I would like to know if anybody has undertaken an ntensive course of study after having been diagnosed with polymyalgia and whether this has had a negative impact on their studying. This might seem a silly question, but maybe not. I'm on 7mg of prednisolone and do suffer from tiredness. I would like to study again,but this might be a bad idea. I'm not young.
Studying: I would like to know if anybody has... - PMRGCAuk
Studying
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50 Replies
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PMRproAmbassador
Depends what and how I suspect. I wouldn't like to have to attend 9am lectures or practical classes for example but distance learning can't be much different from those of us who continued doing desk jobs like translation or the like.
in reply to PMRpro
This is helpful. Thank you.
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer
Not a silly question.
Probably depends on how your brain fog is, how fatigued you get, are you going to be studying at home or away…..and the subject matter…
When l’m having a ‘Good Day’ l feel l’m invincible but when the ‘Bad Days’ hit - it isn’t so good!
Take a ‘Snapshot’ of a typical week & make diary notes to see how you feel on a day to day basis.
I saw a Voluntary Post last Friday which was ‘made for me’ but by Monday l realised l couldn’t manage it…..
For now it’s about Me, My Darling Husband, my Grandchildren, my Sons & their wives. Funny how your priorities change…….
I can relate to what you say. I need a nap most afternoons! My head teacher d-i-l is running a 'holiday club' at her school for the first two weeks of the summer break and the other day we were discussing activities. I had this urge to offer my help as once a teacher, always a teacher 🙄and ideas were flooding through my mind. Then I had a mental picture of me laid out on the school field....😮.
That sounds so familiar it could be me! 🤣
in reply to MrsNails
Umm, I can understand this, one has to examine one's priorities. Thank you.
I too peruse the local job listings searching for part-time opportunities to earn a few extra dollars as I feel I still have so much to contribute. I think this is due in part to having to give up my meaningful, rewarding career early at age 55. I get so much satisfaction working in a helping profession, but then a bad day emerges and I can’t fathom such a commitment.
Like you Mrs. Nails, I’m saving my energy to help out my adult children and grandchildren….a much more important pursuit!
As the others have said, a lot would depend on the level of commitment needed. I signed up for a couple of free courses at the beginning of the pandemic on British social history but those were for interest only and required only several hours input a week which suited me. Personally, I couldn't see myself doing anything intensive with strict deadlines for assignments for example. It's your decision, of course, but how about attempting something that's not too demanding to start with and ease yourself in gently?
in reply to 123-go
This seems to be good advice. My subject is History of Art, a long thesis would be involved, so maybe not so good with PLM. Thank you.
123-go in reply to
You will know when you are ready to undertake in-depth learning, bluepuddy, and hopefully that won't be too far into the future.
in reply to 123-go
Thanks 123-go. 😀
Knit11 in reply to
While taking classes leisurely, you may also start thinking about a thesis subject for the future and research the appropriate sources ahead of time. It will be useful and save you time when you pursue your degree.
Go for it! I am never without a book, some quite challenging. A good way to keep your brain trained. Potential stress and Pred head would be a consideration, choose wisely. Maybe not Astro Physics when you are an arts graduate. Set yourself up for success. An excellent use of time - escape with your mind. Assignments do become a bit of a bind in my experience though.
in reply to SheffieldJane
Umm. I certainly fancy exercising my mind a bit after a rather stagnant period of covid. I read non stop, nice to hear from another reader.
I think that the only way you will find out is to decide what you to study and then try it. If you can pick an area or piece of the work that isn't going to cost an arm and a leg and its something you really want to do then give it a go. Worst case scenario is you decide that, at this time, you are not quite ready and will have another go later.
in reply to Bcol
Trouble is if I continue studying it will cost an arm and a couple of legs. A bit of a gamble with PLM.
Having PMR for coming up 4 years I have learnt to go with the flow and not push too hard. Having said that I am also not giving up. I am in 8mg at the moment and 20 of methotrexate (also have GCA) and I work full time as a teacher (A levels). I also get brain fog and tire by the end of the day. If I pace myself I am okay. Just do what you can, when you can
in reply to Susan1705
Thanks Susan. This sounds like common sense, bravo for doing the strenuous job of teaching as well.
Don’t worry -we just assume it’s prescriptive text! We know what you mean.
in reply to DorsetLady
You're lovely, that made me giggle 😀
in reply to Susan1705
Oh goodness me, I think I've been using the wrong initials for polymyalgia, what a goosegog I am. Not a good advertisement for intensive study plans !!Anyway, thank you very much for your advice.
There are a huge number of free courses (online) with Future Learn. The subjects are over a huge range. You can work on them when you feel like it and can be a good test of how much fog you have! Once I realise I have stopped concentrating/thinking, I leave it for another time.
Future Learn is great! I recommend it.
in reply to herdysheep
Good idea. Thank you.
Great to hear from another (well prospective anyhow!) student.
I recently signed up to do a BA (archaeology and ancient history) via online learning (going back to uni after 50 years, eek!), despite having had PMR for nearly 2 years. I thought I was managing that reasonably well (had got down to 7mg pred) but would start the course gently by doing it part-time and with just one unit for the first trimester to test the waters. I've deliberately mapped out a course plan that will mean I don't need to do high pressure, time-critical things such as supervised online exams or intensive schools. I've also been doing an online, self-paced course (not at uni, but will do units in the BA), learning Japanese language for the past 12 months and managing that OK.
The university unit isn't due to start until October, which is just as well as I was diagnosed with GCA at the end of May this year. That sure threw a spanner in the works! GCA and high doses of pred SERIOUSLY mess with cognitive function for sure. This has severely dented my confidence and also reminded me that mental effort requires energy and focus just like physical activity and also uses up some of the 'fuel in the tank' available on any given day.
But in answer to your question, yes, I definitely think PMR/GCA needs to be taken into account when studying, but I think like most things to do with our illnesses study is still do-able, albeit in perhaps a modified manner. The main thing for me has been going back to the tried and tested guidelines often mentioned in this forum: patience, pacing, rest, rest, rest and be prepared for whatever each day might bring.
I have days now when I can't even remember what day comes after Monday, let alone what a coordinating conjunction is, but other days when I'm 'sharp-ish' at least some of the time (I'm still not back to regular cognitive functioning as I'm currently on 30mg pred, so that might have something to do with it!). No rhyme or reason why the difference between days though.
But for me, study is all about the glee and joy involved in learning new things and my goal of exploring subjects I've never done before (previously a science and graphic design background) and that helps keep me going on the not so good days when my confidence in my (previously) innate ability to learn is sorely tried. The good days are of course easier!
So I definitely wish you all the very best if you want to go back to study. Only you can work out whether you can do it and if your daily life will allow enough flexibility to allow for times when you can't perhaps do quite so much. I hope your study goals and the satisfaction in achieving them are more than worth the effort it will require though. Good luck!
in reply to ubaoz
Thank you Ubaoz. I have read your message a few times as it is so informative. I tend to be a perennial student and the urge to carry on with my studies is always there. I have to, however, realise what is really physically and mentally possible now. I have time before new courses start, so will not rush into anything. Thank you again and with your tenacity I am sure you will get your degree.
I have always studied and did an OU degree in my sixties and loved every minute of it. I'd find it tricky now, as being 80 and on Pred , brain fog gets in the way and I'd find it difficult to meet deadlines. This is why I now find shorter online courses ideal, as I can take my time and pace myself. There is a terrific variety of on-line courses and these have been so enjoyable and beneficial. As long as you are prepared for good days and bad days, it is fine and psychologically gives you a great 'lift'. It has helped me tremendously. I wish you luck and success.
in reply to Francesbarbara
Thank you.
Yes me. I’ve been studying a Masters Degree and have had to take 2 interrupted studies breaks because of fatigue and brain fog making it impossible to read, process and write analysis for my assignments. The uni system I am at thinks that giving a weeks extension is enough but it’s not. I have applied for funding for support because even focusing on the smallest things can be difficult. I’m determined to finish it though. Make sure you have an understanding faculty.
I started and completed a Master’s degree in business leadership whilst in the throes of PMR. It was an on-line course and took 4 years. I was also working full time. The flexibility of on-line and a very supportive family was what made it feasible, though stressful. Still not certain how I managed to succeed, but am also very proud of the accomplishment. Can’t know til you try!
in reply to PMR2011
Bravo PMR2011. Unluckily high university fees are giving me good for thought.
Hi, I have just completed an 18 months Qigong Teacher Training course which involved travelling to Bristol one weekend every month, two zoom sessions a month plus home study. I found there was a lot of work but manageable.
in reply to Mistydawn
Thank you Misty Dawn.
I wanted to share with you how I went ahead with studying for my Ph.D even though I was in my forties and had MS. Before starting, I asked my husband “Do you think I can do it?” His reply has guided me ever since. he said “you can try it and if it doesn’t work out, you can always quit.” That was a revelation to me. I never thought you could quit without being an abject failure in your life! It was an incredibly freeing thought for me. So I went ahead and did it! Often I was very tired and had some “brain fog” but I really wanted to do it and it was worth it! Now I have GCA to contend with and this question comes up quite often in different ways. So I remember my husband’s advice once more. So, go for it! It is something you really want to do and “if it doesn’t work out “ you can quit, knowing that you have tried it, Best of luck!
in reply to Kt1943
I'm afraid that painting is on the agenda now, as university fees are astronomical.
Hi. I am turning 70 next birthday and started a masters while on Pred with GCA and PMR. Still on 6 now and only move down half a mg when feeling fine. Glad I did start study to keep the brain fog under control. Just using the brain helps. When on holidays it goes more fuzzy again. Two things to watch
Manage stress
Keep moving. Don’t lose fitness and use a timer to get up and move every 45-60 mins or whatever suits you.
Oh and keep eating healthy
Good luck
in reply to CathyMeg
Dear CathyMeg,
Will take into consideration all you have said, but astronomical fees at university now have deterred me. I will be taking up painting again and going to painting classes. I think I can use some of your advice for this as well, as painting can be quite tiring.
Good on you for painting and classes too. Sure it will do just as well for the brain and spirit too. All good wishes.
in reply to CathyMeg
Thanks CathyMeg that's very kind. All the best to you.
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