Dropping out of school

[James99]

Hi, my name's James, I'm 16 and I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease January 2014.

I've been doing some seriously hard thinking, I'm not sure if I should drop out of school. I've spoken with my family and they've said things like ''You should do an open university course online'' or that I'll fail in life, It's mixed emotions.

Last year I wasn't in school much, I missed a lot of school, didn't learn much and had to educate myself to an extent. I'm a bright lad, not stupid and always willing to put in the work, but I know I'll not be able to do majority of my school year and sitting several exams would just take a toll on me and make me unwell.

I signed up on this forum as I'm sure some of you must've been through things like this and hoping I could get some advice.

Thanks for reading,

Regards,

- James.

 

[DJW]

Hi James and welcome.

I was diagnosed young. I know how hard it is to have Crohn's and go to school.

You're newly diagnosed and that's a lot to deal with on its own. My advice to newly diagnosed is to give yourself time to adjust. Be careful about making life changing decisions based on how you feel at the moment.

I did what I could to keep going and not give up.

If that means a lighter course load until you're in remission, that's alright. Keep fighting.
Sending you my support.

 

[AnnieYa]

It's not high school, but I fell ill during my third year of university. It started out with my exams far into the future and 'everything will be sorted before then', which wasn't the case. I started out wanting to keep the Crohn's to myself, until it got to the point where I knew if things continued then I wouldn't be able to keep up with lectures or revision.

Firstly, I assume the school is aware? I don't know whether they have given any suggestions with what to do for exams etc. I ended up with mitigating circumstances that allowed me to be in a separate exam room with extra time to compensate for if I had to get some air/go the loo/felt sick and had to pause. In what they consider extreme circumstances it can be possible for exam results to be extrapolated from previous work. I have no idea at what point they can agree to do this.

If you were considering starting A levels, then if things are really rough and not looking to get better any time soon, then you might want to consider a gap year. Take the time to get well. Any time from once your better to the next academic year, you could volunteer/travel/do temporary work. It will not be a wasted year. It's also not the end of the world if you have to resit previous exams - it's not like you don't have a decent excuse for it.

Crohn's disease sucks, I know. Especially when you're young and you haven't been dealing with it very long. It feels like so many plans you might have had for the future are no longer possible, because there's always the 'what if?' with the disease. As much as I hate it (and I'm sure you do to), there isn't anything we can do about it. We just have to adapt. One day in the future it will be better.

Can I ask what meds/treatment you have going on? By now you should be on steady medication to keep it under control, in theory?

 

[teeny5]

You could try an online class or two and see how it goes.

 

[Lady Organic]

Hi James, I'd like to know too on what medication you are on. and which ones you have tried? there are some medication that could possibly give you back your life in full health. A good GI will work hard to find the best solution for you and try different drugs in hopes for you to acheive full remission. But diagnosed since a year, you probably havent tried all the possible options there are for crohnies, so hang on. Do not drop out of high school!!! do what you can even if that means being slower than the others or repeating a year. Going out of school could isolate you at home, always thinking about your condition and that is not a good option imo. It is best to remain as active as possible and in relation with friends and school mates. have a discussion with Principal to find the best accomodation for you, im sure they can make it work somehow.

 

[lewis3001]

Hi James,
for some years I was ill..from the age of 15.I survived school,but it was hard.I took a year out at 16 to recover,before going back for two years to do 'a' levels,then went to college and got a degree in architecture.

I think a year makes little difference in the end.You will definitely not fail due to this.There is no make or break situation..you will get where you wish to go!

It may be a good thing...but I did not have much contact with friends in that time..and a partial structure is a good thing to hang on to,if you can...maybe it is possible to try a less demanding study..which keeps you around people..in the bustle of life..while you can take time out if you need,and maybe it doesn't matter too much academically for that year,but something you can enjoy.

Crohn's is a tough thing,and you may have to give yourself a break,sometimes..be good to yourself! Whatever you decide ,it will be fine..