Son off school long time - today got to me

[OhBeAFineGuyKissMe]

My son has been off school due to ill health since March. Not fully diagnosed but post-viral - similar to glandular fever. Main symptoms are fatigue and headaches.

Numerous tests all fine (waiting for MRI results). Managed to keep upbeat but today has gotten to me. It has just been the end of term celebrations and it really reminded me of everything he missed / is missing. He should be going on his gold DfE tomorrow.

I know health is more important, and in the grand scheme of things he is not seriously ill and there will be more opportunities but as I said today I felt it.

I can’t talk about it to anyone really irl, my mum seriously over reacts to anything health related and makes everything 100x more stressful and to everyone else I keep up the happy mask. So I thought I would have a moan here that it is a bit shit (though being aware others have it a lot more shit).

it's rubbish isn't it? My DD missed all y11, and has just done 2 years at college on a Level 1 course, and even that she struggled to attend all of. I try to be optimistic but some days it just gets to you.

If he is doing Gold does that mean he is y13? Has he been in education just not in school, or entirely out?

Maybe tomorrow will be a better day for you.

He is in year 12 but they do the expedition now and then finish off the other bits. He hasn’t really done any work, the headaches are making it very difficult. Don’t know yet if he will be able to catch up and go on into year 13 or will need to repeat.

And thank you, I hope your daughter is feeling better and improving.

I'd go for repeating. That gives much more chance as he could stay off until December and still not have 'missed' anything, and/or allows for a flexible return when ready rather than full time.

I want to but he is really, really against the idea!

Long term exhaustion is so unfair. Especially for a child.

Acupuncture could be something worth trying. It changed my life and improved my health a lot for about £55 a session.

Hi my son has been off with very similar symptoms since March 22. It is a bit shit, you’re right. We have a had a couple of positives last few weeks and feels there may be light at the end of the tunnel today. Solidarity with you! Xx

Really sorry to hear about your son. Just wanted to agree / expand with pp about looking at complementary medicine.

I've suffered with severe fatigue from long covid for three years and acupuncture and oxygen therapy (sourced and funded by myself) have been the only things that have made a significant impact and allowed me to have something close to my pre-covid life.

My DD missed around 4 years of school from age 14 to 18, due to ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. At the time, I thought she would never lead a normal life, it was such a worrying time, but in spite of leaving school with no qualifications, she is now working full time, has two children and is doing an open university degree.

Hugs to you whilst you are going through this tough time.

Yep when your child can't do the simply thing of going to school it's heart breaking. Had both mine at home for extended periods one physical illness the other a burnout. If I was out at around three and saw other children coming home from school it would make me Insanly jealous and often cry. Hugs and solitude

Thanks. It is still ongoing. I hope it will be over soon but it will take as long as it takes.

Another one recommending acupuncture. Look for a well qualified person. They will spend a long time asking about symptoms and feeling pulses, examining the tongue, before the needles go in.
Be assured, it really doesn't hurt.

My DS15 fell ill over the school holidays. He went from running the 800m sports day/hanging out with mates most weekends to wheelchair/bedbound. Brain disorder. He was perfetly 'normal' a couple months ago. Not even an allergy!
We live right near the school & I cry everyday seeing his peers walking to school 😭