[Maria]

I don't know about where you're at tho here in the states universities have Disabled Student Resources dept.

At the age of 28 when I was injured and then starting my MSN (masters of science in nursing) at around 30 I didn't want to go there as in associating myself w/"disabled" but I ran into some resistance re my not being able to "sit" at a desk for a class or two so I pulled out that stop and went there.

Had the backing of this dept and nursing dept provided a beanbag chair which at the time I could sit in off the side to the front of class and semi recline as i could not sit on my tailbone for anything for years at least not for any amount of time.

In grad statistics class the instructor was really understanding and allowed me to lay across one table. Yeah it was sorta uncomfortable and yeah people would say stuff but I really didn't care as I was going to get that Masters degree and remain employed since I couldn't work as a staff nurse any longer re hours/work/various things. The MSN clinicals were Ok and I didn't put them back to back like most people did rather had 4 hour clinicals 3 x/week and took a bit longer to finish program. Didn't care, finished it, got my Masters, got several jobs and prolonged my career until 2000 w/work that was much easier for me as it involved no lifting only seeing patients/administrative work.

You do what ya gotta do. re the symptoms you have it does sound like might be fibromyalgia then again could be a mix of things. Seeing the right specialist is the best answer. Finding that one or the ones might be like finding a needle in the haystack tho I'm sure over time you will.

Re emotions I think anyone cut down in their prime is going to be thinking some pretty mean stuff. I know I did. Not to mention it took me years to keep from reinjuring myself because I was young when I got injured and I was energetic, worked out, hiked, was very fit and did all the things a young person who loves to be active does!

Being older and needing downtime is much easier. Friends are way more understanding and even seem to have their own stuff that might slow them down as well.

hang in there and try what you're trying. You seem to have a very good grip on everything esp. for your age and what you're going thru.