Hi everyone,

I haven't been on the forum much lately so am sorry for that - things have been pretty hectic here lately! I think about you all everyday though and hope you are all doing well!!

I've finally got a moment to myself so just thought I would update you all on what has been going off with me.

As most of you know, I started College at the beginning of September. It is pretty hard work but so far, I have been enjoying it!

I am doing a Course in Society, Health and Development and it is really interesting. Most of the other Courses that are available were just for Health but the one I am on covers all of the health care sectors including Child Care, Criminal Justice, Health and Social Care so you get a taste of all of the areas, not just one.

I go to College 3 half days a week. At the moment, on a Monday, we are doing Communication, on a Wednesday afternoon, we are doing Child Care and on a Thursday afternoon, we are doing Criminal Justice. It is all really interesting and I have learnt quite a lot from the course already.

I have an assignment coming up soon which looks to be quite hard work. My teacher has been preparing us for it now so it isn't too daunting though so that is good.

I had my Placement induction day last week and found out that my first Placement will be on the 23rd November and will be in a Care Home looking after old people etc. The placement lasts 10 days (2 school weeks) and I have to do 50 days of placements during the 2 years that I am on the Course ... a lot of hard work!

All of the other kids on the Course are really nice so that has made things easier. They all know about my RSD and don't judge me because of it ... I guess it's easier for them to understand as they are all wanting to go into the health care fields when they are older.

When I am not at College, I still attend the School centre that I used to attend. I really like it there and I don't have to walk round as it is spaced in one room so that has made things easier. My mum has enrolled me onto a GCSE Science course that I can do at Home however, I still have to go into School once a week to do it. I started last week and I was SO nervous as I hadn't seen the kids for 2 years or so. Most of them were OK thankfully but there was a few that made rude comments but I guess theres always going to be some that are like that. The School has arranged for a lady to come and sit with me during my Science lesson. She is really nice but sometimes, I just wish that she would leave me alone and let me get on with my work myself. When she is there, I sometimes feel as though it draws more attention to my illness which I don't really want ... I just want to try and be as 'normal' as I can!

My great uncle passed away a few weeks ago so that has been really upsetting. I was pretty close to him so it's hard to know that he's gone. I think it made it harder too as it reminded me of my grandad who passed away last November so brought all of those sad memories back. It was his funeral last Friday, I wanted to go but my great grandma was being awkward saying that I shouldn't go ... she's really old fashioned when it comes to things like that!!

My mum got a phone call from my PM Doctors Nurse a few weeks ago asking if we wanted to go to the House of Commons in London to raise awareness about schools not understand chronic illnesses. She knew that we had had real problems with schools not understanding so thought it would be good for us to go. We told her yes and we are going on the 27th October. Apparently all of the MPs are supposed to be there and maybe even Gordon Brown so hopefully it will be a good oppertunity and help schools become more supportive!

My RSD has been flaring up quite a bit lately - probably due to the extra school work and weather changes etc. I have been pretty ill recently too so that hasn't helped - i'm not sure if i've had the Swine Flu or what but it took everything out of me and I felt awful for a good few days and was unable to do anything. I am finding now that on a weekend, all I seem to do is collapse from exhaustion - it's sort of like my body goes into shut down mode!

I hope all of you are doing well - thanks for the continued support!

Alison

Thanks for the update, Ali.

I am glad you are enjoying school. That is just wonderful.

Hi Ali,
Your absence from the boards is a clue that you have been very busy and generally, it sounds as though your studies are going well, despite the challenges! The happiest part of your post are the fellow students in your program with whom you have a good rapport!!

My condolences on the passing of your great uncle..and the memories of your Granddad that once again arose..
I, too, am thinking of my sister, whom I lost 2 years ago this November..

Ali, it's wonderful that your pain Doctor's office thought of you and your Mum to speak before the House of Commons! What a grand opportunity for you to raise awareness about health issues for children and particularly RSD. Your pain Doctor couldn't have thought of better advocates than you and your Mum!!

In a previous post I had written about how worried I was to take an all-day Saturday class for 2 months because of my unpredictable pain levels and the exhaustion from the Monday through Friday work-week! In my post I spoke to your perseverence and commitment and it was you who inspired me to go forth with the classes!!
Ali, I am glad to hear all is going well and that you are feeling better from your bout with the flu!
In your busy schedule, I hope you find time to keep us updated..and to try and balance your busy schedule with lots of rest !
Hope4thebest

Wow, Ali, no wonder we haven't heard much from you in the past months. Glad you are enjoying your college classes and that the students are understanding of your condition.

I agree with hope4thebest, in that they couldn't have chosen better advocates than you and your Mum to represent RSD at the House of Commons! I do hope you get to meet the Prime Minister!

(((Ali)))
so good to read your update and that you are possibly going to advocate at the House of Commons on behalf of schoolkids with chronic illness!!
as mom to a son who faced enormous challenges because of this, I applaud you and your Mum

sorry to hear about your grand-uncle

but just so encouraged to see how you are moving forward and upward with your life and rising above the challenges that your illness brings You are a wonderful inspiration of what it means to become better, not bitter, when life throws a curve ball

Hi Ali! I'm still having a hard time believing that you're in college! I haven't gotten any older......so how come everyone else has??

I'm glad you're enjoying school. It sounds like you stay pretty busy but that's a good thing. I'm so sorry to hear about your Uncle. When things like that happen they do tend to remind us of all the other losses we've had. Hopefully soon you can remember them with a smile instead of tears. It takes a while but it does happen.

Thanks for the update! We've been missing you!

Keep up the good work. You are an amazing person. You can do anything you want in life.

Glad to see you posting and that you are doing so many good things for yourself and others.

Ada

Hey,
you have been missed.
But SO good to hear all your news. Good for you girl.

I hope you enjoy aged care. It's very satisfying (and painful, all at the same time).

Take care.

Hi Alison,
It was good to hear from you. Sounds like you have a very full schedule. No wonder you collaspe on the weekends. My daughter went to collage also at the beginning year of her senior year of high school-age 16. And it was a 12 month school. But we took her out a couple times a year for vacation and she just had to practice on her court reporting machine.She finished when she was 20. She has been with the same firm for 10 years. She loves the freedom of being free lance and yet works as much as she wants.
I'm just getting over the flu-3 months long. My gp wanted to give me a flu shot while I still had the flu-I said I didn't think that would be good and he argued with me, so I just canceled my appointment. Are you getting flu shot or h1n1 shot? I have never had the flu shot in my life, and am nervous about it. My RSD Dr. wants me to have the flu shot and h1n1 shot- I have such a weak immune system and tendency for chest infection that last 3 months plus.
It was really good to hear from you. Take care, your friend, loretta and soft hugs to you and your Mom
I'm sorry about your great uncle. Death of a dear one always is difficult.

Dear Ali,

I don't think there's another teenager with whom I am so impressed! You are an achiever and always will be. Please make sure to pace yourself, keep up with your PT, and set aside some personal time just for yourself.

We love you and miss you. Remember that we care so keep us up to date on how you are progressing. And when you and your Mum get to the House of Lords to make your presentation - knock 'em dead!

XOXOX Sandy