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Hi.  I was just wondering if there area any teachers out there suffering with crohns, colitis, and/or any other form of ibd.  I teach First Grade.  Last year I had thirty children.  I had gone back full time after job sharing for five years and it threw me for a loop!  Stress plays a major role in my flare ups.  Needless to say, teaching is very stressful.  Any stories, coping strategies, or thoughts to share?  Have a great day!

ngc

 Reply posted for ngc249.

I am a teacher in AZ.  During my teaching career I have endured...pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, gastritis, diverticulosis, c-diff, and of course severe crohn's.  Yes there are days that are horrible but then there are the days it all goes well.  In-spite of Crohn's, I believe in the utmost positive vibes and the best life can offer.  Hang in there?

 Reply posted for pukele5.

Good luck with Humira.  It worked for my crohns but unfortunately it gave me neurological side effects after about a year.  Thanks for all of the supportive words,  I'm trying to have the attitude that this lousy disease is not going to let me down!!

ngc

 Reply posted for ngc249.

hi i'm a teacher's aid in special education.  i am not always left alone with the students but i do spend a lot of time alone in the classroom.  i have had chrons for 30 years and am raising 3 kids alone.  key people i work with know about my chron's issues and cover for me.  i'm lucky to be feeling pretty good right now.  when i am sick i get tired and cranky.  my class are middle schoolers and they know when i'm not well and give me a break .  i just started humira and i hope it works.  i live a full life!  i am very active because i refuse to let chron's get me down.  hope this helps.

 Reply posted for Miss Harlow.

Thank you so much for your kind words (and you others).  I'm hoping this year goes better.  I have to remember to listen to my body and if I'm sick I need to take time off and not let it get out of control.  Good luck to you also!  I'll be in touch!

ngc

 Reply posted for ngc249.

This post was so helpful for me.  I was diagnosed with Crohns right after I finished my student teaching and had to take the next year off because I was too sick. I doubted that I would ever go back but as some else said I had to.  Can't let the Crohns win!  I am now back in the schools as a long-term sub which is more of a full time teaching position.  I am responsible for everything that the normal teacher would do.  I am also working on my M.Ed.  I work in 5th grade am very worried about emergency bathroom problems and field trips.  I am already anticipating taking about 6 lomoits prior to any sort of bus ride with the kids.  Any advice?

 Reply posted for ngc249.

I am a teacher with UC. For the past few years I have managed to get by with just mild flares every fall.  However, when I had a few years when I had to change my schedule (got out of the classroom and into a supervisory role) because there was no way I could stay in a classroom for more than 20-30 min at a time due to my symptoms.  Plus, I was missing too much school and that gave me more stress.
I went from classroom teacher (8 years) to supervisory  teacher (6 years) to reading teacher (3 years and counting).  As a reading teacher I have small groups and and feel more in control of my schedule.  I will go back to the supervisory type position if I have a long term flare again however I have decided that, if I do, I will have surgery and be done with this.
I tell my administration and peers that I may need to count on about my UC. At this point we all work together well.  I support them when they are sick, tired, stressed, etc and they do the same for me.

 Reply posted for ngc249.

Fellow teacher,

You are the Teacher of the Year!

A fifth grade science teacher I am in Miami, Florida. You are absolutely correct, high stress levels of being a public school teacher does contribute greatly to recurrences. Recently, I was placed on annual medical leave for the upcoming 2009-2010 school year because of a blood clot and due to my Crohn's inability to remain in remission. My Crohn's was in remission for a few years but since I decided to take a break from being a public health scientist and give back to our children in education, I am unhappy to say that my Crohn's flares up continuously never really going into complete remission. I will keep you in my prayers because like you, I am aware that it is not easy teaching and having irritable bowel disease. Make sure to take good care of yourself first. Like many of us here, last year I worked daily even when ill and I did it because I am aware that if we are not there, our students can not learn what is needed for achievement. I also wanted to demonstrate for my students, that even during difficult times, dedication and consistency in what you do and believe in is important and can take you a long way in life. Therefore, against doctors request, at school I remained because my students success is dear to me as I am sure, yours are to you. However, being chronically ill, we have to know when to take a pause to make sure we are okay not only in body but also in mind and spirit. You are a champion and an inspiration to all including myself and to your students. If you would like to e-mail personally, my email address is Junglered @msn.com.  I will keep you in my prayers and continue to ask God for the strength to endure because he is a healer and he will fix it all for the betterment of you, my dear.

 God Bless You :)

 Reply posted for MaryAnn.

Thanks so much for your input.  I'm just going to do the best I can right now.  There aren't any jobs like that in the system i work in.  Thanks again and good luck with your degree.  You'll love it!!!

ngc

 Reply posted for 2Inspire.

Thank you so much for your response.  Isn't it ironic that we have this disease and the 2nd most stressful job on earth.  The first one being air traffic controller.  That's what I heard anyway.  Have a great rest of the summer and thank you so much for the advice.  You definitely know how my school runs!  Have a great day!

ngc

 Reply posted for ngc249.

Hi NGC,

  Yes, teaching can be stressful.  For me, it was, and I say was, because I chose to retire early.   I want less stress and more time with the kids.  So, thats what Im going to do.  All "bosses" at schools are  concerned about scores and their jobs.  This stress rolls down to the teachers.

   I taught 1st/2nd last year, 31 kids. Great kids, but I had to get "order" and good behavior the first weeks of school down pat.

Be sure to take care of yourself.  ALWAYS eat lunch!!  Dont let "stuff" at school get in the way of you eating peacefully.  In my experience, this matters. 

Set yourself up to be organized so you dont lose papers from the office, principal.  Allow your responsible kids to help you...checking homework, cleaning person, etc.  Your day will get busier, and busier.  Those few minutes will help you.  Buddy up with a teacher to "lean on" for support and getting organized.   Also, your buddy can help with watching the kids, if you need to use the bathroom.   Put your "backs" together. :-)

   Just ideas that helped me.   Good luck and keep those kids first. :-)

JP

 Reply posted for ngc249.

NGC, Hi,

                 I'm going to college for my Bachelors Degree, but I have taught preschool. I have an Associates Degree in Early Childhood EDU. It is very stressful. I want to be a reading tutor when I graduate. Yes, the stress is just too much for me. I decided I'd rather work with a small group of children. I needed my Bachelors degree to do this. I did tutor some last summer with my Associates degree, but I know I can make better money at tutoring with a Bachelors degree. I wish you the best of luck, and take some time out for you. God Bless Mary Ann