Exams and apologies

Firstly, I apologise that I only come here for my own gain, but I don't have anything helpful to say as I'm new to all this aswell as, theoretically, new to life. I do feel guilty about it and I am really sorry.
Next exam season is coming up and rapidly. I have an exam tomorrow (ICT) and next week my art exam starts (it is 10- 12.5 hours). I have to admit I am terrified for this as my first day is Wednesday and it's a 5 hour session. I don't know how I will cope as my hands don't work well. I can almost guarantee I will cry and have a panic attack anyway but my pain is on a flare. I'm really scared that I won't cope. When I have more exams in May there is generally only 1 exam a day if not it's 1 long, 1 short which I should be able to do but one day I have Chemistry and RE (both quite long and typed in full) and the next day I have a History (the exam I'm most likely to fail and also the longest and equal to English with it's writing length). I'm terrified that I won't be able to pass the exams and the only reason will be my pain.
On Monday I am at rheumatology (still no diagnosis) and I'm really hoping they have a new treatment or something. I have every sort of non-prescription aid I can possibly have (I'm guessing) aswell as physio and hydrotherapy. To put a positive in here, they do help. I have no idea where my life is going to be perfectly honest. I used to have so many dreams and I used to love being outdoors and, to some extent, I still do but a trip to the beach on Saturday resulted in me being a metre away from falling off a ledge thing because my knee collapsed. I used to adore climbing and bouldering and my dad doesn't understand why I refuse to go but the last time I went I partially dislocated my knee (only way I can think to describe it) and really struggled with the pain, especially the next day.
I'm sorry I generally just needed to rant a lot..

First, no need to apologize. We all come here and we all have our moments. And believe it or not, just by asking questions and bringing things up, you're lighting a fire under someone else's thoughts. So please, relax about that.

Secondly, with all this in your immediate future, that's a lot, and it's no wonder you're on edge. We're here to bounce things off of, and I wish you well in exams. Boy, I remember exams,....and "stressed out" doesn't begin to describe how wired they can cause a person to be.

So well wishes to you, and best of luck!




M.

I find that focusing lessens my pain. Having something for the brain to chew over, metaphorically, takes your attention off the pain/discomfort. My best suggestions are as follows: pack good nourishing food, stay hydrated, do not stint on pain medications, and do not schedule anything afterwards.

Also, improve your self-talk! Tell yourself you can do it, you can get through it, and you will be successful.