School and Flares

[0EmilyWanamaker0]

I've been having bad flares lately, including today. I'm not able to focus on my school work because of my pain. I want to go home and cry, and finish my school work at home. It's hard for me to walk currently, so I am limping. Is it okay to miss school during bad flares?

[Sara_A]

If u aren’t well then yes! Have u spoken to ur teachers??

I only go off work when I’m really bad as I know there is potential for being off sick a lot more than the average person, so I do have to be really bad or contagious to not go to work. Cos if I was off every time I felt rubbish or a bit rubbish then I’d never be there! So u have to kind of judge how u feel really and just bear in mind to try ‘save’ those sick days for when u are really bad.

I’m sure if u spoke to school and they know u will do the work at home they may make allowances for you??

[whisperit]

I agree with Sara_A. If you are struggling to get to school and feel it might be making things worse, then stay at home. Have you been able to talk to your school so that they understand? They should be making alternative arrangements whenever you need that.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi 0EmilyWanamaker0 ,

Are your teachers aware that you have lupus? We have an information sheet for teachers if you think it might be helpful - lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

You may also find our booklet for young people with lupus has some helpful information and advice - lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

[0EmilyWanamaker0]

Hey guys,

So, I have spoken to my teachers, and also my principle. They do not think I have a problem as I, according to them look "Perfectly Healthy" So if I missed days of school during the rest of the semester because of my pain, my absences would be marked as me skipping school.

[Sara_A in reply to 0EmilyWanamaker0]

😡😡😡😡😡😤😤 im mad!!!!

Can u get a letter from one of ur drs stating ur diagnosis and problems?? And as Paul has suggested the booklets ( I’d stick them up their nose personally!!!)

How dare they say that I’m fuming!

I would definately seek some advice as it’s likely u may be off at some point with this illness so u need to know ur rights

Sorry for being so cross!! Ha

[0EmilyWanamaker0 in reply to Sara_A]

It's okay I got really pissed about it. My letter only gets me out of doing some activities in Gym. I'm still made to so outside and walk, but with my nice 100 spf sunscreen, my knee braces, and my sun hat, it makes life easier. I'll just have to live with it I guess. I'll accept whatever punishment I receive for "Skipping" During my exam in Gym I will have to run a mile, which because of how my teachers are, I must run it. (Probably while flipping off my gym teacher )

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to 0EmilyWanamaker0]

Hi 0EmilyWanamaker0 ,

That is appalling and I would urge you and your family to raise an official complaint. Your absences due to lupus should certainly not be marked as 'skipping' and your school has a legal requirement to make adjustments to help you manage during your time in their institution. Disability Rights UK have lots of helpful guides and a helpline that you may want to call - disabilityrightsuk.org/how-...

[Sara_A]

Well if u can run that mile run it but if u can’t just walk it and failing that crawl it!!!!

If u are sick and cannotgo to school then that’s just the way it is, u don’t havelong left at school do u??

Do what u can and just remember really think ‘do I really need to be off today’ or do I think once I get going I can actually manage it? I suppose u are at school everyday, I only work 12 hours a week and cannot possibly imagine having to attend school or work everyday!!

Keep going and only u know what u can and can’t do and it’s frustrating when people think u look ok!!

[0EmilyWanamaker0]

My mother went to my school this morning and went off on them for how they treated me. They are allowing me to miss up to 8 days. (As the amount of sick days all students are allowed each semester.

[baba in reply to 0EmilyWanamaker0]

That is simply not enough! They should be supporting you actively, to make your school life easier and achieve your potential.

Would they make someone with a broken leg run a mile? Just because your illness is invisible shouldn't mean you get less consideration.

You are suffering discrimination!

Wishing you well.

[HanLE]

Just reading your thread. This is disgusting and ridiculous. Your health is the most important thing, take askng as you need. Which year are you? I would seriously question that 8 day rule. Please your mum is fighting for you, get GP or rheum to write if needed. Much love