How am I supposed to... - Fibromyalgia Message Board

GodsGirl4ever06 · 03-18-2005, 09:50 AM

How am I supposed to get through college like this? I keep looking at colleges and I sit here and want to cry... how am I supposed to do this? How the heck am I gonna share a room with somebody when I have to have, like, 12 hours of sleep, and for that matter, how am I gonna get the sleep I need with so much work to do and stuff? They all have community bathrooms -- I have lots of bowel problems and it is so embarassing to think about. What if I'm too ill to attend class? I'm the kind of person who NEEDS to be there to learn. What if I keep adding on new symptoms and can't do anything? What if my first couple years of college become a waste because I can't go on? Who do I talk to about all my problems at the college, and what the heck can they do for me? Fibromyalgia seems to be something that is so iffy... if I get the right person, they will understand and believe me and help me, but if I don't, then I'm sorta screwed. I really want to become a psychologist but I just don't know how I can do it. And I can't talk about not being able to live my life around here because my mom has it too and she manages very well. Obviously she doesn't have fibro HORRIBLY. But she is a hospice nurse and she works and she manages (and she doesn't HAVE to but it helps financially. My dad has a good job and could easily provide for us...we just couldn't do some extra stuff, like go out to eat a lot and on lots of vacations and stuff as often, you know...). I think that makes her think I always can too. But I can't. And all my emtional problems don't help either. And I worry so much about my future. I'm only 17, where is all the fun I'm supposed to be having? Isn't this supposed to be, like, the best time of my life or something... I need help guys, please help me.............

apriltones · 03-18-2005, 10:20 AM

hi there, i will talk more later as this is quick reply. im 23, im at college at moment. im struggling in some aspects but im gonna have some tests done to see which area it is. it looks like im slightly dislexic in maths, or it might be the fibro if thats what i ha. im going through the same, hang in there. love april x

aaronon · 03-18-2005, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GodsGirl4ever06

How am I supposed to get through college like this? I keep looking at colleges and I sit here and want to cry... how am I supposed to do this? How the heck am I gonna share a room with somebody when I have to have, like, 12 hours of sleep, and for that matter, how am I gonna get the sleep I need with so much work to do and stuff? They all have community bathrooms -- I have lots of bowel problems and it is so embarassing to think about. What if I'm too ill to attend class? I'm the kind of person who NEEDS to be there to learn. What if I keep adding on new symptoms and can't do anything? What if my first couple years of college become a waste because I can't go on? Who do I talk to about all my problems at the college, and what the heck can they do for me? Fibromyalgia seems to be something that is so iffy... if I get the right person, they will understand and believe me and help me, but if I don't, then I'm sorta screwed. I really want to become a psychologist but I just don't know how I can do it. And I can't talk about not being able to live my life around here because my mom has it too and she manages very well. Obviously she doesn't have fibro HORRIBLY. But she is a hospice nurse and she works and she manages (and she doesn't HAVE to but it helps financially. My dad has a good job and could easily provide for us...we just couldn't do some extra stuff, like go out to eat a lot and on lots of vacations and stuff as often, you know...). I think that makes her think I always can too. But I can't. And all my emtional problems don't help either. And I worry so much about my future. I'm only 17, where is all the fun I'm supposed to be having? Isn't this supposed to be, like, the best time of my life or something... I need help guys, please help me.............

GodsGirl,

Honey, you are stressing yourself out way too much!! I understand that you are worrying about everything, but, you need to let it go and let God! Everything else will fall into place. Have you considered going to college part time at first, to get your bearings and figure out what you can and can't handle? Then decide if you are capable of going full time or not. You can still get a degree, it may take a little longer, but it will happen.

Fibro is different for every person. Just because your mother has it doesn't mean that you are going to have the exact same case of Fibro. I'm sure that if you sit down with her and ask questions about how she handles it so well, you may find that she hasn't always felt so great! Fibro is totally different for everyone.

College counselors are there for a reason. They are there to help out students any way they can. Utilize those people. There are so many things out there now about Fibro, unlike years ago when I was diagnosed. Also, check around your area and see if there are any support groups for Fibromyalgia, it would help you to talk with others your age to see how they cope.

Good luck,

a

Hailey_19 · 03-18-2005, 05:12 PM

Girly! its going to be ok

I had the EXACT same fears as you. I thought I had to do college just like everyone else, or it wasnt college. You just have to moderate, and individualize your situation. Myself, am a freshman in college, staying in the dorms. I chose a college with apartment dorms ( so I have my own room) and I'm only taking 9 hours, which basically means 3 classes. Its really hard sometimes, but its definitely do-able. You can also apply for disability at whichever university/college you apply to. Chin up! There is a light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to open your eyes to see it

corin · 03-18-2005, 10:24 PM

Is it possible to apply for special housing or conditions to accomodate your disability? I very very much empathize with your concerns for a private bathroom, I suffer a great deal in that dept as well, and am always dealing with that concern. If your Dr is willing to support you, could you find out if there is special housing for you? All you can do is your best, it may be surprising what it is! Is there a service to help match you up with suitable roommates? Maybe your Mom thinks by insisting you can manage as well as she is her hope that you can overcome your challenges. Mothers do truly always mean well, even if they don't do well. Maybe the next time she makes you feel like you should pull up your socks and get moving like her, you could reply that you hope someday to have your FMS symptoms as well managable as heres, in a kind way I mean, but that at this stage of your disease, it is very restictive, kind of like how some people with lupus can lead seemingly normal lives ( I have such a friend ), yet others are wheelchair ridden, because everyones symptoms and levels are not the same. I am hoping for great successes as you move on with these new paths. As a last choice, many colleges and universities now offer their courses via the internet, if this is a solution you can arrange. Best of luck.