Community Forum

I am a U.C patient, I have been sick since I was twelve and am now twenty four. I am currently a mother, a wife and also a full time student.
I am majoring in Elementary Education, I recently met with my teaching adviser. I have roughly two years left until I am finished with my bachelors. She told me due to my ulcerative colitis that I should rethink going into teaching because I will have to leave class to use the restroom often.
What do you teachers do about this problem?
Is it hard to teach while living with a flare up?
To you parents out there, how would you feel about your child being taught by a person with U.C. who may have to abruptly leave the class unattended to use the facilities?
Any advise and words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

 Reply posted for mommy2twinz.

Hi there.  I actually read your post from my classroom but did not respond because I don't respond from school.  You can do it!!!  I've been teaching for 16 years and have been diagnosed with crohns and ulcerative colitis for only 2 years.  I know I've had it since college.  I tell my friends at work as needed.  My class is in the middle of two wonderful teachers and when I need to leave the room I just open a door and they look over my class.  Stress plays a major factor in my disease and teaching is soooo stressful but I choose to stay in it because if I didn't I would be stressed about something else.  I teach regular ed grade one and I have LD students in my room.  Where I teach everyone is mainstreamed so even if you do go into Special Ed you may still have a regular ed class with children with special needs.  I don't think it's the parents business to know yours!!!!!  You're in charge, not them.  I hope you do go into the field, it is very rewarding.  I have two girls and would have loved to stay home when they were little but unfortunately it wasn't in the cards.  Teaching is an awesome career!  Good luck.

ngc

 Reply posted for Concerned Mom.

Don't let the advisor tell you what you can or cannot do.  I am a fifth grade teacher and was diagnosed with crohns last year.  I took a year off because I didn't think I could do it but I am back and all is well.  Just take lots of lomotil and plan bathroom trips around recess and prep time.  You will be OK!

 Reply posted for Concerned Mom.

Thank you. Actually I have considered special needs teaching because I have a special place in my heart for those children. I am planning on first getting my general ed. done and teaching in a regular classroom and possible eventually going back and getting my certification in Special Ed., my hubby is L.D. and I would love to help those students. I love instilling confidence in young minds while others may discourage.
I am not sure which way I will go general elementary ed. or special ed. but I know once I am out there, I will know which is my true calling. I just know I don't want to give up, I want children to see me as a motivator, and I think sometimes a person with health issues has just the right edge to go that extra mile to care.
Thanks!

 Reply posted for teacher74.

Thanks! I needed that. I just was surprised that my adviser who allegedly has stomach issues and has taught elementary school would tell me to reconsider. I appreciate the advise!

 Reply posted for mommy2twinz.

Don't let U.C. control you!  I am an elementary teacher with Crohn's and I am also a mother.  I have been teaching for 10 years, with Crohn's for 7 of those and have had flare-ups, surgeries, etc. during that time.  Technically, I had Crohn's but, was misdiagnosed while still in college (in 1998) Does it make it difficult sometimes...yes.  But, it is so worth it.  Other teachers are more than welcoming and willing to help when need be.  I explain to them what the problem is and I have never met one that hasn't been understanding.  As for parents, there is no need to tell them anything about your condition, in fact I would recommend it.  The same as for when you are interviewing for a job.  They do not have a right to know at that time.  I know that may sound harsh but, I don't want to see you be prejudged and many will do just that.  Your love for teaching children should not be defined my your disease!  Follow your dreams!

 Reply posted for mommy2twinz.

My 9 year old daughter has Crohns and last year a teacher in her hallway also had the disease.  The other teachers would help her out and "cover" for her when she needed to use the restroom.  Have you considered being a reading specialist or a special needs teacher?  It might be easier to manage your disease if you are not in charge of an entire classroom.  I have a friend who is a reading specialist and it gives her lots of flexibility.  Just a thought.