Crohns and school

[ncourtney96]

Hello,

My name is Noah and I was diagnosed with crohns when I was 11 years old. I get symptoms of cramping pain almost every morning. Because I am sick so often school is a challenge for me. I am 15 now and have struggled in school for the past four years. I am currently a freshman in high school. The last few years of school I have barely passed due to absences. For that reason at the beginning of this school year I decided to do cyber school. That didn't work out as well as it could have, therefor I was enrolled back into school 3 weeks ago to begin the second semester of 9th grade. Since then I have gone everyday but I have gone in late most of the days. The school is targeting me now for absences and I am in a difficult situation because I have trouble going to school. My family and I are discussing going back to cyber school. Are there any suggestions as for what I should do regarding school. Also stress is mostly what ignites my pain. Any coping skills that anyone recommends for controlling stress level?

 

[Rebecca85]

Are your school aware of your health problems? It might be worth speaking to somebody in charge, and explaining exactly how Crohn's affects you (with symptoms being worse first thing in the morning).

Maybe you could come to some sort of arrangement like being excused first period, collecting the work and doing it at home that night? So you aren't rushing to get to school. Could they offer you a reduced schedule to reduce your stress?

 

[imwood]

With a diagnosed disability you have the right to a 504 plan, which is an individualized education plan that works with and around your needs due to your illness. At the least, the school should be helping you with a tutor and possibly summer school due to the absences. Your absences aren't "regular" absences and the school district should be mindful of this fact and be a little more supportive.

Sometimes you have to stand up and shout a bit to get what you need, hopefully your family will help you with that.

 

[muppet]

I wish there had been a such a thing as 504 when I was in school, or if there was, that somebody had bothered to clue us in.

 

[IJP]

Noah

Sorry to hear this. I start this by stressing that I am very lucky. I don't have Crohn's as bad as the majority of people on here - in fact I have spent more time in hospital over the last five years with broken bones as a result of my own stupidity than I have with Crohn's. I was diagnosed when I was 16 or 17 and like most went through the turmoil of no diagnosis, in to hospital, being sent home, just eating soup, back to hospital, a desire to remove my appendix, back home, back to hospital ... no doubt a familiar story to some readers. After the initial physical turmoil was the need to come to terms with the impact of having Crohn's, including on careers. I muddled through and like most young men ignored some good advice. I pass on the greatest lesson I have learnt over the last 15 years, and am still learning, is that it's good to talk to someone about what you are going through, your fears and worries. It can be hard I know but speaking to someone is a real help and will help with your stress and coping. People care. The good thing about this forum is that there is a community who can relate. But outside you might be surprised as to who steps up as a friend. Please find someone, a family member, a school friend, a friend, an email buddy ... you won't be a burden.

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."

Take care of yourself

Ian