Navigating school can be tough. Navigating school with a chronic illness can be even tougher – the key is finding support and knowing what resources are available to you.
The fall of my freshman year of high school, I had what I thought was a cold. It soon became clear that it was something more, and I was out of school for the next 2.5 months. Over the span of a few weeks, my body rapidly grew weaker and I became increasingly sensitive to everything – sound, smell, light, and most noticeably pain. During a hospital stay, I was examined by the rheumatologist who would not only diagnose me with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, but become my greatest advocate in helping me navigate the waters of these diagnoses.
I never returned to school full-time that year, and spent the majority of it in a wheelchair. Beyond the standard of Biology, Geometry, English, and History, here are some additional things I learned that year:
- Having a doctor who is a partner in your care and wants to see you succeed is a game changer. It’s YOUR health, and you must take an active role in finding health solutions that fit your needs and goals.
- Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and put your needs first. This applies in the healthcare field, but also in the classroom. If you have questions, concerns, challenges, or ideas, make them known.
- There is no shame in asking for help and it comes in many forms. Talk to your teachers and keep them informed. Talk to your guidance counselor. In some cases (like my own), a 504 plan or IEP may be appropriate – see what options or accommodations may be available to you.
- Having support is essential. Don’t be afraid to lean on your friends and family. Find a support group for your condition or seek help from a counselor. Having people you trust and who understand your situation are important in getting and staying well.
At the Revive Upper Cervical Chiropractic clinic in Cranberry Twp, we offer a complimentary consultation and screening process to determine how we can help. If friends and family live out of town, please let us so we offer the best referral options.
If you are in or around the Cranberry Township area and are looking for a resource to help you or a child in your life with maybe trouble focusing, fatigue, mental fog, or other learning disorders. In that case, you can visit Dr. Bulow at the Revive Upper Cervical Chiropractic. Our practice is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm; Wednesday from 1 pm to 6 pm. You can also drop by on Fridays between 9 am to 12 noon.
To schedule a consultation with Revive Upper Cervical Chiropractic, call 724-302-3628, or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
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