School Stresses- Need Advice!

[faMilyfun365]

Hi! i am new to this forum and was hoping to get advice.
To explain my story, I was diagnosed at 13 years old in November 2010. Last year I had my first serious flare up from October 2011- June 2012. I was out of school from December 2011 till the end of the year. I was put on remicade when I left school and it has put me into the process of being in remission. As i return for my junior year, I feel completley stressed out!! It is difficult for me to explain my stresses since many dont understand Crohn's. I do have a close friend who was also recently diagnosed however she has never had a flare or been too sick.
Yesterday I went to school for our first day since it was a half day. I felt uncomfortable but knowing it was only half a day comforted me. Today is our first full day of school and I am missing it. The reason is because I am so stressed and flustered! I believe it is due to two things; being overwhelmed by returning after being out for almost 9 months, and that I still feel uncomfortable in class. I understand I can leave whenever I want, I have the 504, but it is harder to put into action. It is difficult for most of my teachers to understand, which makes it only harder for me. Luckily, my guidance teacher is amazing and is trying his hardest for me to ease into school. I was curious if anyone had advice for me going back to school tomorrow and if they had any of the same stresses.
Thank you! :ybiggrin:

 

[mikeyarmo]

Welcome to the forum faMilyfun365!

As a former student with IBD, I know it is hard to deal with school in a way that your peers and maybe even teachers and family do not fully understand.

From the sound of your post it sounds like your school is supportive of working around your symptoms. I quickly googled what a 504 form was and it is great that you are able to be accommodated by your school with the form.

I think you have to be fair to yourself and recognize that you can only do what your body is capable of each and every day. Part of being fair also means not stressing yourself out from even having the opportunity to participate in school though. There was a period of time when I was in university/college where I could barely go to school on most days of the semester. I tried my best to not let this bother me and did what I could to stay on track with my schooling such as read from the textbooks for the courses I was in. Some days I could not even do that, but I tried to be fair to myself and focus on resting on those days instead of worrying about falling behind and making my condition even worse. The days I could go to class I would.

You have the support of your guidance teacher which is great and should make you feel more confident that you can get through this difficult period of your life. You want to go to school which is great, so be fair to yourself and try to stop worrying about whether you can go to class or not. When you feel up to it go, but if you are struggling give yourself permission to leave. You were given the 504 form for a legitimate reason and there is nothing wrong with using it as needed.

Best of luck with the year ahead. I know it will not be the easiest year, but I am sure you will be able to make it work out ok.

 

[dannysmom]

How are you doing now?
M son is also 15 and returned to school this year after being out for a long time. Have you talked to a therapist for tips on dealing with anxiety or stress? Maybe your school has a psychologist that could help.
(I am glad the Remicade helped you feel better)

 

[faMilyfun365]

mikeyarmo-
Thank you for your insightful reply! I really appreciate it. All my teachers are great and try to help me the best they can. Thank you for sharing your story- it helped more than you could ever know. It truly helped me get through the day.

dannysmom-
I am doing pretty well. I have now accomplished 2 full days of school which I am pretty proud of Now all my stress is on the SAT's! I have talked to a therapist which I felt was essential considering I was out for such a long time. She was great and what made it even better was that she also had Crohn's and was diagnosed around the same age as I was. Thank you for your comment!

 

[dannysmom]

Great news ... good for you! I hope you continue to feel better.