I dont suppose there is anyone else trying to study with M.E is there?...

[meandthomas]

Hi, I've had M.E for the last 8 years and have good bits and bad bits with it.
I am resitting a module that I didn't manage to complete last year due to ill health and I'm nearly through it this year but my symptoms have kicked off again.

My ds is 4 and a gem.

i just wondered if there was anyone in a similar position..

Sam

It sounds tough. Joe's got a chesty cough aswell. I had to keep him off school for a day last week, the has asthma and if he gets a cold he's up all night coughing and wheezing. I hope you are having a better day. Which Uni are you at?

I'm at Middlesex.
Poor Joe Thomas seems to always get some bug when his cousin comes to stay.
How did Joe get on at uni?
Hope you're having a nice time together

I had 2 meetings with tutors yesterday and as I suspected I have to prove myself at a review on Thursday. Other people on my course have done less than me though so I'm feeling a bit brighter about it.

My friend sent me to the pub last night- My other friend was down from Middlesborough with work. It was nice to feel slightly normal for a few hours.

Good morning - Enjoy the sunshine.

Hi, he got on very well. The other students have asked me to take him back as he was answering all the questions for them. He said it was amusing. He had the class in stitches. We've been watching the fire brigade set fire to chip pans in the city centre today. Very interesting. I'm glad I don't have a chip pan though. Then we went to the museum. We were on the way out when he spotted someone from BBC radio derby, Joe answered sone questions and is goint to be on the radio, the man took our phone number and is going to see if Joe can be a young reporter.

You shouldn't have to prove yourself, your condition should be covered under the disability discrimination act. Can we get benefits for it?
I'm pleased that you went out last night, a bit of normality can do wonders. Did you try the chocolate?

Lol Sounds like a great week.

My brother is going to take Thomas overnight for me tomorrow so they can do guy stuff apparently.

The chocolate was fine actually Thank you for the recomendation.
I have no idea about benefits for it.. My mum was saying about disability discrimanation act, but I have no idea where to research it.

I've had a nap this evening and desperatley trying to fool my body that it can get some work done for tomorrow. Fingers crossed eh.
Hope you have another great day tomorrow

Disability is classed as a condition that you have lasting over 6 months that prevents you from living a normal life. I used to have a housemate that had ME, she used to get disability money, she even got a car. I don't think she was that bad though, she used to go out most nights and never needed to sleep during the day. She used to get up really early. It's worth investigating. Benefits agency may help.

I really hope you are feeling better soon. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I hope it goes well tomorrow.

Wow! That seems absurd. I cant imagine having that kind of lifestyle...

Thank you for your support. I'd kind of got to the point where I'd just get on with it because it had become normal for me. It really helps to have someone who questions it, yknow. It's making me think twice which is definitely a good thing.

You are welcome. I take no crap. When I'm awake that is . I have no plans whatsoever to spend the rest of my life like this. Bollocks to that! I control my life, not chronic fatigue. I shall just eat alot of chocolate. What are you going to tell your lecturers tomorrow?

lol.
Chocolate is the way forward
I'm going to present my work as usual ( to the whole group- then get feedback) sitting down ( which they will not like) and see what happens. I dont think I'm behind on my project but aside from the ME I'd push myself further than I have been, so I find it hard to judge.
My brother is going to drive me there and back which'll be cool.

I can relax once that's over, ds will be going away overnight so I can switch off for a while. One step at a time...
What are you up to tomorrow?

I'm not sure yet. I've got a lecture tomorrow. I did mention to the lecturer a few weeks ago that it was half term this week but she didn't say anything so I don't know if I'm allowed to take him to her lecture. He did answer alot of questions when I took him on tuesday but the lecturer was more easy going (I think, I'll find out how pissed off she was when I get the grades for my work). It's reading week next week though and I don't want to miss another lecture. Hmmm.

It was in the newspaper a couple of months ago that some scientists have done a study on the effects of chocolate on ME, it was found to ease symptoms. It was in the independent/times so I think it was quite credible. I think it's because of the chemicals in the cocao plant.

How'd it go today?
My review was appalling! I'm not sure what to do next. They were in a bad mood and refused to look at everything I'd done and listen to me. They were like it with others too but they told me my work wasnt up to scratch and blamed it on my ME. They want a doctors note saying I have it, not a problem but considering they hadnt even looked at all my work I was not happy.

I'm seriously looking at finishing my degree at a different uni because they are so appalling!

much better now I've got that out of my system
Happy Valentines Day!

I'm sorry. It really does sound like they are unsympathetic. Don't take it personally, they just don't understand how hard it is. Come to Derby. The doctors are rubbish but the Uni's great . Where would you go though?

I didn't go in today. The lecturers really quiet and nervous so I don't think she'd have managed well having Joe in her lecture. I had a nap and we've done some cleaning.

Did the postman make it to your house Ok? Or was he too bogged down with all of your cards and put his back out?

It's not your fault. I dont take it personally I'm just not prepared to stay there unless I have to. The uni local to me runs the same course, but the one I'm at is better ( though there are too particular tutors that make your life hell- they dont tell you that on the open day!)
We should work out how to merge the two.. Goood docs and good uni

Lol, I got 1 card from my friend and Thomas made me one today. How about you?

Thomas scooter arrived this morning- he's been saving up his pocket money for weeks. He was over the moon I ignored everything I should be doing today and enjoyed watching him.
Back to earth with a bump tomorrow - I got served 8 weeks notice on my flat! The landlady is selling it because she cant afford to do the work needed.

Talk about buses atm. none for ages and then they all come at once!

Oh. no. It's just a test of your stregnth. Do your Uni have an accomodations office? They may be able to help you find somewhere. It's naff when this happens but something will turn up.

Postman got lost on his way to my house. Joe found a red ribbon in the bathroom and stuck some letters on it (I love u mum). he stuck some of his love heart sweets inside. It was quite sweet really, I feel bad though because he must have made it when he was cleaning his room last week. He was cleaning i as a punishment for being rude. Scooter sounds cool. Joe's got one but he's a law suit waiting to happen. My GP's surgery has loads of doctors in it so I am going to see another one when I get time next week. Don't worry about the tutors, they probably didn't get any cards yesterday. I've decided to set up a company making cool bird boxes, camper vans, taxis, what do you think? I havn't been creative for ages.

I dont want to live near my uni! it's in london and the area I live now is great and Thomas has a good school place for september.
Bet the postcode was wrong!
It's nice that even when you were telling him off he still cared enough to do that

The scooter has been a lot of saving and a bit of help from my friend. His birthday is so close to Christmas ( 17 nov) and I cant afford to buy him things just because like his dad does. He was desperate for a scooter so he gets some loose change every week to save up for something he wants. He's got his sights set on glo-sticks next!lol

I wouldn't be concerned but they are always like this! It's not my fault that they cant handle what I have to deal with though

That sounds cool
Creativity is good! - I miss being able to be creative because its fun. (My course is Applied art- workshop based design. )They take themselves too seriously.

What are you up to at the weekend?

Hi. How are you today? Joe's just gone to the cinema with his dad, he's going out tomorrow aswell so I'm going to do some work. The scooter sounds great. I think kids are more respectful towards the things they have if they have had to save for a long time to get something they want, it makes them appreciate that money does not grow on trees. I've been looking at schools for him in London. He's really bright and there isn't enough for him to do in Derby. It's really hard because there's so many. Is Thomas excited to be starting school?

I'm thinking recycled bird houses. There's a place on the part that makes funiture. I'm going to ask them if I can have any left over bits of wood. Joe's got a woodwork kit so I can use this. Space rocket, wheelie bin, taxi, campervan bird boxes. God I must be bored.

I'm not feeling too bad today. Thomas is with his dad until tomorrow. I've done nothing all day!
Thomas respects that I cant buy him things just because he wants them ( it took a while- his dad has been known to take him to toys r us and tell him to go and choose!)

Where abouts in London are you looking at?
Thomas is looking forward to starting school

Lol, bored. Nah, you just need something fun to think about. I've taken on my friends bachelor pad as a challenge. There is so much that needs doing and he cant be arsed. His new kitchen has been sitting in his living room for years apparently. I intend to do a bit at a time and see if he notices Thats boredom! His flat is huge and has so much potential though.

There is an open day at the other university at the beginning of march which looks useful.
I should work out what to do for my tutors on monday, but I cant be bothered atm. Whatever I do it wont be enough anyway < shrug>

Hi. I'm looking at either Westminster under school or Kings college school in Wimbledon. He's hard to place as he's really bright but a bit of a square peg, very lively and enthusiastic but most schools don't like that. The ones in Derby and Nottingham all seem to want zombie kids with no life in them, just do as they are told. I like London, there should be alot for him to do, lots of clubs and activities. There's not alot for him in Derby.

Your friends batchelor pad sounds like a challenge. See if you can get away with painting his bedroom pink and see what he does. The open day sounds good. I hope they are nicer then the lecturers at your Uni. Have you had a nic weekend? Joe's dad took him to alton towers, he got back at six, it turns out that he's only had 2 and a half small doughnuts to eat since he had breakfast so he was starving. I don't think it's unreasonable that the poor child is given some food.

Thomas can be a bit like that. He's enjoying nursery though and the schools near me are almost all really great. I'm hoping I dont have to move away.
My friend is trying to find loop holes which mean I can stay here for longer.
Lol, I laughed out loud when I read the bit about painting his room pink It could be good for a giggle. I'll let him help me first though ;)

My weekend was nice actually. Thomas was with his dad until Sunday lunchtime and I did nothing all day Saturday except go to my friends for dinner and a movie.
Today I took Thomas to feed the ducks with his scooter. We bumped into his nursery teacher!
That is unbelievable! Men can be so useless like that. Thomas stays at his grandparents, between 4 adults they manage, I dont trust his dad. He's come home having fallen asleep in the trolley in tesco in the afternoon, slept most of the afternoon ( unrousable) and then has really clingy.

I cant decide what to do tomorrow. It's evil tutor day and I havent worked out what to say. They told me to go to the doctors to get a letter anyway...

How was your weekend?

My weekend was ok. Joe's a bit worried, he's not done his homework. He was putting it off last week and planned to do it at the weekend. Then his dad showed up. He wanted to stay up late and finish it but I wouldn't let him. I'd take your tutor some chocolate and sweet talk her a bit. I'm sure she has a human side (somewhere), you just have to find it. Does she have children? The phrase "I don't know how you manage having children and being a lecturer. You must be wonderwoman" always helps. I've got £40 extra in my bank account from somewhere, I must have miscalculated. I asked them for a charge refund last week and they told me to get lost so I don't think it's because of that. I can go to the supermarket tomorrow and we don't have to live off stuff from the freezer.

I hate looking for schools. They all look so good and say that they want bright children but it's different when I go and see them. I dont want to put him in the wrong place.

Your landlady might be able to get a grant to do the repair work. I know that councils offer grants for loft insulation and things like this. It must be really stressful for you.

Julie

Aww, poor Joe.
She doesn't do chocolate or coffee! ( I've tried) I really dont think she gives a damn. Atm I'm really not good anyway. I'm having problems standing :-s
That's a result

Is it hard looking for schools from Derby?
Thomas didnt get into any of his 3 choices for schools but the one they put him in looks fab. I went for a visit. It'll get there The bit I find hard is finding the energy to sort everything I need to, how about you?

The flat was converted badly and is completely illegal! All 3 of the flats have serious problems. I'm not sure a grant would cover it tbh.
I need to go to the letting agents tomorrow and see if they can find me somewhere.

Maybe you havn't found her sensitive side yet. That can be your task for the week What do all of the other lecturers think about her?

There's loads of schools in Derby but the kid can do a GCSE maths, english and science paper and is a complete square peg. i've never met an 8 year old like him before. How many 8 year olds want to learn philosophy and atomic theory do you think?

Are there no housing assocaitions that can help? I checked the bank, I think I've miscalculated, which is nice.

I've had her for 2 years! The students that were in the year above me were reduced to tears on a regular basis, and so were my peers last year. This year I only need to do this one module and haven't had much contact with this year group.
They come in pairs. 2 nice ones which we dont have direct contact with and these 2 which are most definiteley a close knit pair.
They definitely have favourites and I'm not it! Lol.

Wow, Joe does sound amazing

I'm going to look into it tomorrow. A roof over Thomas head is more important than this module.
Thats a relief.

My mum's back from Marrakech... she has no idea what I've got on my plate and I'm not sure how to break it to her after her amazing holiday

Hi Coro, how are you and the house hunting?

I've done some work . Don't worry, you've only got a short while to go and then you are free!

I may have found a school for Joe, I phoned on Monday asking if they had some enthusiastic boys there, they have asked for copies of his last 2 reports, she's going to talk to the headteacher as to whether he can start this september. She'll send the tests up here for him to do. No house and No job! Asked me if I wanted financial help aswell, I told her I didn't know, depends whether I am able to find a job down there. She didn't say anything, I don't know if this is good or not.

I've found a house! They accepted me too. I get the keys march 3rd. All been a bit of a saga but I managed to borrow the money to get it moving swiftly.

Lol, I know a couple of weeks. I havent made it in this week. Been trying to sort out housing first and working from home in between. It's bad timing again..
Ive got an appointment with disability support next week. I'm hoping it'll help.
I've got to face them tomorrow, theyr not going to believe what I'm trying to deal with alongside uni! ( they should try living it heh)

Yay thats great news. Assume it's positive where is the school? What sort of work are you looking for?
Remember baby steps and it will all get there! Lol

That's fantastic news, I'm really happy for you. It's a nice feeling when everythings up in the air. You should find out if you can get some disability benefits, I think you should. I might try and work for the Met police so I don't want to go down this road. The schools in Croydon, if I get a job with the met it should cover the fees and rent(?). They pay 28k to train, then it goes up, alot. School fees are 12k max, depending on what I'm earning. I don't mind paying as long as I am able. His current schools a killer though because I'm not bringing in enough money. Career development loan is despirately needed! I'm not fussy what sort of job I do (legal though), law, police, government. Uni should give you some money from their access to learning fund for the move.
I've just had to grovell to a lecturer. I should have handed his work in before christmas, I didn't do any work though, had an infection in my jaw and had alot of medication. I'm only just starting to wake up so I'm so behind. I've lost his assignment details. oops! I have tried to bribe him with some scotch. Do you think it will work?