College and CFS

One of the hardest parts of dealing with Chronic Fatigue is being a young adult, away from home in college and trying to find out how to start your life. I will admit, I have been fairly lucky. 2 years ago I couldn't physically get out of bed somedays and now I have enough energy to lead a somewhat normal life. Along with some stomach disorders, I struggle with the daily life of having to pay rent, go to school and lead a normal social life. When friends ask, why I am in my 3rd year of college and not at a real university yet, it saddens me that I can't explain my struggles to them, so they just see it as plain laziness. College professors don't care when you miss their 9:30 classes where you are graded on participation, you can't go to them and explain that your body would not let you get out of bed. It is a struggle to plan and make a future when you can barely make it through some of your days. Just wondering if there is any other college kids on this site who can relate to what I'm going through?

Hi jaymeek,

I got CFS and fibromyalgia at the beginning of year 12 (last year of school). I struggled through semester one with people (students and teachers) thinking I'm lazy. I only went to school 2-4 half days per week. Near the beginning of semester 2, a doctor wrote a letter saying I needed time off school for the rest of the year - what a relief it was to finally just sleep without stressing about my studies! I went through year 12 part-time the next year. First semester was okay, second sem the family situation became very stressful and my health went WAY downhill again - and so did my marks. Luckily I'd done well enough in first semester that my overall marks got me into uni anyway.

This year I am studying at university to become an Occupational Therapist. For the first few weeks of uni I managed fairly well with a 75% study load and a lower severity of symptoms. But I just kept getting tireder and in more pain and less able to perform well in my assessments. I ended up telling the Counselling and Disability Services office about my chronic illnesses and subsequently getting deferred assessments to do during the semester break. I am now doing semester 2 at 37.5% study load (2 units). I'm still learning to manage this condition - this forum is really helping me to learn to do that. I only joined this forum when I was right near sem 1 exams and stressing out, feeling like the whole world was crashing down around me. The lovely ppl on the fibro forum made me realise that everything will be okay :) I'll get there, just more slowly than others, perhaps. You will get there too!

Could you apply for a disability plan at your college? I have one and it helps SO MUCH!

Check out the spoon theory to use to explain to your friends/peers/teachers about the CFS.

I was very stressed and upset during sem 1 when I thought I wouldn't be able to get through uni or a job - hence no government allowance or income from employment. But it turns out I was able to get a newstart allowance that doesn't require me to work or study - so it's the youth's version of a disability pension :) it relieves stress so much. Have you checked out all the options for government allowances?

It's tough, I know. The last few years have been very full-on for me. But there's always a way through, you just have to look hard for it. I like these words from a song, "God will make a way where there seems to be no way". Good luck in finding your way! :)

Jasmine

jaymeek66,

What testing have you had done?