Chronic pain youth

[Spoonie608]

I first got my pain when I was 12, I'm now 16 and school is such a huge issue for me. I just got my GCSE results back and I know without my pain I could've achieved so much more. I was wondering if anyone had tips on making it through sixth form because I would like to go to university but at this rate I won't get the grade I need for the course I like.

[belle623]

Hi

I am sorry. I had chronic as a teen too. Tell your teachers and try to work out a plan. Like a project based curriculum instead of exams. This renss to help with stress amd studing. Do not give up. You will get to University

Hugs

[Spoonie608 in reply to belle623]

Thank you.

[beauty96]

I send you hugs. To plan well is the key to A levels, always do the homework without leaving it. As it will mount up. Work out the plan of action with a six form tutor who should be able to guide you. Before you do that though do have some idea of what you want to do for a career. If you are blessed with less than perfect health, you will have to take this into account. That is hard at your age.

You may wish to retake some GCSE's and be guided by your tutor and parents. Also and more important is your gut feeling. Is it worth it? etc.

If you need more help on subjects or a third ear then let me know: I used to teach law and economics etc and was a careers teacher way back.

[Spoonie608 in reply to beauty96]

Thank you for the advice it's very appreciated. I will speak to my teachers and hopefully still be able to carry on doing what I want to do, thanks.

[Letmein76]

Are you with a good doctor? That is essential. I have had chronic pain all my life but managed to achieve most of what I wanted to do. Please don't dispair. Worrying and stress make it worse I am sure you know. Talk to your teachers and try to sort out a plan. You will get through. Have you someone you can talk to about your pain? I belong to a group and that helps having the support of others like you. My heart goes out to you. xx

[Spoonie608 in reply to Letmein76]

Thank you, my doctors are great ormand street ones and they're brilliant with me so I'm very lucky with them. Thank you for the advice I will definitely use it to help me. Thanks xx

[lowlife]

Hi its no fun having chronic pain all the time. How does your pain effect you for example can you sit or stand for long periods etc. If you have a problem with sitting forlong periods your tutor could let you stand to do your work and put a computur on a higher desk or let you pace the floor while your listening etc. Speak to them and see how they can support you.

[Spoonie608 in reply to lowlife]

Thank you

[johnsmith]

You need to think long term. What is the point of doing a course if you are unable to follow the career that taking the course leads to.

You need to consider: I have this condition. What can I do that I enjoy doing and am able to do as a career. Then the select the course that enables you to do this.

There are things you can enjoy doing as a hobby and there are things where you have to make a living in a world which takes no prisoners. You are selected at the interview for a job on the basis that you can perform at the job. You have to be able to prove that despite your health disability you can perform.

Get you parents to send you for Alexander lessons. Sitting at a desk with poor posture will increase the amount of pain you will suffer. In comparison good posture will reduce the amount of pain you experience and enable you to concentrate better. Who knows it may lead you to consider another career path. Many Alexander teachers are ex-chronic pain sufferers.

Hope I have been helpful.

[Spoonie608 in reply to johnsmith]

That sounds interesting and thanks for the advice I'll use it definitely. Thanks.

[habinns17]

Hi there. Well done on passing your GCSE's and getting into Sixth Form. It maybe a good idea to speak to your Tutor and the school nurse about your concerns. Perhaps they will be able to put into place a support plan to help you manage your pain. Remember to pace, plan and prioritise and take regular rest breaks. Good luck x

[Spoonie608 in reply to habinns17]

Thank you

[earthwitch]

Definitely talk with you teachers or school support staff as there is quite a lot they can do to make life easier for you. Once you start thinking about university, remember that there are really great student support units at university. It would be worth contacting them before you actually enrol to have a chat about what is possible. Sometimes you can take lighter course loads, or get additional support in whatever way makes sense for you. Also, consider taking a bit longer to get your degree. In the grand scheme of things an extra year or two at that stage isn't going to make a lot of difference to your future, but it might make the difference between passing well and giving up.

[Stretchygirl]

I recently have gone through the same, aged 19 now. School (GCSE age) I wasn't too bad, as it was just one joint. Throughout sixth form and after, was when my real problems started. Make sure you speak to medical professionals and get the correct advice. By getting advice or a diagnosis, make sure you speak to your teachers ASAP. This will make a massive difference! I made the mistake of leaving it until I was crying uncontrollably in lessons and exams. They're support will be great, and they may give you some le-way if they know whats going on. I've now done an apprenticeship in healthcare and moving onto uni to do Adult Nursing (my dream job). They have to put the support and care for you in place, they are there to support you, and they will! You will be able to achieve whatever you want to in life, it may simply take a little longer or you may have to take an alternative pathway along the way.

Keep positive and reach for the stars (a good moto that I've learnt from my colleagues at work).

You'll get there.

Kirsty X

[Spoonie608 in reply to Stretchygirl]

Thanks that's really great advice thank you. X

[Stretchygirl in reply to Spoonie608]

No problems, here if you need anything X