I was a High School teacher and retired in 2002, because I just could not keep up to my satisfaction. My Principal never noticed a difference, but I did. My mind was hard to concentrate when I was in a lot of pain. I still miss it and I miss the kids a lot

My suggestion is to wait it out until you are really sure that you can not do it anymore. Once you stop teaching you can not go back, unless you go back to school again. In PA where I live, if you have not worked for 2 years, you lose your license and have to go back to school to be certified again, so that you can get your license back again. If your state is the same, I suggest that you take time to really think about your decision.

As far as what to do after, if you retire, you could tutor or work for a SAT training course. Or go in a completely different direction and start a new career. Think about what you like to do, and go from there.....have a hobby? make a career out of it.

Good luck.

I am a teacher. I'm teaching Kinder right now. I've been doing really well being on Winter Break. I don't know how the week will go.

I've been going through a pain management program and researching about ways to combat this. All the things I've been doing have really been helping to reduce the pain levels and help me function. I had a really bad September, but October/November were a little better and December was awesome! I haven't had so many good days since Fibro triggered for me over 24 years ago.

Here is just a bit of what I've been doing:
1. Sleep--- During the week, go to bed and wake up at the same time.
2. Exercise for 30 min each day by either walking or station biking (per order of my physical therapist who specializes in Fibro)

3. Daily stretches 2 times per day when I wake up and before bed

4. Being happy! Happiness is proven to reduce pain levels as the part of your brain that controls emotions also controls pain. Do things you enjoy and have FUN! Especially on the weekends! Just looking forward to something fun that you've planned can help reduce your pain levels.

5. Reduce stress by planning ahead in your job and having a supportive network of colleagues around you.

6. Take care of your muscles: Get massages, see a chiropractor, use a tens machine, heat therapies, etc.

7. Keep a positive attitude about your health and be determined not to let Fibro win!

PS. I'm not currently taking any medicine and don't plan to in the near future.

I was diagnosed wi Fibromyalgia in 1993 while still in college. My approach is quite similar to Ahteach's advice below. Unfortunately, no meds have really helped, but a good massage therapist, trigger point injections, dry needle therapy, and a tens unit have helped some. Keeping careful records and being organized has helped me cope with the Fibro fog. I also try planning and preparing ahead as much as possible, especially on those times when I have a bit more energy. That said, I've learned the hard way to pace myself and not overdo things when I feel a bit better. The last couple of years have been tough, with an additional diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and severe fatigue, stiffness, and pain. It's often one day (or hour) at a time. I also wonder if this year or next will be my last, but I am not of retirement age.

melissaenderle and Katro, Good luck with going back to work tomorrow. I'm very nervous about it. I've had a great December, but every time I have a break and go back to work, my body seems to go into shock. I think that's why September was so hard for me. Like you guys, I worry at times and wonder how many more years I'm going to last with teaching and what I will do for Plan B if I have to stop.

Thank you for your feedback. I am trying also not to use medication and alleviate the pain by doing different things. It's still difficult though because teaching demands that you are on your feet. And my principal DOES notice. I was asked why I always look tired and why do I walk the way I do......

This is my 17th year teaching, but unfortunately, I hit a wall back in early October and have been off work on short term disability since. At the time, my fibro wasn't diagnosed--I was diagnosed over summer with an autoimmune thyroid disease, but when it got under control, my symptoms didn't fade. In fact, it's gotten worse in the last 6mos. That's what's led to all of my testing and the appointments with specialists that ultimately diagnosed me with fibromyalgia in November.

My original return to work date was supposed to be today. :( However, while treatment has helped a touch, I'm no where near ready to go back and my time off was extended to April 1. Honestly, things are going to have to change radically for that to be possible. It isn't the pain so much for me, though when it's bad it's awful; it's the bone-crushing fatigue, the "fibro fog," the tremors, etc. I can't imagine teaching more than one period, nonetheless a full day plus planning, grading, etc.

I hope you find effective treatment and can stay in the classroom. Gentle hugs.