School trip - to go or not?

[rainbowmum]

school trip - to go or not?

Hi

need some more advice please!

My daughter (14) has shown interest in an optional school trip(exchange) to France for 7 days. When i looked at the letter and what it involves i advised her not to go. Its a 12 hr journey there and back as well as a week packed full of outings and i think she would find it too much.
Healthwise at the moment she has recently began aziathioprine after finishing a course of steroids. She had 2 hospital admissions end of last year and is still fairly tired. She is due a colonoscopy end of April and i am concerned this may set off another flare.
There aren't many places and it may already be too late but she is very upset and thinks crohns is ruining her life.

Any advice please?
Thankyou

 

[Tesscorm]

That is so tough. I hate that this disease impacts our children in this way.

Will your daughter be accompanied by a teacher who is familiar with her illness? Would there be an option for her to stay back from one or two of the outings if she's tired? Will she have the opportunity to rest in the evenings? Is there any way you can be part of the trip?

I was in a similar situation, last year (prior to diagnosis) my son had scheduled a grad trip for this June to Dominican Republic. After diagnosis, I was frantic about the trip. A few months later, he came and said he wanted to cancel as he didn't think it would be a good idea to go! Whew... felt like a huge weight had been lifted.

But, now... friends are talking about grad trips... and he asked to go again.

I don't know if we're wrong but... we said 'no'. He was upset, said we were letting Crohns control his life, etc. Broke my heart. But, I explained my reasons...

- he wouldn't be on his treatment (does EN thru NG tube overnight, I know he wouldn't do it there)
- drinking water isn't always safe
- medical care would be very different from here (if necessary)
- will be eating junk food for a week (I know his diet preferences :lol
- will be drinking (all-inclusive and available!) and partying all night:dance:.

We explained that we're not letting Crohns control his life but are taking risk:reward into consideration and Dominican is too risky. If he plans something else in the summer, we would be fine with anywhere in Canada or the U.S....

He was upset that day and, I imagine, for a day or two after (although he didn't bring it up again). I'm sure he will be upset AGAIN when his friends leave and then return but... as much as we would love to give him everything, it's just not a risk we're willing to take.

But, having said all this, in your daughter's case, perhaps the environment can be a bit more controlled??? If she's under the care of a adults who are aware of her Crohns, if she is able to rest when necessary, etc.

I am sorry you have to make this decision, it's not an easy one!

 

[DanHerefordshire]

French food is a lot better than english and its good not to let the crohns hold you back and be restricting so long as she is not in severe pain i think it would be a great oppurtunity... holidays are great for crohns stress makes things worse... its supprising how much a holiday packed with fun activities helps the illnesss

 

[kimmidwife]

rainbowmum,
My 14 year olds class also goes on a 2 week trip abroad for 8th grade graduation. I am nervous about it but have decided to let her go. I am sending her with all her medications plus a steroid that she can take if she starts to have a flare. I am also going to send lomotil and zofran. The lomotil does not work that great for her but it does help a bit and the zofran in case she experiences nausea. Her teacher who is accompanying them knows everything and if necessary will get her medical treatment. If your daughter is stable and doing well now I would probably let her go.

 

[Grant]

Rainbowmum, I would say its a great opportunity for her. You never know it may take her mind off of things & be really beneficial. I'm assuming the school is insisting on everyone having an EHIC card, the card entitles the holder to state-funded (sometimes free) medical care, where it is deemed medically necessary. Good luck to her
Grant

 

[Lisa]

When I was 16 I spent 6 weeks in Finland traveling from relative to relative during summer vacation. Flew over myself and back - but spent my time with my Aunts and also with friends I made while there...and had a BLAST!.....

I think if a child is old enough to take responsibility for taking their medications (and knowing the potential ramifications if they don't), and will be supervised, AND is in reasonable health - there shouldn't be too much resistance to them taking the trip.

I did also travel to Finland when I was in my 20's and flaring - BUT I didn't let that stop me from having a good time.....

 

[DustyKat]

When is the excursion?

If it were me I would give her the chance to go. If there are only limited places chances are there will be a waiting list so if you had to pull out at the lat minute another child could take her place and you could get your money back. I know that is not what it's about though but just something to think about.

My son was booked to go on a school trip when he was diagnosed with CD. So instead of going to Sydney for a week he got to spend the week being poked and prodded to the nth degree! Not a good substitute at all! :eek2:

I did allow him to go on an excursion to Sydney, same time (12hrs) round trip as yours, exactly 4 weeks after having an open bowel resection. I was a tad hesitant at the time but he had already missed out on so much and had had such a hard time of things, he was in quite poor physical condition at the time, that I couldn't bear to disappoint him. The teachers knew what he had been through, where he was at in his recovery, what the post op limitations were, what to look out for and what meds he was taking. They were keen for him to go and looked after him wonderfully well. All went according to plan and he had a great time, sure, he was tired when he got back but it was the best thing ever for his confidence and I think it was just what he needed to feel "normal" again.

Dusty. xxx

 

[dannysmom]

I would ask about chaperoning ... but that is even if my child did not have Crohn's.