago.  I feel terrible.  Not quite as bad as I was a few months ago but not great by any stretch of the imagination.

My voice gets very strained and hoarse by the end of the day.  My throat is often quite sore and my glands get swollen.  I massage them and use essential oils once I am home and that helps with the swelling a bit.

I am working about 10-11 hours daily during the week and I am barely keeping my head above water.  I have to talk almost all the time and I rarely have the opportunity to sit down.

I am under an extreme amount of stress and I will admit I am both unhappy and unfamiliar with the curriculum in this position which is new to me this year (after teaching middle school math for a long time). 

I had been out of work this past school year on a paid leave.  I cannot reduce my schedule in any way or work only part-time because I have been told that I would lose my tenure and go to the bottom of the list as far as jobs go.

I would be the first to let go.

I have worked for this district since 2000.  I am single and bought my first modest home 1.5 years ago.  I have very limited family support and no savings now.  I need the health insurance and I am able to work but in just two weeks I see how much of a toll being back to work is taking on me physically, mentally, and emotionally.

If you have any tips or suggestions, please share them.  At this time I am trying to take it one day at a time to get through the rest of the year which, for us, is at the end of June.

Thank you,
Brooksie

[prunella]

Brooksie, how terribly difficult!  I want to say something positive and hopeful, but second graders need constant verbal encouragement.  I work in elementary schools, so I know it is a very demanding job.  I am fortunate to have switched, many years ago, from the classroom to a social work position.

My preferred method of managing Sjs symptoms may not appeal to you, but has helped me enormously.  I have increased energy and stamina, decreased achy joints and fatigue through diet.  I have eliminated gluten and dairy. It was tough to do, but I feel much better. There are threads on this forum discussing this sort of diet.

Another thing to consider is the possibility of a 504 plan for yourself. However, you would still be expected to meet contractual expectations.  Accommodations under 504 might include opportunities to sit down.
I have not known a teacher to do this, except on this forum someone mentioned it.  I administer the 504's in my schools and jest about writing my own accommodation plan.  But really I am not joking.

Next year should be easier, as you will be more familiar with the curriculum, if you continue in second grade. 
Have you considered the possibility of qualifying for disability? Sad to think about, but maybe worth investigating. 

Best wishes to you.

[Cheryl]

Hi Brooks1teacher,
I found in teaching that the first 6 weeks of the school year and the last 6 weeks were the hardest.  In the spring, children seem to have endless energy, just as a teacher's energy resources are depleted. 

You are dealing with re-establishing yourself as their authority figure and getting to know them again at a point in the year when they are least interested in being perfect students.  That is stressful, even if a teacher has no health issues. 

Try to rest more in your off hours, and close your eyes if you get a "break" during the day.  Be very selective about which assignments really need to be graded.  Cut your 10 hour day by an hour.  Just go home then, and don't take your work home.  I know that you will never feel that you are caught up, but you are only human.  Take one day at a time, and best wishes!

Prunella, the idea of a 504 for a teacher sounds wonderful!  However, I could never have asked for those accommodations, because at my school it would have meant that my grade level coworkers would have had to pick up the slack.  For example, I had eye pain during and after outdoor recess duty.  I knew that sunlight was my enemy, but we rotated recess duty.  Another teacher would have had to forfeit planning time to cover my duty.  (Perhaps another school district would have more flexibility, and I hope that is the case for Brooks1teacher!)

I agree that disability might be an option.  I hope that some more teachers have advice on this topic!
Cheryl (retired 4th grade teacher)

[quietdynamics]

I did a search on "ADA and Tenure"
Here is some information:
Accommodating Faculty Members Who Have Disabilities
http://www.aaup.org/file/Accomodating-faculty-with-Disabilities.pdf

Most of what I had learned about protections were from master courses in special ed. which included Special Education Law.

504 Plans and IEP's apply to student disabilities as identified under law, solely to ensure equal opportunity to education.

Some schools are very fortunate to have very active parent/volunteers? Possibility? Put in for 1st dibs on a "needs" basis? Hire your own 1/2 day aide .. possibly share cost with district?
Just because we never heard of it.. does not mean it has not been done?

I did see one high school try very, very hard to accommodate a teacher who developed medical problems.
Moved her to a class closer to restrooms, and other amenities, she was a miserable person and in her case it was a shame tenure protected her.. to the detriment of the students.
So I know schools will make accommodations.. and teachers do not lose tenure.
Schools do not want to use their limited funds on legal issues.

10-11hr.. sounds like more of a time-management, curriculum problem. Plus you are likely having, at the least, a marked drop in your own ability to focus. Being at the work place everyday, sick or not,  keeps us mentally trained.  Being away on medical leave, out of the loop, stress... well.
Your area of expertise is math and then to go general curriculum, 2nd graders (who have not had you all year? wow). 

I chewed 1/2 a stick of sugarless gum with xylitol, Polar Ice, by Wrigley, when I was teaching. Other flavors just did not help.. I let it sit in side of mouth and chewed as needed. And sipped water judiciously.
Pre- Dx.. so by instinct. We can't keep sipping liquids.. and then calling for room coverage. 

There are many different prompt to keep young students on task .. and verbal was not usual my number one choice. Encouragement can very often and very effectively be non-verbal. Kids tune us out.. that is why we have to repeat ourselves. lol.


Most teachers, granddaughter in grade-K included are using short video clips, less talking, then students do deductive/inductive reasoning lesson, new vocab. etc.
And of course since it is projected .. teacher gets to sit. Then cruise when students are actually working.. work groups, peer mentor pairing. Yes, I am talking about effective methods in lower grades.

Re-evaluate ( Self 504 as suggested) Break task down into pieces and look..
Look at the classroom set-up. Having the desk positioned in the front center of the room, if possible, not to the side.. with a work center in the middle may work better you physically. Depends on layout. It might be better for you to have maintenance bring in at least two extra chairs with padded seats for you .. if there are any around. Bar stool near the board for you to sit or lean on?
Beginning of the year it was common to move desks around for different group dynamics.. find a better fit for the students and yourself. 

Next year you will be in an early position to mold and assign the students classroom management tasks.. fostering independence and problem solving and group efforts with you.

Neither you nor the students are in an easy place.

You have come this far and you will make it through.
Hopefully you can think some things through over the summer..


If at the mid term next year you are still stressed.
Then perhaps you can request the next position available in middle school or high school math?

Being on medical leave and then jumping back in, takes a toll.

Fortunately, you have perhaps 30 days of school left. For now, if time allows and you need "just a few minutes" .. you can always show the kids a Kids National Geographic Video .. they will love it, their parents will think you are great. You can have them " draw an illustration of their favorite part of the video on (Nocturnal Lemurs, Rare Frogs of the Rain Forest ). Have the do title, subject at top.. yeah,, natural science and a bit of geography done.  Will that fit in the core curriculum?

Your summer will be busy .. with Drs.
Evaluating your abilities teaching 2nd grade and reviewing curriculum for lesson plans.

Is there an IT course for educators you can pick up.. if you have not had a need to keep up with the changes .. this would make things so much easier for you next year.

Teachers just do not really need to talk as much anymore.

[susanep]

Quietdynamics, you have a lot of great suggestions as have others. Unfortunately I had to retire early as a special education teacher in 2010. I had started that school year with the intention if I could do this one more year then I would retire.

I worked about 10 or 11 days, and knew things had changed even more for me. When I started to work on individual files I became nervous, and quickly realized I could not focus clearly.

I was also so tired needing to lay down, and I had not started having my actual case load of students for the year yet.

If all that wasn't bad enough, the principal was asking me why I had done so and so the end of the previous year. I had done exactly what she said she wanted with a particular student.

She had been given notice of monitors coming, and what she had recommended I do with this one particular student was not how it should have been. She denied she ever told me that. I told her I had documentation of her orders, but she still denied that.

Normally a situation as that would have greatly annoyed me, but I would have fought her on it by calling in the state, and going to whomever I needed to until this was resolved.  I was so sick, the stress of her lying to cover her mistake was the straw that broke the camels back.

I went home at the end of that day, and told my husband I was at the end of my road on this. The folks here on the board at that time knew how stressed I was for money, and not knowing what I would do until I could get approved for social security disability. They were all a blessing though in their advice.

It was very difficult, but life went on one day at a time. I was approved for disability after 5 months, and that with no attorney. I had went back to school later in my life to become a teacher, and they also seen how much it meant to me. But they also seen from doctor statements (both mine and theirs), documentation from the school administration of time taken off due to sickness with attached doctor statements that I was indeed unable to work anymore.

I still have a monthly struggle with making ends meet. My husband is disabled also, but does not get a monthly check which would be such a blessing. The reason is due to not having enough credit hours in for drawing a check. He does get medical help including his medication on a spend down program in the state where we live due to all of our expenses.

Right now we have our hot water heater broke, needing to get another. Our car we bought new(but with a few miles on it) when I was working back in 2000. God must have put a blessing on our car, lol but I do believe he did. It looks like it's falling apart, and sounds like it too. All we have done to it is put some new brake pads on, more tires, batteries when one goes bad, and a switch checked out with a new line run to the switch. That is all, and it's 14 years old. A cheap car too. (Suzuki Esteem)

I had taught for 15 years before having to retire, but didn't get much money saved due to my husband needing medical care before he got the state help.

When teaching I had a few times my principal would say I could do something else on very sunny days to be able to stay out of the sun. Sun is like poison to me. At the time I hadn't been diagnosed yet with lupus on top of the sjogren's and fibromyalgia. It didn't take long before she changed that, and said I needed to go out sunny or not.

Many principals are very understanding though, so don't think about my past situation. This lady was just that way. Many other teachers found that out too, and one janitor who had worked there as long as the longest teacher retired after confrontations with her.

I am better off now being home. I miss the kids, but still have some of them call me to ask how I am. I have a wonderful husband, and 4 fur babies I adore.

You will work out things for you the best you can. Think about the tips others have given you. I did file for the accommodations. You have that right also. Never, ever forget your rights. Looking back there was more I could have done to have made things a bit easier given my situation.

Take care, and take one day at a time. Each day is an incredible gift with or without sjogren's. 

[brooks1teacher]

Thank you everyone. 

Great ideas.  I will look into all of them.

I live in NY state and I have to teach solely from the state modules for English and Math. 

I am looking into and figuring out ways to work smarter instead of working longer.  There are times when papers don't get done and they pile up.

I feel unsupported and that wears on me.  I don't need help with the curriculum but when I do ask questions about what a procedure for X is (because I haven't been there) I feel as if others are just dismissive. 

There is a lot of isolation and I know the other teachers are worn down at this point and they are racing to try to get everything in before the end of the year.

I am not sleeping well and I have other stressors in my life at the moment also.  I need to get a better handle on everything, rest more, and let some of the life stress go.  Thank goodness I see my therapist tomorrow because I need to vent and get ideas for handling this transition.

Thank you all,
Brooksie (who feels as if she is the grumpiest woman in the world right now but who is really generally quite pleasant and fun)

[Winnie]

I teach and the first 2 years were rough after diagnosis. I finally figured out how to prioritize  by making lists of importance,using my mom or a volunteer  to help grade papers. I still am away from the house about 10 hours but it is manageable now.

After about a year of suffering with feeling sorry for myself, I added zoloft and just this spring weaned myself off of it. I am now not feeling the fatigue that I used to feel. I think the plaquenil just takes time.

  I did a lot of power naps after I got home. It got me through some rough times. I take naps whenever I can on weekends. Find time for yourself mentally and try to relax. Hope this is helpful.

Winnie

[quietdynamics]

brooks1teacher
YOU can do this!

I am sharing a real life example for future reference.
3rd grade teacher w/ tenure and 10+ years at school, took medical leave.
Long term substitute brought in. All student papers were delivered to her on Friday, at which time she provided lesson plans and notes for the following week. As she recuperated and was able she came in to visit with 'her' class and network with peers and administration.. it was an effort. She stayed in the loop.
Medical leave with pay.. she was not in a coma. She even hired a driver to get her there.
When she came back into the classroom, there was a school play. Extended hours.
She hired 'out of pocket' a board certified sub to take her place. She did what she needed 'outside of the box'

- Papers.. is there a local high school? Contact for a senior advanced placement to meet you at library to grade papers? They are always looking for gas money. Sometimes having someone working with you  helps. You may just find a senior who is going into education and would jump at the opportunity.
And yes that work goes on their resume..lol.

Being a math teacher.. do what you do best. Linear thinking.
30 days, assess, not analyze (lol) the goal and get from point A-->B.
2nd graders have a lot of energy, which you/we are lacking... use their energy, "award" them with making them helpers.. everyone gets a chance. And children love to be helpers.. it validates them as good. The student that is a "handful".. so and so today you are so close to be the helper.. and so on.
Have them bring you their notebook so they 'see' you write the note home.. that they were the helper.
These are powerful. 

I also found that taking in protein snacks helped with my energy. Cheese and crackers, yogurt.
I did better with a 5 meal plan. Meaning breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, ... keep a jar of peanut butter in the desk.. low glycemic.
http://www.peanut-institute.org/health-and-nutrition/disease-prevention/diabetes-and-blood-sugar.asp

[harrigan]

Hi Brooksie - I fully understand where you are coming from.  I am re-evaluating my situation (I teach English full time in a High School, UK) and trying to work out what can change.

I agree, things will get easier for you once you have been in post for a year and know the curriculum and pupils better.  For now, focus on your get-off points - end of the day/week/term.  These are some of the things that work for me.
I live very close to the school so I don't waste time and energy commuting.
I go in early and stay late (7am - 5pm normally) BUT avoid carrying home work most of the time.
I have a perching stool at the front of the class for when I want to address them all but am weary of standing.
I have an office chair on wheels and a table near my desk which I keep clear.  This enables me to ask pupils to bring their work to me and I can scoot across without getting up and down all the time for when pupils need some more individual support.
I have my methotrexate and abatacept injections on Friday evenings so I can have my 'yeuch' day away from school.

It is really difficult juggling our professional desire to do the best we can in our job with our physical need not to push too far and become too unwell to go in and our emotional response to workload, illness, pressure from Heads etc.  I am trying to learn that most of the time I do a good enough job - not as dynamic as ten years ago when I was younger and well - but good enough.  Sometimes I can pull it off and do something great; other times I am not up to scratch and I will have to take the rap for that (I try to develop the "So shoot me" mindset on the basis that they probably won't!)

Schools are such competitive places to work.  Expectations are often unrealistic and colleagues are often not supportive as they are busy dealing with their own issues.  Remember that you are doing is succeeding in a demanding career with a difficult illness.  For the time being, that is how things are.  That is something you should be very proud of; lots of people would have given up.  If or when  the time comes that we  can't continue wit the job, then life will have to change.  I don't know that I can teach till I am 67 but I try not to look so far ahead as worrying about all the what-ifs is such a drain on our already stretched energy. 

I hope you feel supported by friends on here - sometimes they are the only people who really know what it is like to live with our symptoms.  Keep posting and try to find a way of making each day manageable.  xx Ailsa

[brooks1teacher]

Thank you all...

Just thank you. 

[jazzlover]

That is rough!!  I KNOW! I taught many years while being ill. I can totally relate to the overwhelming fatigue from teaching in the elementary grades.

One thing I'll warn you about, don't move UP in grade levels if you can help it. Grading papers takes even longer if you have 3rd to 5th grade classes. Second is pretty easy if you can figure out ways to do fewer papers and/or allow students to exchange papers and grade them that way. (I hope that is still allowed these days!)  I found that grading 1st or 2nd grade papers was at least pretty quick.

I sure hope you can find someone who will help guide you next year so that the learning curve is shortened for you!! I agree that the teachers right now are too overwhelmed themselves to feel that they are able to offer you help. (but if you were next door to ME, I'd help you!!!! For sure!!!)

I hope you can get through this year. It should be over soon, right?? Hang in there!!

(PS... I understand about the constant talking... even if you try to minimize that, you are always answering questions or SOMETHING...seems endless when it's hard to talk.)

-

Have you been tested for Lyme disease?

[brooks1teacher]

I have been tested in the past for Lyme.  I do have MS but they say that's not what is going on with me this past year.

The most major symptom that I have been dealing with for many, many years has been fatigue.  I take Provigil while I am working to help with that but at times that doesn't even help.

I rest almost all weekend and don't go anywhere or do anything.  I don't even shower on Saturdays or Sundays because I am so exhausted and everything just hurts.

I do take Plaquenil (the generic version at least) and I take Gabapentin at night only now.  It knocks me out otherwise.

My hands are bothering me a lot and writing and holding a pen/pencil is becoming difficult.  The pain in my joints isn't unbearable but it's there below the surface.

Four days of work this week and then I can sleep in on Friday before the biopsy.

Day by day at this point.

Thanks,
Brooksie

[brooks1teacher]

This past leave has been my third long-term extended leave within 11 years.  I think my district would be just as happy if I couldn't work full-time so they didn't have to pay me while I am out along with a sub to do my job.

I'm in a tight spot. 

Again day by day.  Turn my face to the sunlight and then I don't see the shadows...

Brooksie

[engy]

I totally understand what you are going through. My first two years diagnosed I didn't finish the school years. I felt really bad for my fourth graders who were worried about me.

After I got all my diagnosis & started treatment, I felt like I needed one more try. My doctors wanted me to go on disability because of how severe my symptoms were. However, we talked it out & I made some lifestyle changes to try to work. I told myself, one more year. Either I can do it or I can't. There was no part time so I knew I had to return to my demanding fourth grade class.

First, I started a lot of supplements (see my signature). Then we decided to hire a lady to weekly clean the house. My doctor DID write a letter to the school about my limitations. It states that I can sit whenever needed, have my own refridgerator/microwave (in my room that I supply), and that I DO NOT go outside if the temperature is higher than 65 degrees or lower than 45 degrees & NO sun. It also states that I need throat losenges and a drink at all times.    This may seem silly to some but without recess duty in the heat/cold/sun I could make it through the day. I have the same amount of duties as my coworkers- I do lunch duty now. I also came home everyday for an hour after school & napped or even justvput my feet up. My hubby took over grocery shopping. My daughter helped with laundry. Everything else took a back seat. I rested all weekends.

At first I thought this was no way to live! But after a while, We got into a rhythm. Now I feel even better. No Way am I back to "normal". But I can work & clean & cook & even ride my bike sometimes now. I'm choosing to work until I can't.  This may not work for you. But I can say I'm glad I gave it one more shot.

Get a doctor's note for work. Hire help or get family if possible. Try to rest as much as possible. Take meds/supplements to help you feel better. Bring the students to the carpet more so you can sit.

You determine what accommodations you need. If you really can't go back- that's okay too.

Have you tried d-ribose for energy/muscle pain? CoQ10 for fatigue?

We are here for you- Hugs

[brooks1teacher]

Thank you. 

I do take some supplements but I need to figure out how to get them all in with my regular meds and vitamins.  I need a better plan! I had gastric bypass so I can only fit so many pills in at a time!  LOL

Today I forced myself to drink a little water during the day which I don't normally do.  I am chewing sugarless gum at work and I have sugar free cough drops also.

I also decided that with my stress and anxiety levels through the roof right now that it would be a good time to add some Xanax back in during the day.  That seemed super beneficial and I did have my therapy appointment tonight.

Three more days this week, then three days off although I am having my salivary gland biopsy on Friday.  At least I can sleep in though.

You all rock,
Brooksie