Navigating high school is a unique journey for every student, filled with learning, growth, friendship, and, at times, challenges. For students living with Neurofibromatosis (NF), these challenges can be amplified, adding complexity to the high school experience. NF is a genetic disorder that may result in tumors on nerves, skin abnormalities, and various health issues. It often leads to frequent medical appointments, affecting physical abilities and contributing to emotional struggles. Hello there, I'm Shruti and in this post I just wanted to highlight some of the struggles that come with living with a chronic illness like NF, and some of the strategies that I use to still put my best foot forward academically--let's talk about it. Understanding NF and its Impact on High School Life Navigating high school with NF means addressing a range of issues that many peers might not fully understand. Whether it's catching up on assignments after a medical absence or managing invisible symptoms during gym class, these experiences can feel isolating. NF can further affect peer interactions, leading to increased anxiety or depression. Awareness of these challenges is the first step toward effective solutions. Missing School for Medical Appointments Frequent medical appointments pose significant challenges for students with NF. According to a study by the Children's Tumor Foundation, students with NF visit the doctor an average of 10 times per year, which can disrupt their school routine and increase stress. Here are effective strategies to manage this situation: Communicate with Teachers Open communication with teachers is crucial. Inform them about your medical condition and potential need for time off. Most educators appreciate transparency and are willing to accommodate students' needs. Keep a folder with notes from each class, and share these with your teachers. Asking for lecture recordings or additional resources can ease the anxiety about falling behind. Utilize Technology Technology can be an ally. Many schools use online platforms for assignments and materials. If yours does not, consider using apps like Google Classroom or Zoom to connect remotely when possible. Establish a system to share class notes with a reliable peer who can summarize lessons for you, ensuring you stay informed even when absent. Create a Flexible Schedule Work with your school to develop a more accommodating schedule. This could involve adjusting your coursework or extending deadlines for assignments. Don’t hesitate to discuss your needs with a school counselor who can help arrange an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) if necessary. Struggling with Physical Activities Physical activity is vital in high school, but NF can make participation challenging due to pain or mobility issues. Here are some ideas to help manage physical activities: Explore Alternative Activities If traditional gym classes feel daunting, consider alternatives that are less physically demanding. Options like yoga or dance are often offered and can be enjoyable while remaining manageable. Talk to your gym instructor about your preferences. They may allow you to modify your participation or suggest activities that match your capabilities. Set Realistic Goals Establish achievable fitness goals tailored to your ability. These might include short walks during breaks or stretching exercises at home. Celebrating small victories boosts confidence and motivation. Join Support Groups Connecting with a local or online support group can be beneficial. Sharing experiences with others who understand your challenges fosters a sense of belonging and offers practical strategies. Schools or local NF organizations may provide resources or connections. Mental Health Challenges Living with NF can impact mental well-being, bringing about anxiety, worry, and feelings of being different from peers. Here are actionable strategies for maintaining mental health: Seek Professional Help Acknowledging the need for help is essential. Explore school counseling services or find a therapist familiar with NF. Professional support can help create coping strategies that cater to your unique situation. Practice Mindfulness Embracing mindfulness can aid in managing anxiety and stress. Whether through meditation, journaling, or deep breathing, dedicating a few minutes daily to these practices can positively impact your emotional health. Consider using apps like Headspace or Calm to help establish a daily routine that reduces stress and enhances relaxation. Build a Support Network Having a strong support network is vital. Engage with family, friends, or support groups by discussing your feelings and experiences. Sharing your story can lighten your emotional burden. Encourage your friends and family to learn about NF, fostering empathy and understanding. Balancing Academics and Health Achieving a balance between academics and health can often feel daunting. With effective strategies, however, you can find a healthy equilibrium: Develop Time Management Skills Effective time management plays a crucial role. Using planners or digital calendars can help keep track of assignments, deadlines, and medical appointments, reducing last-minute pressure. Prioritizing tasks allows you to manage both school responsibilities and health needs more effectively. Take Advantage of School Resources Utilizing school resources, such as tutoring and academic workshops, can significantly support your education. Tailored learning strategies can help you stay on track, ensuring you receive the assistance needed. Regular check-ins with teachers can identify when you need support, allowing for personalized guidance. Encourage Healthy Scheduling Prioritize self-care in your schedule. Balancing study time with relaxation, hobbies, and social interactions is vital for your mental and physical health. Engage in activities that interest you, whether joining a club that aligns with your passions or exploring creative outlets. Embracing the High School Journey Navigating high school while living with NF can be complex, but by adopting these strategies and building a strong support system, students can thrive. Remember, you are more than your health condition! With resilience, understanding, and effective communication, you can navigate high school not just to survive but to flourish. Reach out for help when necessary and stay true to yourself. Every challenge offers an opportunity for growth. Here’s to embracing the journey ahead, taking both the hurdles and triumphs in stride! Live Boldly, Shruti S. __________________________________________________________________________________ For further reading, feel free to visit: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/neurofibromatosis https://www.nfnetwork.org/ https://www.ctf.org/

Yes, you read that last word right. Neuro-fibro-matosis, shortened to NF for the sake of all of our tongues, is an often genetic neurological condition which causes tumor growth on different parts of the nervous system like the spine, brain, and nerves. There’s 3 different types of this condition, and I have the unique 1 in 40,000 experience of being diagnosed with NF2, which has inevitably changed the way I live my life in more ways than one—let’s talk about it.  Hello there, my name is Shruti and I’m so excited to welcome you to the NF Student Alliance’s very first blog post! In this post, I just wanted to set a lay of the land and explain the basis of this organization; NF, and my experiences having the condition, the latter of which led to the creation of the NFSA. Again, thanks for being here—it means the world to me that you’re even interested in reading about aspects of my identity that I never thought would be important to anyone but me and my doctors.  What is NF? I know I’ve stated the literal definition of neurofibromatosis up above, but it’s important to dive a little deeper, especially when trying to raise awareness (that’s our goal here by the way).For starters, there’s three variations of this condition, NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis (yes, I know, another big word, ugh , but we’ll get through this). NF1, the most popular of the three, causes tumors to grow in the small nerves near the skin and in larger nerves inside the body. It is estimated that 1 in 2,500 individuals have NF1. Just like all the other types of neurofibromatosis, it has a 50% chance of being inherited by a child of someone with the condition. It ’s also easily identifiable since tumors appear right under the skin and can be visible to the eye.  NF2, the type I have, is much more rare and involves the growth of benign tumors within the nerves, usually in the spine and brain. This variation of the disease appears in only 1 out of 25,000 to 1 in 40,000 individuals. The tumors themselves aren’t visible, but complications that arise from surgeries to remove these tumors can cause nerve damage resulting in muscle weakness, numbness, and other health issues.  The final type, schwannomatosis, sometimes also referred to as NF3, is extremely similar to NF2 in terms of symptoms but is much less likely to cause hearing loss than NF2. The main symptoms of scwannomatosis include small benign tumors and pain, which make it harder to diagnose--research about this variation of NF is still undergoing. My Experiences with NF Now that you know what NF is in general, I want to talk about how it has affected how I live my life. Before I say anything, though, I’d just like to mention the importance of humanizing people with rare diseases through their experiences; before you read this post, neurofibromatosis was probably just another big word to you, but by sharing my story, I hope to help you connect what you’ve learned with the life you live, and the people you live it with.  I’ll be honest—for the most part, I get to live the normal life of a 14 year old girl in high school (as if teenage years are normal for anyone), and NF2 doesn’t impact much of my daily life. Of course, there are annual check ups with more specialists than I care to count, semiannual MRIs, and surgeries—I’ve had 7 up till now—but I try not to let all that define me. What I often can’t shake, however, is the mental toll all that eventually takes. I live my day to day life, quite happily most of the time, but sometimes it's hard to cope with the loneliness of not knowing anyone else with NF, or the uncertainty of living with a currently untreatable chronic medical condition.  But at the end of the day, I guess I do come out stronger and more resilient for it, though sometimes I wish I didn’t have to be. If you were to take away only one thing from all this that I’ve said, I would ask you to understand that people with conditions like mine are still people, but we’re people who’ve seen and felt things we wished we didn’t have to. We are not who we are despite  our experiences. We are who we are because  of them. I’d love to talk further about my experiences in the future and things like how I’ve coped with the not-so-easy side of having NF—let me know what more you’d like to know down below.  Live Boldly,  Shruti S.  Got Questions? Check out these resources:  https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/neurofibromatosis https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/neurofibromatosis https://www.nfnortheast.org/

In today's world, mental health is at the forefront of personal and professional conversations, and yet it remains one of the most abstract topics out there. And I get why, to be honest. The concept of taking care of our minds is strange, even when the physical struggle of chronic or rare diseases like NF isn't factored in. But hey, what are random blog posts written by a teenager for if not discussing really deep topics? Hello there, I'm Shruti and I was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 2 at age six (read my first blog post to learn more!!). In this post, I want to mention some strategies that I've found useful when it comes to giving myself a mental breather among the chaos of NF and life in general--let's talk about it. 1. Take it one day at a time When living with a chronic or rare illness, the future can seem like a jumble of uncertainty...to a certain extent, it is. But I've found it crucial to only really stress about things that I can control; don't be afraid to make these super small things, like what you'll eat for lunch. Anxiety and depression are the largest mental health conditions that individuals with health complications struggle with, and while some of the medical reasons for that can't be controlled, how you deal with the reality can. 2. Practice Mindfulness I know that words like "mindfulness" have just become buzzwords as of late, but the practice of reflecting and removing yourself mentally from your stressors is essential. I personally like to do 15 minutes of yoga every morning, since it's quick and gets me feeling ready for the day. It's also a greater way to stay in touch with my body and be grateful for what it can, despite the effects of NF. If consistency tends to be an issue for you, apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through these practices, making it easier to build a daily habit of mindfulness. Studies reveal that just 10 minutes of meditation each day can lead to a 25% improvement in overall mental well-being. 3. Stay Connected with Support Groups Isolation can heighten anxiety and depression, which highlights the importance of connecting with others who understand your situation, unique as it may be. Support groups for individuals with NF or other chronic illnesses can help build a sense of community. Sharing challenges, victories, and experiences with others can be incredibly healing. NF Northeast has an amazing peer support program for individuals with NF called "Matched With Hope", where people with NF can be paired with others similar to them in age, location, and situation who also have NF. 4. Incorporate Physical Activity Now, I get that exercising or doing intense physical activity with NF can be challenging, especially considering the side effects that various corrective procedures can have on things like motor control and vision. However, even simple things like walking or stretching can greatly help you feel fulfilled and proud of yourself (at least that's what it does for me). When trying to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, consider joining a sports team, setting personal goals, and being understanding of your own limits. Remember, you're doing this to become the best version of yourself, not better than others. 5. Set Realistic Goals Setting achievable goals can be motivational and foster a sense of accomplishment. Start small and expand your goals gradually as you gain confidence. Goals can be anything from finishing a book to participating in a social event. Celebrating small achievements can remind you that progress is possible, even during tough times. 6. Explore Creative Outlets Finding a creative outlet can serve as a powerful release for emotional stress. Whether it involves painting, writing, music, or crafting, engaging in creative activities can help channel feelings and stimulate the mind. For instance, those who write regularly have reported a 20% decrease in stress levels and a greater sense of control over their lives. 7. Practice Gratitude Being thankful is sometime really hard when living with a rare disease like NF--it's easier to look with contempt at what you don't have compared to others. This could range from athletic endurance, intellectual ability, to simply better health. I personally struggled for years with gratefulness (and I still do, every day), but I've come to a point where accepting where my life lacks and moving forward while looking at what I have has let me live more fully. Some popular strategies for practicing mindfulness are writing in a journal or creating a video diary, but it's okay even if you don't want to do that. Gratitude is a deeply personal and internal concept; writing it on a piece of paper means next to nothing if you don't internalize that mindset. 8. Limit Negative Influences Reducing your exposure to negative news, social media, or toxic relationships is essential for maintaining a positive mindset. Be intentional about creating an environment that supports your growth and well-being. Surround yourself with positivity through uplifting media and relationships. 9. Stay Educated Educating yourself about NF and your condition can empower you and combat anxiety. Knowledge breeds confidence, which can assist you in discussions with healthcare professionals. Attend workshops, read literature, and connect with reputable sources to learn more about your condition. A greater resource is the NF Northeast website, which has a trove of information regarding NF experts, advocacy opportunities, and healthcare strategies. 10. Embrace Flexibility Living with a chronic illness such as NF often brings unpredictability. Allowing yourself to be flexible in your plans can lessen frustration and anxiety. Instead of rigidly sticking to a schedule, adjust your plans based on how you are feeling each day. This approach can enhance your emotional resilience. The Importance of Mental Wellness Taking care of your mental health is just as important as addressing the physical aspects of living with neurofibromatosis or any rare disease. By integrating daily routines, mindfulness, and self-care, we can foster a healthy environment for our minds. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and a step towards improvement. Prioritize your mental well-being and embrace your journey with the understanding that you are not alone. By adopting these strategies into our lives, we can improve our quality of life despite the challenges that chronic conditions present. You deserve to thrive in all aspects of life. I hope this list serves as a helpful guide on your path to better mental health. And also remember: You are what you make yourself, and you are enough . Live Boldly, Shruti Shah