Teaching with Fibromyalgia
Like a lot of you, I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. Since I picked my GCSEs nearly 15 years ago, having my own classroom has been my goal. About 5/6 years ago I was diagnosed with FND and Fibromyalgia. It takes a lot of managing and at the time my neurologist told me I wouldn’t be able to be a teacher. Since then I’ve completed my BA in education and my PGCE. I got my QTS a year ago but haven’t managed to find a job. I worked as a cover supervisor for a few months but didn’t last long before I burnt out. I felt frustrated because if I could manage a PGCE why couldn’t I manage a cover supervisor role?
Is there any teachers here who has fibromyalgia/FND/ME and still manages? What is your experience teaching with a chronic illness?
I’m not ready to give up on my dream before it has even begun but I am scared my disability will continue to wreck things for me. Sometimes I feel so stubborn and motivated but other days I feel so hopeless. Sitting at home all day when I used to be so physically and mentally active is making me feel insane.