Managing lupus and school?

[nellie_4132]

I was just diagnosed with lupus last month and I just finished a four week course of prednisone to help alleviate symptoms short term while Plaquenil is kicking in. However, I know that it can take months for some people, not just the 6 weeks my doctor said it should take. In addition, I start school online on the 31st of August, so I was wondering if I should notify the school or even my professors individually? Right now I don't see any issues that would interfere with my schoolwork, but I'm pretty sure that is the Prednisone helping out. There are disability support services at my school, but is that the correct pathway to take? My lupus is considered 'mild', and considering the transient nature of lupus symptoms I wouldn't need support all the time, just maybe an extra day for assignments here and there. I would also feel really bad for asking about extensions the day something is due or even after it was due, but I have missed submitting assignments due to the fatigue when I couldn't even get out of bed.

Sorry the post is a mess, if you need more info I missed, let me know. Any input would be helpful here.

[happytulip]

You should notify your tutor in my opinion as you should be eligible for extra support.

Although you might feel ok(ish) now you never know when you may flare up or take a turn.

I think you get assistance as a student with disabilities etc.

My cousin did the same thing when she was at uni. She got extensions, a grant and a special laptop to help her.

I think it's best to be proactive than reactive in these situations and your school/college has a duty of care to help you to a certain level.

Good luck.

[nellie_4132 in reply to happytulip]

Thank you!

[Kell12]

I agree I think you should notify them of your condition and would speak with disability support and see what they can offer should you need it at least they are aware and maybe put a plan in place should you have a flare or worsening symptoms. Good luck with your course.

[nellie_4132 in reply to Kell12]

Ok, thank you so much!

[Hamptons]

Be clear from the start that you have a chronic illness that is managed but that there will be flares which will cause fatigue and other challenges.

That way should you have a flare when an assignment is due and you need support staff are aware.

Lupus is a chronic illness and as such in any environment, school or work you are entitled for appropriate measures to be put in place.

[nellie_4132 in reply to Hamptons]

Thank you!

[nerossa]

I think it is sensible to speak to your course advisor about any accommodation you might need now or in the future. It will alleviate anxiety for you. Stress management important for managing Lupus.

[nellie_4132 in reply to nerossa]

Definitely, thanks for the reply!

[Fighting]

I have been diagnosed with lupus since I was 36. I am currently 69. I don't believe the doctors can say with certainty whether it is mild, moderate or severe. I have been taking some form of prednisone since diagnosis. The doctors change their determination based on what they see in the blood. It will all depend on lab tests and who is making the determination. It will all depend on stressors in your life.

I currently take placquenil every other day but it has built up in my eyes and interferes with my vision. This is following cataract surgery. My eyes appeared to be fine until about 5 years ago.

I was first diagnosed with discoid lupus at about age 24. I married, had 2 children. The marriage fell apart. It lasted 13 years. I was engaged and the engagement fell apart after my kidneys failed. The relationship lasted about 9 years.

I did everything that I could think of to manage stressors. The people I was intimately involved with had their own issues. This will always be true.

Much of the time I held professional jobs in the field of social work. I did yoga, water aerobics, attended concerts, church, took walks in the beach area close to my house. I did anything I could think of to manage my stress.

It is my belief that whether you are a laid back person will make a difference.

Each medication has its side effects. The prednisone, bones, and the placquenil eyes.

I have had hip replacements, twice on the left. I have had shoulder replacements. Each time I did the requested rehab. Most recently I fell on ice and fractured my pelvis. I currently walk with a cane.