How to Get Through Sophomore Year with EoE and ADHD

Abigail just finished her sophomore year of high school. And it was no easy task for her. I have said it before and I'll say it again... no none works harder than her. (Anna too has challenges and things she's had to dig deep and get through - but that for another post) 

I've written about it a lot on this blog of mine. In fact in the labels you can click Eosinophilic Esophogitis and read from the beginning. But in a nutshell, this digestive disease that Abigail has lived with her whole life is still there and it causes her to be in pain daily. She has trouble swallowing food. Food can feel like it is stuck in her esophagus, and other 'fun' things like reflux and constant nausea. 

Not related to EoE she is currently taking growth hormone replacement therapy (not enough growth hormone to grow) to hopefully grow and we are constantly trying to get calories in that girl of ours so that her weight can catch up with what the growing meds are doing. So each night she gets a shot from me (I've gotten quite good at them by now!) 

Someone who is in that much pain each day get behind in class then there's time to do her work. She can't work quickly because she's in pain. 

And then there is ADHD to add to the mix. I've heard it described like this. Asking a student to focus when they have ADHD is like asking someone with broken legs to walk upstairs without their crutches. Yup, not possible.

And one more thing: lack of sleep. Not just lack of hours that a hard working / staying up too late to get work done high schooler does but lack of good sleep since she sleeps with a brace due to scoliosis. She straps that huge thing on like and does the best she can. I'm amazed! 

I'm not typing all of this to make a huge list of her difficulties. No, not one bit. Believe me, that girl has a lot going for her as well. She sure does! Like a dynamic personality, a never quit attitude, and love of learning. She's got it all. She just has to do it all in pain. Every day!

So how did is get through sophomore year? With AP Biology and all the other classes honors level? 

Here's how: 

Surround Yourself with Friends

Now I don't have a ton of pictures of her friends. I really don't. But they are there for her every single day. They are such a tight group that adore each other - and this mama is grateful for them. 

Have Family Support

Every single night Scott stays up with her until late late late - around midnight most nights. He never leaves her side. He never gives up on her - won't let that disease win (not EoE or ADHD). Night after night. Some nights she's independent and he just hangs out with her in the playroom (now homework room) and some nights he's hip to hip with her - working along side of her. He helps to keep track of assignments and lets her have control but with his help. 

There are more pictures like these but gosh, this is the only one I can find right now. Night after night of sophomore year was just like this. 

She also has the best big sister in the world who, even though she is away at college is there for her little sister. They talk, text, and when Anna is home there is no one on the planet that could be a bigger cheerleader. She always has been. I love this old video of Anna helping Abigail eat when she was a toddler. (I miss those days) But seriously, look at how determined that big sister was at getting calories in her little sister! 

Have Great Teachers

Well I certainly don't have any pictures of Abigail with her teachers but there are some really great ones in that high school of hers. A few went above and beyond the 504 accommodations that were already in place. They met with her one on one before school and after school. They helped her to prioritize and figure out the best path for herself. I wish I took a picture of her in her 504 meeting advocating for herself and the accommodations she needs going forward. She speaks so well, confidently and accurately. I am just so grateful for good teachers that make a way. 

Last Days

Those last days in early June feel like a blur; they really do. Scott was busy with his middle school. I was tired to my toenails with my fourth graders and trying so hard to end my school year well. But we had Anna home at that point and it made all the difference. 

I took this picture of Abigail getting out of the car on the last full day of school before finals. 

Anna took this one when Abigail walked in the door after her very last final exam (the week after that 'from the car' picture above)

And this cute video too:

So school is over (for us here in CT since June 16th) and it is soooooOoooo good to be done with all of this and have a break. Looking forward to some chill days at home, getting some house projects done, organizing in a big way, and some adventures as a family! 

We are so proud of you Abigail Mei!