Unsure what to do?

[Joanna19]

Hello, my A level exams are coming up and I'm quite scared to do them. I'm in pain constantly and recently had a coil fitted. The pain killers I usually take make me very tierd and disoriented. I'm terrified to get my period during exam season because I can't get out of bed for a week during it. I'm planning to do to uni in September and I really want to do well. This pain has left me feeling quite depressed and anxious. If anyone has any advice on how to get through exams with endo I would be extremely grateful for it

[SalTya]

Have you spoken to your school about the supports they can offer you during your exams. Is it possible for you to have additional time, or even have a comfortable chair to sit on.

Have you ever tried a tens machine for additional pain relief.

If the pain killers you use are opioids they will make you feel disorientated but there are non opioid options that your doctor can help you with.

I wish you all the best, I hope you get through your exams and get the place in uni you want. My heart goes out to you. I wish I had more advice but I definitely think you need to speak with your school and tell them your concerns there may be additional supports you can recieve.

Best of luck

[Joanna19 in reply to SalTya]

Thank you so much for replying. I definitely will go talk to my school and ask. As for my pain killers, I'm taking co-codemol. Thank you so much for replying.

[MID123]

I had the exact same situation when I was 17. Exams are stressful enough without this, but at the end of the day your health comes first.

Speak to your doctor, get a doctors note and then sort out a plan with the school. They should allow you extra time during the exams. I’m not sure how it would work for sitting them at a later date but I’m sure something could be worked out in the case that you do have your period at the time of exams.

Make sure you get some support with the pain from your doctor as well.

Message me if you have any questions! Best of luck with everything x

[Joanna19 in reply to MID123]

Thank you so much for replying. I'm hoping my doctor can help me out with that today.

[Europa23]

Hi I’m a teacher. If you get a note from the GP and / or your specialist the school should be able to support you. Firstly you should be able to complete exams in a separate room with rest breaks or extra time if you need them. Obviously I don’t know the situation or layout in your school but you will need to do this quickly for exam access arrangements. If you are in a great deal of pain on the day of the exam, again with a doctor’s note I think the exams officer should be able to apply for special consideration for you. I’d check myself for you but I’m currently signed off work sick I’m afraid so I can’t access my school system. If you can speak to your exams officer at school she might be able to give you the exact wording for the GP to include. Good luck!

[Joanna19 in reply to Europa23]

Thank you so much, I'll definitely ask my school what should I ask the go to write in this situation.

[Europa23 in reply to Joanna19]

I hope it all goes well for you.