I’m anticipating the challenges when I return to school routines
My EDS isn't all that adjusts when I'm getting back to the academic year
After more than 10 years of working in schools, I should be better about managing my Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) through the transition from time off in the summer to the academic year in fall. But every year it seems to take me by surprise.
Since I love my job, that’s not what’s difficult; it’s the changes to my entire routine, which affect me physically. After school starts, I always need a few weeks to settle into that schedule and feel a little less exhausted.
I live on a small farm, where animals have to be cared for, fields have to be mowed, and my horse Cherry needs to be exercised. In summer, I can spread those tasks throughout the day and take a break between them if necessary.
But when school’s in session, that’s not an option. I still have to do all my farm tasks, but they have to be crammed in before and after my job, condensing my periods of exercise. Rather than being relatively active most of the day in summer, I’m doing most of my heavy activity, like riding Cherry and caring for the animals, in the few hours after school. I do light chores in the morning. In between, when I’m in school, I alternate between sitting at my desk as a counselor and being up and about while teaching.
The effect on my EDS
Beyond my fatigue, this shift upsets my gastrointestinal system. Even though my diet doesn’t change for the school year, my body needs a few weeks to get used to the new timing of my days. In those weeks, I can definitely feel how sensitive my EDS makes my GI system. It’s frustrating, but there’s not much I can do but wait it out. It always gets better, but it can be uncomfortable in the interim.
More than my activities, it’s the change in my routine that makes me sore, I believe. I get stiff at school from sitting at my desk, and then, after trying to do so much in less time, I get extra tired. And since I have less time at home during the school year, I also want to sit down for a few minutes to relax while there. And of course, my dogs need plenty of attention.
But that means I get to bed later, which makes me more tired the next day. And so it goes round and round.
After the first month or so of school, though, things even out. My body gets used to my new chore routine. My GI system calms back down. At school, I remember to get up and move around regularly, not just when I’m teaching, so I don’t get too stiff.
Still, I’ve learned over the years that there’s only so much I can do to prepare for this transition. More than anything, I just have to keep pushing through, and after a few weeks everything will be fine again.
Note: Ehlers-Danlos News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Ehlers-Danlos News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Ehlers-Danlos.
About the Author
Keisha
I get this on all levels. I too teach but do so now as a drop in teacher for dance. I have not figured out my limits yet so I tend to tear a muscle or throw something in my body out of whack. I don't ever level out or find my groove. As a drop in, my schedule changes often. Thank you for your posts. They help a great deal.
Pamela Harris Huff
Karen, I could feel your pain and remember those same days for myself. I am retired now but was a Reading Teacher/Literacy Coach. I, too, searched for years for answers to what is wrong with me. I was finally diagnosed in 2020 mainly because of my searching for a lymphedema doctor. I found Dr Dean in Columbus at Ohio State Univ. and right away, he knew what was wrong. It was a relief to finally hear someone say, I know what’s wrong with you. The bad part is he also diagnosed lipedema and lymphedema along with EDS. I’m constantly battling pain and I stayed exhausted but I rarely sleep. When I do sleep, 4 hours is a great night for me. I feel my body wearing out day by day and I spend most of my time, trying to manage swelling. I continuously have some gadget or garment added to my routine and/or wardrobe. But nothing takes it away. I’m now searching for help with the huge amounts of fluid in my legs ankles and feet. Hoping and praying Dr Calero in Tampa can help me. She is very knowledgeable and so caring. I’m trying to trust that someone actually cares and wants to help. But anyway, good luck to you. 🙏