A quick question

killerpeaty

Hi there, I've been lurking here for a while but I'd like to ask a question of anyone who has any experience in this.
I'm 21 and have recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, though I've had it from 17. I've really struggled, I find it hard to concentrate, walk, write and cook, I'm going for an independent assessment in less than a week (yikes!) and my uni has been superb, genuinely, since my diagnosis they've been with me every step of the way.

But my question is this; what happens after uni? I can't imagine there's the same type of support network, I can't imagine the condition is attractive to employers.

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies, I probably won't be back on tonight, I have an exam tomorrow. Been working towards it for the best part of two months! Wish me luck!

MrsManda

Good luck with your exams

In terms of continued support, it is worth seeing if there's a fibro support group in your area so that you get some local support. If your independent assessment is for social care you'll find out what help is available to you from that perspective once you've got the results.
If you have care/mobility needs you may be able to claim DLA.

As you're studying for a degree you have shown you are capable of working hard, complete tasks and organise your workload. There's no reason why all employers are going to dismiss you providing you focus on what you can do rather than what you cannot do.
Have you done any work experience/have any idea what you want to do after you've finished your studies? Your university student support services and careers service will be able to help guide you if you need it.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Fibromyalgia/Pages/Introduction.aspx - lists some support groups and information

kurgon

You will need to contact access to work if you want support with the job market. They do provide some support although have recently withdrawn funding for ergonomic chairs and voice activated software. It is most important to do this as soon as you have received a job offer. I agree that it may put some employers off, but if they are not prepared to invest in you, then they may have not been a great employer to start off with. Also look at local support groups and try top get yourself into a routine that yyou can manage for day to day living.

Good luck with it all.

MoneySaverForever

I just wanted to tell you that I think you're really brave! I wish you lots of luck and hope everything works out for you. There is a Jobcentre programme for people with disabilities and one of my friends who's an advisor there said it's really good because it gives people who might not otherwise find work more of a fighting chance. Take care xxx

Mupette

been there with the fibro, and access for work can be a bit hit or miss, but i think this was also due to lack of awareness with my work colleagues, although i gave my manager as much literature the hospital could throw at me, she just wasn't trained on how to deal with disabled staff and made my life hell.

Trialia

Most of what I'd say has been covered. As someone diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 19 - good luck to you! My health has deteriorated because of the underlying condition, but yours doesn't have to. Don't be too hard on yourself, but don't give up. Just remember that pacing, with this illness, is more important than anything.

killerpeaty

Thank you to everyone who have replied, I've JUST finished my exams (yesterday! and it went really well) so I'm sorry for not replying sooner. I had my assessment today and I'm getting some speech to writing and writing to speech software (possibly and I had no idea this stuff was in existance!) and then the fancy chair (possibly). I was wondering, were I to buy one of the fancy chairs for the workplace, would I be allowed it? With access to work it would be benefitical I think.

Also do I need to warn employers in advance? I did it with a tutoring job and suddenly the position wasn't available.

Just wanted to share, the other day I had such a good pain day! I didn't need a knee brace and I didn't limp. I wore a skirt to celebrate. :money:

clemmatis

Glad they went well, killerpeaty.

Speech software is a godsend, I could not have coped without it. But it can be tricky at first and you need the right hardware to go with it. Luckily there's a good independent forum, https://www.speechcomputing.com

I don't know the exact rules on telling employers, sorry.