Dropping a Class Due to Illness Is Not Admitting Defeat

As someone who has lived with chronic illness for about seven years, many people expect I have everything under control. That assumption could not be further from the truth. My EDS, CRPS and undiagnosed autonomic disorder leave me never knowing what kind of day I will have.

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In August I started my first semester of college taking three classes adding up to exactly 12 units. My classes were enjoyable, but my body could not keep up. Between classes, doctor appointments and school work I didn’t have enough time to let my body adequately rest. I started missing classes because I would pass out getting out of bed and even got sent home after almost fainting in class.

Through talking with my doctors we came to the realization that I had to lighten my course load. Regardless of the accommodations I receive, I had to withdraw from two of my three classes. Yes, I was keeping up in my classes, but the number of ER visits I had to make due to pain or other complications was growing rapidly. My health was on a downward spiral and stress was wearing on me.

Once I realized dropping classes was my only option, I felt defeated. Going to college and being a full-time student gave me a semblance of normalcy that I now had to give up. I worry I have disappointed my parents, but I know they will come to realize as I have that this is the best decision for my body.

After more thought I am able to understand that I am not giving up and should not feel defeated. Life with chronic illness can be seen as a marathon and by withdrawing from a couple classes I am only pacing myself.

If you have to withdraw from classes to do what is best for you, do not feel defeated. Your education and course load does not define you.

This post originally appeared on Still I Survive.