Recently diagnosed MS - HoD /Career

[Apricot101]

Hi,
Could I ask if anyone has experience of teaching with MS?
Also, particularly in leadership roles... I'm head of department at the moment but am keen to move up the ladder; do you think a MS diagnosis would make this mess feasible?
Just trying to weigh up the options.
Thanks in advance

I did used to work with someone who did this. Some schools have become quite ruthless under the new regimes and so demanding that I wonder sometimes if the profession isn't rather unhealthy and puts a strain on all of our healths. ( bad grammar but you know what I mean).

It must be a worrying time for you, and I hope you are taking care of yourself, mentally and physically.

A friend of mine was diagnosed with MS about 8 years ago, while working as teacher. She has since had another baby, gone from part time back to full time teaching and has recently been promoted into a Deputy Head role (primary), so it's certainly possible. Presumably it will be very much dependent on the type of MS you are diagnosed with, how much time you spend experiencing relapses, and how severe they are.

I know that my friend had the support of Occupational Health in her LEA, and a supportive school, which must help. She was very much of the opinion that she wasn't going to let her diagnosis dampen her ambition, and would keep trying and see what happened.... Good luck with whatever you decide.

Thanks so much MrsBazinga, that's just what I needed to hear.

I'm meeting the boss this afternoon so hopefully life will continue as normal without being 'labelled'. It's all very new, so trying to work out that impact of it is...

Much appreciated.

My mum taught for 20 yrs after her MS diagnosis..reception too so pretty physical. She did take early retirement for health at 57 but till then she managed. She had relapsing-remitting MS in those years 9although now progressive as most do become) and had about 3 relapses requiring a while off but other than that she was pretty much never off. Good Luck!

Hello.
I was unofficially diagnosed at 21 which then became official aged 25 whilst I was doing my nqt year.

I stopped it after 2 terms (very stressful school) and had a long time off during that relapse.

I went back to sports teaching to get used to working with kids again & built my hours up gradually then got a job in a very supportive school where I finished my nqt year & it was so much better.

I am only doing supply at the moment - mostly in that school- as I have 4 young dc now.

The MS diagnosis is a shocker to begin with but you learn to live with it.

Listen to your body & don't push yourself too hard.

To be honest I don't take that advice myself!

By the way cuggles how old were you when you knew your mum had it?

I was 13 as that was my age at her diagnosis...had no idea what it really all meant though I would say until much older...16+. We were lucky as she had a number of years post full diagnosis (like you it took a few years) before problems kicked in too much. My sister was 10.

Thanks for replying.
I don't think I really need to tell the dc yet to be honest as it doesn't affect me too much but f

.. Don't hide anything from them either

I hope you stay as well as possible for as long as possible girls and apricot. One key thing...rest where you can...the fatigue is really debilitating as i understand it!