I've Returned to Work!: Well not quite returned to... - PMRGCAuk

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I've Returned to Work!

Kendrew profile image
150 Replies

Well not quite returned to work!

Three years since diagnosis, months of sick leave, two failed attempts to return to the job I loved and finally, enforced medical retirement!

BUT FINALLY......today I was up at 6.30am and out of the house by 7.45am to be back in my old Nursery class, but not as a teacher....... as a volunteer helper.

School has been covid free (as far as it's humanly possible to tell anyway) since Easter, so I made the decision that the time was right to do what I've been desperate to do for months.....and that's simply to be back working with the children.

Lots of ventilation, the 'outdoor classroom' Early Years provision and other covid-safe protocols all led to the decision I made. The Head (and some colleagues) were to inform me if any staff or pupils reported positive tests or covid-like symptoms but everything seemed to be about as good as it could get, so all in all I felt I was probably just as safe in school as I am when shopping in the supermarket!

It was absolutely wonderful! ❤ As soon as I walked into the classroom, it felt like I'd never been away and I was once again where I was meant to be...... the main difference being though, that I had no responsibilities, no heavy workload, no pressure and no demands on myself to be well enough to attend the next morning! I wasn't rushing around like a headless chicken and I wasn't the one lugging heavy boxes of resources everywhere. It was all a completely different experience to the times where I was trying to sustain a five day teaching week whilst coping with PMR!

I wanted to share this with you all because even 6mths ago...and without the covid risk..... this would not have been possible for me. I have low energy, weak muscles and I'm constantly fatigued, but with some sensible 'precautions' in place and the knowledge of how to pace myself, it would seem a few hours in school once a week is not an impossible achievement.

I know that for some, even this would not be possible but for others, yet even more may be achieved.

It's all about those little 'wins', where every achievement however big or small is a triumph! So when you're feeling sad about how much life has changed, just remember that patience, time and knowledge is the recipe for progress and most of us will eventually get to achieve our desired PMR/GCA goals.

For me, today has been uplifting, memorable, joyful and 'possible'. I'm fully aware though that my circumstances could change in an instant again, but for now I'm just happy and thankful for 'today'!

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Kendrew profile image
Kendrew
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150 Replies
DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Well done you ..long may it continue. 🌸

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to DorsetLady

🙏🙏❤️❤️

Tinasleepyhead profile image
Tinasleepyhead in reply to Kendrew

Such wonderful news, so very happy for you. From reading your posts over the last two years I appreciate how difficult it was for you to give up your teaching. The young children are so very fortunate to have you around. 😘

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Tinasleepyhead

Thankyou. What a kind thing to say.

Seacat30 profile image
Seacat30

Well done! I am so very glad for you.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Seacat30

❤️❤️

Bcol profile image
Bcol

Brilliant news, lots of lucky children and staff to say nothing of your increased happiness and wellbeing. Xx

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Bcol

I left on a real high and can't wait for next week....subject to no known covid cases in school of course. 🙂

Bcol profile image
Bcol in reply to Kendrew

Fab

Koalajane profile image
Koalajane

Well done to you for going in as a volunteer. I bet you were very much appreciated.I think we all have to look back and see how far we have come.

Lots of little wins!

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Koalajane

Absolutely. ❤️

MrsNails profile image
MrsNails

That’s Great! Well Done 👏🏼

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to MrsNails

❤️❤️❤️

jinasc profile image
jinasc

That is what my Mam called a 'Jewel Day'. One you put in your special bank and then you look back when you are feeling low.

Enjoy Kendrew, you deserve to be in your happy place. Stay safe.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to jinasc

Thankyou. I love that idea of a 'Jewel Day'. It's perfect.

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to jinasc

What a good idea - a “jewel” day. Want some!

jinasc profile image
jinasc in reply to Constance13

Sometimes Constance you don't know you have had one till you look back. One of my was when I met PMRpro - did I know at the time..............not at all.

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to jinasc

Of course! Two of mine were when I heard of two ladies that were more help than any rheumatologists I had visited - and to think that ten years later I would still be in touch with those ladies. After all, PMR only lasts two years!!!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Well done!!! Long may it last

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to PMRpro

We'll see. 🤔I'll just enjoy it when I'm able to.

❤️❤️❤️

Constance13 profile image
Constance13

Just enjoy! 🍀🍀🍀

123-go profile image
123-go

Wonderful news! I'm sure the staff as well as the children were thrilled to have you back. Long may it continue.xx

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to 123-go

Thankyou. ❤️

Telian profile image
Telian

How exhilarating for you. Hope it continues. 🌺

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Telian

Haha!... me too! ❤️❤️

Greensleeves profile image
Greensleeves

A truly uplifting post lovely lady . A win , win for the little one’s too . Stay safe and well. xx

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Greensleeves

❤️❤️❤️

Longtimer profile image
Longtimer

Wonderful, no pressure makes a 100% difference....long may it continue....🙏

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Longtimer

You're so right. The absence of pressure and stress makes an immeasurable difference.

Charlie1boy profile image
Charlie1boy

Really pleased for you. I’ve been following your progress from your start, as well as your excellent posts. I can imagine how much it means for you to be back in the classroom.Good luck, and long may it last.

Paddy

PS: don’t forget your rest!!!

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Charlie1boy

Thankyou ❤ I made sure I had an easy few days prior to today, and I've nothing much on for a while...... the most energetic thing I'll probably be doing over the next few days is cheering Sam Ryder on in the Eurovision Song Contest!

😄

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to Kendrew

We actually have a chance! It’s a good song. 🤞

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to SheffieldJane

I know...I love it and whenever I hear it I end up singing along.....or rather, screeching along!! It's a little 'high' for my vocals chords! It definitely gives me a boost and makes me feel good though.

powerwalk profile image
powerwalk

Congratulations. Well done to you. Hope it goes well. X

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to powerwalk

Thankyou.❤️

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

You have always had a great attitude Kendrew. I am glad those lucky children have you back, doing what you do best. X

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to SheffieldJane

❤️❤️❤️

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS

Lovely! Thanks for sharing.

KryssieK profile image
KryssieK

Kendrew - thank you so much for sharing this today. Not only am I happy for you, you have also reminded me to keep going forward, and to not dwell on how much life has changed. xo

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to KryssieK

Thankyou. I think it's important to remember that amidst our challenges there will always be positive moments and moments of joy!

KryssieK profile image
KryssieK in reply to Kendrew

Absolutely! Enjoy xo

Lonsdalelass profile image
Lonsdalelass

So pleased for you Kendrew! It's good for your mental health as much as anything, the fact that you're able to be there and feel you're almost back to normal, without all the planning etc on board. I know what it's like to teach nursery/infants having been in that position myself a few years before PMR. I couldn't sit on their little chairs now, getting down then back up from those was always a challenge even before the pains in legs started! 🥴 but the children were joyous and made it all worthwhile. Enjoy!

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Lonsdalelass

Thankyou...yes, the small chairs were always a challenge but I now have my own 'big' chair! Haha! Happy days.

giraffegal profile image
giraffegal

😍

How absolutely brilliant. Able to do what you love is really important for mental health but it’s also important to be able to stop. Perhaps we are fortunate that PMR/GCA tends to affect older people who even if not yet retired are not at the start of busy careers etc. PS love your bio/profile showing your PMR journey. I recommend it to all new members.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to DogAgilityObsessed

Thankyou. ❤️

Tapestry1057 profile image
Tapestry1057

What a lovely uplifting post to read this morning Kendrew. So pleased for you. Made me get up early and look forward to the day…….and the sun is shining!!

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Tapestry1057

❤️❤️

Uplifting post thank you for sharing your joy and success. may I say that even though we’ve never met I now have this wonderful image of you at work 😀😀😀

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to

Hahah! Well if it included a lap full of sand, playdoh stuck to my bum and a head bandaged like an Egyptian mummy (doctors/nurses role play corner!!)...... you got it right!😆

in reply to Kendrew

Can I join in it sounds fab 🤩

Poshdog profile image
Poshdog

So thrilled to read your post. Uplifting to all. Go girl go xx

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Poshdog

👍👍

Devonspinner profile image
Devonspinner

That is wonderful news and an inspiration to everyone else. Well done ! x

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

How wonderful for you to experience a lovely day with the children, without the full responsibility of a class. Also to know and accept that you may constantly have to review and still continue to pace. All the very best to you Kendrew in the future. 💐

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Jackoh

Thankyou ❤

Posey1 profile image
Posey1

Very happy to hear this. Well done you! May you always keep your positivity, which has been an inspiration to so many of us.🥰

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Posey1

❤️❤️❤️

Bling123 profile image
Bling123

Thats fantastic news Kendrew,so there is light at the end of the tunnel. We can all have this hope , thanks for sharing and giving us this brilliant news . 😀

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Bling123

I will still have to be very mindful of not overdoing it but one day on and I'm feeling fine. Rest day today though!

ncfaaeos profile image
ncfaaeos

Sounds great - thanks for sharing. It's always uplifting to hear that people are doing well. Keep up the good work (in more ways than one)

😀 Anna

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to ncfaaeos

❤️❤️❤️

GrannyJane profile image
GrannyJane

Wonderful achievement Kendrew, have loved reading your posts, always positive, sensible and uplifting! The children are blessed having you back, they will continue your “healing “ in a different way. Every happiness.🙏😘

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to GrannyJane

Thankyou. Yes...children's laughter and their desire to learn, added to their curious nature is such a tonic. Their zest for life is contagious!

FRnina profile image
FRnina

Brilliant! Never be daunted!

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to FRnina

👍👍❤️

Louisa1840 profile image
Louisa1840

Oh Kendrew, we are all just SO happy for you. Well done! Live each day. Take each moment as it comes. Pace yourself and remember to say "No" if necessary! I've just spent the afternoon with my two little grandchildren age 4 & 2, readng books and helping them thread beads. I call them my "Happy Pills" so I can only imagine what this has meant to you. Keep it up.......

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Louisa1840

Thankyou....and how lovely for you too. We don't need big dramatic life experiences to make us content.... little moments are just as impactful.

LemonZest11 profile image
LemonZest11

From one teacher to another, I can imagine your joyfulness. Wonderful news, the children and parents are fortunate to have a teacher who loves her work, back in the classroom, no matter in what capacity. 🥰

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to LemonZest11

❤️❤️👍👍

I'm soo pleased for you Kendrew! I worked with children over 40yrs in a variety of settings but due to PMR miss the fun . Hope to do something eventually once mobility improves. So I enjoy visits from our youngest g'son age 7 1/2! Well done! Xx

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to 2Yellowdaffodilsx

I'm sure you'll achieve that too. PMR can be incredibly debilitating at times but I've found a healthy respect for both the condition and the medications involved does lead to a degree of success in achieving small (but still significant) milestones. Good luck. 🙏

2Yellowdaffodilsx profile image
2Yellowdaffodilsx in reply to Kendrew

Thanks Kendrew. Agree small steps. Had PMR 4yrs end of May. I just love chatting to children! I have a dear friend whose daughter has a little girl 4yrs & baby boy arrived in Jan & they've made lunch dates with me once a month so I can watch these 2 grow up! It's been a real privilege apart from choosing b'day gifts for them! I was in a Cof E Nursery 8yrs long time ago loved it! So I can imagine how much joy you re getting! Ab fabulous!! My final post was 15yrs in Special Needs assistant & had my own class for a couple years. Again loved it! Take care take it easy much love xx

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to 2Yellowdaffodilsx

❤️❤️❤️

Burnley1959 profile image
Burnley1959

Fantastic and very well written. Onwards and forwards young lady

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Burnley1959

Thankyou ❤

Katietee profile image
Katietee

Brilliant news and so positive. Congratulations! Enjoy every minute. 💕💐

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Katietee

❤️❤️❤️

Hacey profile image
Hacey

Well done! They are lucky to have you. x

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Hacey

Thankyou ❤

Viv54 profile image
Viv54

Fantastic news ,so happy for you 🌷

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Viv54

❤️❤️❤️

Pixix profile image
Pixix

Great news, very happy for you!! S x

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Pixix

❤️❤️❤️

Croft9232 profile image
Croft9232

Well done you x 🌸Hope you won’t get too busy to post!

Margaret.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Croft9232

Not a chance of that happening...that would be like cutting off my life support system. You all mean too much to me and this is also my 'safe place' to go to when I'm troubled with my PMR.

Camelian profile image
Camelian

Good news kendrew I'm really pleased for you👍

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Camelian

❤️❤️❤️

Elispeth profile image
Elispeth

This is wonderful news to read! Truly inspiring to hear that you are back in the classroom ❤! Long may it continue for you. Stay safe and well x

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Elispeth

Thankyou Elispeth ❤

HappyDiamonds profile image
HappyDiamonds

Kendrew that is lovely news, Im so very pleased for you and I can sense the happiness and joy in your post. Those children are so lucky to have you too.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to HappyDiamonds

Thankyou for your kind words ❤

Broseley profile image
Broseley

Fabulous news! The children will uplift you, energise and inspire you. It's an upward trend in your life from now on.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Broseley

Fingers crossed 🤞

Mimievie profile image
Mimievie

That’s brilliant, well done 👏 xx

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Mimievie

❤️❤️❤️

Evercurious profile image
Evercurious

Congratulations! Being with the kids will fill up your “joy bank” and give you something to draw on when needed. Thanks for giving us hope😊

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Evercurious

It's amazing how just being able to spend a morning in Nursery can make me feel so much better. I think anything that brings a person joy is a tonic and will help with any healing process..... certainly on an emotional and psychological level.

Nightingales profile image
Nightingales

Great uplifting news. Hugs and smiles from the children will be wonderful medicine.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Nightingales

Definitely. Thsnkyou. ❤️

Frewen1 profile image
Frewen1

That’s a wonderful story, so pleased for you. X

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Frewen1

❤️❤️❤️

Hankb profile image
Hankb

Well done and congratulations to you, I hope you go from strength to strength. Best wishes.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Hankb

Thankyou. Little steps bring the best results.

Temoral profile image
Temoral

Great news...to be back in the classroom must be a terrific uplift...and a fabulous achievement, which bring hope to everyone. 🥰

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Temoral

Thankyou.I think everyone should definitely be hopeful.....we're all making progress. Sometimes the steps are quite big ones but sometimes the steps are so small that we don't actually recognise them. Hope is simply being able to see the light when surrounded by darkness.

PMRCanada profile image
PMRCanada

So thrilled for you! Doing the “work” we love definitely enriched our lives. A great example of making the necessary adjustments to ensure success. Hope it continues to be meaningful for you…and a wonderful gift to the children.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to PMRCanada

Thankyou. ❤️❤️❤️

Jigsawlass profile image
Jigsawlass

Hurrah ! What a lovely post to read. So glad you are back doing what you love but in a way you can manage xx

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Jigsawlass

👍👍❤️❤️

Charkha profile image
Charkha

Reading your post has been a lovely encouraging way to start the day! So happy for you and for all the children who must be thrilled to have you with them. It helps us all to remember that there is light at the end of (and during) the “tunnel” of GCA! I have always appreciated your helpful advice in your posts and now can celebrate with you even more!

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Charkha

Thankyou Charkha,

Such a lovely thing to say.

Jacuzzi profile image
Jacuzzi

Congratulations. It must feel so good for you. 🎉🎉🎉

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Jacuzzi

It does. ❤️

Hunter134 profile image
Hunter134

Iam so excited for the news that you are able to add such joy back in your life.This is an inspiration to us all that things can get better!!So happy for you.Enjoy cause you have earned it .

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Hunter134

Thankyou ❤

Carriemetz profile image
Carriemetz

Well done - and long may your joy continue. 🥳

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Carriemetz

👍👍❤️❤️

Meanz profile image
Meanz

Brilliant news well done gives me hope for recovering some day from diagnosis and prednisolone 🥺

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Meanz

I truly believe that although some of us may have to spend quite some time living with this condition, its possible for everyone to achieve some degree of progress. It may be small for some people but it's still a step in the right direction.

Pixieharmer profile image
Pixieharmer

Well done!!! Like you l did work in nursery and reception as ta but found full time too much. After 4 and half years of PMR and still struggling to reduce steroids my work moved me to yr 1 then yr2 and l only work 4 mornings and one full day. This l found so much easier, less bending than with little ones. At least l can continue with the job l love. Hope all continues to work out for you.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Pixieharmer

I'm so pleased you have been able to continue working. Well done.

seamaid profile image
seamaid

fantastic news and gives hope to he rest of us x

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to seamaid

❤️❤️❤️

Chris0808 profile image
Chris0808

You are a great inspiration keep doing what you are doing going forward!!!!!!

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Chris0808

Thankyou. It's people on here though that have inspired me to work towards making all the necessary 'adjustments' that have enabled me to reach this point. I'm so grateful for all the advice and support I've personally received and to have ignored or dismissed any of it would have been both irresponsible and disrespectful to all the people who took the time to respond.

Much can be achieved when you follow good advice.

Joni21 profile image
Joni21

That is awesome! Even though it is volunteer and as you stated no pressure, etc., there is a great feeling being able to get up and go (early hrs) and such a wonderful place to go to where kiddos are present! I volunteered as a librarian years ago when my oldest was a teacher at a Montessori here in US. I loved it and the hugs aka present moment memories from those kiddos meant the world! Since diag. May ‘20 whenever I challenge or push myself I do so with others afflicted with PMR on my mind knowing this is debilitating/struggle is real and so many cannot get out of bed, been there done that! It may not be a good day but there is something good in everyday! 🙏🏼

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Joni21

That's a lovely attitude and one that'll help you get through those more challenging days.

Skysey profile image
Skysey

This is such wonderful news. I am sure the children are gaining as much from you as you are from being back with them. Very best wishes for continued improvement in your health.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Skysey

Thankyou ❤

Janetknit profile image
Janetknit

Oh congratulations Kendrew! What a joyous moment for you! I worked in preschool development for 25 years and the children , some of them already out of college , have continued to check in with me and share their careers with me. The impact you gave in their lives is tremendous. Kudos to you for returning to share your wealth in a new fashion! It can be done sensibly 😃

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Janetknit

❤️❤️❤️

Nextoneplease profile image
Nextoneplease

Fantastic news Kendrew 😊

I am so pleased for you and for the children. Hats off to you, you stuck it out, adapted and you got there 👍 Long May it continue (but don’t overdo it).

So, so pleased for you xx

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Nextoneplease

Thankyou. I'm definitely going to manage this at my pace and will do my best not to jeopardise the progress I've made health wise. This can be an unpredictable condition though so I know I have to go slow and steady.

agingfeminist profile image
agingfeminist

Just a quick hello..to say BRAVO! It takes strength and courage to return to work. You are clearly amazingly resilient. Your words will give hope to many.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to agingfeminist

HELLO back, and thankyou. I haven't always felt resilient though... definitely not in the early days of PMR, and it's taken 3yrs to reach this point. In some respects there's a world of difference between going in as a paid member of staff and going in as a volunteer helper but the important bit that remains the same, is the opportunity to spend time helping, educating & enjoying being in an environment I love with the children that I also love. ❤

Hildalew profile image
Hildalew

Congratulations.

Tiggy70 profile image
Tiggy70

That’s great news Kendrew. It must be wonderful to be back with the children. You are an inspiration to us all and you certainly give me hope for the future.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Tiggy70

Thankyou for your kind words..I think once you set yourself realistic expectations and accept your limitations, so many 'opportunities' begin to emerge.

My particular PMR health concerns meant that realistically I was never going to be able to return to the classroom as a teacher, but as a volunteer helper, this is now possible. Its different, but equally rewarding and fulfilling.

Hopingsail profile image
Hopingsail

Just catching up after a lovely few days in France - and so pleased to read this news and all the super comments! It’s all too easy to get dragged down by health problems (and all the endless meds!), but to pick up an activity as you have done gives glimpse that life might be worth living after all! Bless you!

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Hopingsail

❤️❤️❤️

Liby57 profile image
Liby57

Brilliant news, we’ll done! 😊

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Liby57

❤️❤️❤️

herdysheep profile image
herdysheep

I am late seeing this post but didn't want to miss saying, how wonderful and hope you can keep going!

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to herdysheep

Oh thankyou so much. So far so good. I was in last Thu morning (4th week) and just had such a lovely time. So kind of you to respond.

herdysheep profile image
herdysheep in reply to Kendrew

Couldn't ignore it. Remember how much it meant to you and how difficult the decision to retire, was. Got a lot of forum catching up to do!

maxistar profile image
maxistar

Fabulous news , it’s wonderful that you are able to be part of it all xx

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew

Thankyou. 😀

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80

Kendrew, I just saw this and had to add my thoughts of happiness for you. It is amazing how much adrenaline we get from doing what we love. I can only imagine the joy you get from interacting with the children.xo Good for you! and lucky children. 💕💕xo

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Grammy80

Thankyou Grammy,

It's been such a joy to spend time with the children again. I'm loving it.

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