Hi ladies, I've got an autoimmune condition and I CAN work with it, but it causes me a lot of pain sometimes and just makes me less sharp. Sometimes I tell the class, sometimes I don't. Sort of depends how I feel at the beginning. What's your opinion? Do you admit when you have something going on with you or do you feel like it makes them feel less secure/focused on worrying about you etc?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Omg Alabama, are you me? You’re describing my situation to a tee. Add tired and at times totally exhausted to your list.

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. Please put managing your autoimmune disorder as a top priority. If you need a sick day- take it, even if it’s to sleep!

In terms of admitting what’s going on, the answer is not totally. I do tell kids that I have something called lupus and that at times
I don’t feel my best. Then a thousand questions follow. I answer some of them. When they ask me if I’m going to die (which some might due to their hx), I say, No way! and use a little humor. If they ask me how I feel having lupus, I say that sometimes I’m tired or will get a headache (which is not only true it’s innocuous) and leave it at that. Usually that calms their curiosity. If they continue to ask questions I typically distract their attention to something else. Dm me anytime.

likehelpful

I would never be able to stand all day, or even most of the day. No way. I’ve been working hard at not feeling bad for doing what I need to do. The district doesn’t accommodate me anyway, I tried that last yr. I got a Dr note stating I couldn’t be ‘directly’ involved in managing physically aggressive kids. I was told by the sped director that the district couldn’t make that accommodation for me. I took 3 months off. I went back fully knowing in my mind that I was not getting involved with a kid throwing down. I’ll house them in their cool down and recovery, supervise them in the clean up, supervise the in school suspension, you name it and I’m in. I can no longer be involved in the direct management of an aggressive kid. I’ll wait till I’m written up and shit I’ll go through the whole process. Then I’ll retire! It’s been very hard and I truly sympathize with all of you.

like

I have a friend with epilepsy. She does an entire PowerPoint presentation so the students know what to expect if she seizes in class, what to do, and what to watch for if they need to get help. But hers is almost inevitable. There will almost certainly be one incident (or several) where the students are present and need to take action. I have another friend who never mentions a chronic condition even when it’s obvious he is feeling poorly. I think it depends on the individual, whether students will need to know what to do, and your relationship with the students.

like

I have diabetes and let my middle schoolers know at the beginning of the year. I tell them that there are times when my blood sugar may run low and I’ll sometimes need to eat something during class. I have a policy of allowing kids to eat in class as long as they clean up after themselves so they don’t feel like I can eat and they can’t. They’re always super supportive of my needs, and they tell me about family members who also have diabetes and the importance of eating a healthy diet.

AL and MI, I’m on the same page. I have the trifecta on autoimmune deficiencies. I have RA, Osteoarthritis, and Fibromyalgia. I’ve have them for a long time. I have an FMLA on file with my district for times when I just can’t continue with the day and have to leave because of pain or fatigue.

I’ve learned that autoimmune problems can be misunderstood. These conditions can not be seen, so it’s difficult to see when we are having a bad day. Some of my colleagues, principal, and vp know about my condition. Basically, I tell people who need to know; nobody else.

I’ve dealt with these conditions for about 25 years now. I’ve only told one child about it and it was after they graduated from college. My reason for not telling students is simple; I don’t want to share this medical information with parents. Maybe I feared (I’ve been retired for a year) that the parents would blame my condition on how their child was doing in my class.

In terms of an explanation to my students, I blamed it on sleepless nights, landing on my ankle wrong, or even allergies. Kids have so much to be worried about these days. I just don’t want to add to those worries or to have to explain the complexities of autoimmune diseases. I taught ELA for 27 years. On days that I was in pain/fatigue I would have them read from their novels, or play review games that let me sit.

I admire your honesty with your students and wish you the best going forward. I can tell you that retirement has really unloaded a lot of physical stress on my body. Take days off when you need them. It’s in the best interest of you and your students. ❤️❤️

likehelpful

You’re very kind. Thank you!

like

I, too, have an autoimmune disease. I don't elaborate. Just say, "y'all, I'm not feeling well today, so let's get done what we need to today." Teaching HS, the kids live for anything "off topic." Many days, my butt is dragging, and I know I need to rest, so try not to expend a lot of energy those days at school. HSs are somewhat easier to work for you, unlike younger kids who need more hands-on direction. DM me anytime too!

likehelpful

I do let the kids know when am not feeling quite right. I think they do care and have found when I am honest with them it is easier. Now with that said there are those who don’t care, but on the whole they do. Shows them I can have off days just like they do.

like

Actually, I believe you should let your students know when you don't feel your best. I don't go into details, but I just say I'm having a bad day, or I don't feel my best today.

like

I also have an invisible disability (hEDS and POTS) and on off days I’ll tell my kids (2 & 3 years old) that ‘some days my body hurts’.

My teaching team knows and I tell them if I’m flaring so that we can cover each other appropriately. I also have and use a handicapped placard in our parking lot, so it’s not really something I have tried to hide from the community.

like

It makes all the difference. 💞

like

I had breast cancer and told my high school students what was up, and that I hoped to work through chemo. Yeah, no. Didn’t work. Had to take iff for two trimesters the chemo and radiation did a real number on me. When I returned, on the first day I told the kids to ask me anything they wanted. They did. We had the best conversations! After that, if I said I wasn’t feeling great, you could hear a pin drop fir the rest of the block. They get it more than we realize sometimes.

like

I think you can say something without having to disclose every detail. I have a chronic condition that makes me feel achy and tired some days. You may find some of your students have stuff too or their family members do too. Fibromyalgia and POTS and other chronic pain conditions are more and more common. My kid started symptoms of this at 9. Good luck and good health to you!

Related Posts

Any recommendations for Sleep trackers? Looking at Oura Ring, Fitbit, etc. I care more about sleep features than daily activity.

like

Has anybody given nab codility test.please let me know

like

What’s your opinion on Cue Health?

likefunny

I am done trying to pretend everything is fine at work. The higher ups on the team kept asking if I’m doing anything fun for the weekend during video calls. I felt the pressure to make something up but I just can’t. I’ve been struggling with depression, loneliness, anxiety with immigration and the fact that I might be out of work soon cuz my visa is expiring. I’m thousands of miles away from my family and I just want everything to stop. But when my manager kept asking in front of everyone am I

like

I went to the lease this last weekend. Not one drop of alcohol was had. That was the closest I’ve come to caving. 4 wheelers, killing dinner with big guns, doing manly things in God’s country. Beer is an absolute necessity during these events. Anyhow, I didn’t drink. Proud of myself. Monumental moment for me.

likeuplifting

I have some mental issues that affect how I do my work. Is it appropriate to bring them up ever, or is it seen as an excuse?

like

Had an FET transfer and just got the news that the pregnancy test is negative. Feeling very defeated about it. All my labs are good (AMH 3.1) and the embryos were PGA tested. Have only two left now, and this was the best quality one. The irony is I did feel pregnant couple days after transfer but then I stopped feeling pregnant. I read that some women don’t really “feel” pregnant until 6-7 weeks… but i did “feel” then stopped. It just sucks. If you have any advice for coping, I’d appreciate it.

like

Do any retail workers out there still get severe anxiety when you see someone without a mask?

like

Does anyone with adhd ever feel like they just can’t wake up? I feel so lazy but I want to be so productive. Also, lately when I take my medicine I can’t even focus on work just other things.

like

Made an appointment with my therapist to talk through the issues in my relationship. Coronavirus has been rough on us

like

Does anyone deal with (suspected or diagnosed) comorbid anxiety and/or depression? How did you broach the conversation with your psych?

like

New job exhaustion? I started a new consulting job on Monday and I’m mentally and physically exhausted- not from work but from the newness. Any tips? I’m embarrassed about this and surprised im not more motivated to impress

like

One thing that COVID-19 has taught you?

like

Anyone with type 2 diabetes while on the road each week? What works for you and how do you keep your blood sugar levels in control? How do you monitor your levels?

What are the best pregnancy apps you’ve found? Thanks!

Best hotel in NYC with a decent gym?

Does anyone have suggestions for a refresher course/presentation on critical care? I'm an OB/GYN wanting to keep myself educated.

like

Has anyone had a nurse state the assumed sex at 12 week ultrasound? The nurse is fairly sure it's a boy, and I'm wondering how accurate her guess is based on a close look of the genitals. Confirmation won't happen until 20 week appt, too far away!

I am in the process of IVF due to my husband's male factor infertility. I am so grateful for the benefits that EY provides and wanted to know if there is any consideration for reevaluating those benefits? We know that IVF is incredibly expensive and for some of us, having children is a top priority. Does anyone know where or how we can petition for enhanced or shared benefits? I have ideas.

like

Can we add parents in group insurance as dependent?
How and when?

like

More Posts

I have an interview lined up for Autodesk US as an Data Engineer. Wanted to understand a bit more about salary structure and how company really is?. Autodesk

like

Hi all,

I have 10 years of experience with 12L of package, I have takes 2 times ML and 1 year of LOP.
Is my package ok?

If everything is done using WFH.. then why there is need sending employees to onsite?
Can't they pay onsite salary while WFH in india.

funny

Aside from MBB, which firm pays their employees the best?

like

I'm in a litigation, about 9 months in. Is it normal that I spend majority of my time making bundles for my partners (printing, binding, moving docs in a different order whenever there are new documents or he wants to add stuff) reviewing documents and making tables (e.g. dates, which documents are from where), and the only legal work is like notices of admission, list of documents, the occasional research? I'm so bored and I want to quit but I don't know if I have unrealistic expectations.

like

For those who work for Axiom, what percentage of the engagements offered are full-time vs. part-time? Thank you!

like

Anyone in international arbitration? I graduated and am interning in international arbitration but have the impression that it is oversaturated. I would be grateful for any advice or opinion from someone practicing in this field.
Thanks!

like

The king 👑

Post Photo
funnylike

This will be my first time for increment cycle in IBM india. May I know how much I should be expecting or consider as a good numbers in hike of my salary?

Years of exp: 8+
Band: 7B
Fixed salary is 16 lpa

like

Whats the usual yearly hike that people get at UiPath?
Or whats the % range of hike offered at UiPath?

like

Looking to network - energy professionals

Anyone have a link or a list of companies that RIAs can use for VAs?

like

Does anyone here only go after the am 100 law firm partners and counsels?

like

Why do you think ZS canceled the internship for the '23 batch? AFAIK they did not do this even during the pandemic. Are the full-time campus placement offers also in danger of being revoked?

likehelpful

I have an offer from vodafone. Will Vodafone give a counter offer if i show other offer letter with more lpa?

like

How did we ever allow Facebook and Google to grade their own homework? It’s super weird, right?

like

Did someone ever do an analysis on if any of the 100+ Mock NFL Drafts of Kiper and Mcshay are even 10% accurate?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal