Jane Kerrison

I make it a habit, during the second week of classes, to go to my professors’ office hours and inform them of my fibromyalgia. I find it extremely helpful for the moments when I need an extension on an essay or something of the kind. I am registered with my university’s Disabilities Services office, and have paper work that guarantees me the considerations I need, however, I feel that it is much more respectful to tell my professor’s beforehand.

By going in at the beginning of the year, they know that my motives are sincere, and it usually makes their response more favourable than if I were to approach them say the day before an assignment is due. It also means that they tend to remember my name.

While I certainly could avoid these meetings, I find that it makes me more relaxed during the year; I know that if I am too sick to get to class, my professor will understand.

The hardest part about these meetings is trying to explain fibromyalgia in simple and fast terms. I usually stick to something along the lines of “I have a chronic illness called fibromyalgia. It’s a complex illness, but some of the biggest symptoms are chronic pain, chronic fatigue and an inability to deal with stress and anxiety. I just wanted to let you know now, because it is likely that at some point in the year, I will need extra time on assignments or essays, or may be too ill to come to class or complete the readings.”

So far, without exception, every single professor, teaching assistant and student that I have needed help from has been accommodating. This includes professors that I didn’t even like.

I can honestly say that after talking to two of my professors today (the third has office hours on Thursday), I feel better about my ability to make it through this semester. This is not because they made any changes for me, but simply because I know that if I am having trouble, I have understanding people on my side.