Crohn's Life and School

 Back to school for me as a student with Crohn's was different every year (and not the same as a teacher with Crohn's). My parents don't recall how different my school experience was from my brother's.

Like the year I started on a liquid diet. My mum spoke with my teacher about storing my milkshakes in the fridge. I would request they be heated up, and have my "lunch" in the medical room, for privacy. Or the time I had a feeding tube in and needed naps during breaks.

While the nature of your needs can change year by year, there are ways to make it easier for yourself to engage in school, manage symptoms, and participate in daily activities

For students

1. Open Communication: Inform your teachers, school nurse, and school administrators about your condition. They can provide accommodations and support when needed. Many schools already have policies in place to assist students with chronic illnesses. If you are not sure about how to start this conversation with your school, Crohn's and Colitis UK has this resource you can go through.

2. Create a Medical Plan: Ask your Gastro nurse or doctor to provide written information about your condition. Create a medical plan with your school administrator or teacher. This includes writing down a list of medications, dietary restrictions, emergency contact information, and doctors information. Keep a brief copy in a planner or on a notecard that is easily accessible in case of emergency.

3. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate Crohn's symptoms. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga. Consider joining a support group or speaking with a therapist to help manage stress. Discuss with your teachers any accommodations they could provide, like extra time to submit assessments or rest breaks during exams.

4. Know Your Restroom Locations: Be aware of the locations of restrooms in your school, and if necessary, work with your school to ensure you have easy access to them when needed. You can request access to disabled toilets as part of your medical plan.

5. Stay Organized: Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of assignments, exams, and deadlines. Good organization can help reduce stress and ensure you stay on top of your schoolwork. It also helps you plan to make any accommodation requests in advance of needing them.

6. Support System: Lean on your friends and family for emotional support. Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. You can ask friends for a copy of their notes. In university discuss with the Disabilities team about getting a note taker if you are too shy to ask your new friends.

7. Emergency Plans: Always have a plan in case you have a flare-up or accident at school. This might involve having a trusted friend or family member who can pick you up or knowing the procedures for getting medical attention if necessary or keeping an extra set of uniform in your locker. I used to inform new friends that this information was kept on an emergency card

8. Advocacy: Be your own advocate. If you encounter obstacles or discrimination due to your condition, speak up and seek support from school authorities or advocacy organizations. Be prepared for your teachers to forget. I can recall countless times I had to just walk out of the class to use the bathroom because a teacher refused permission. I would then remind teachers of my accommodations after class if they brought it up.

9. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly (within your limits, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. If you need naps discuss with the school nurse about sleeping during breaks.

For Parents

1. Educate the school staff: It's important to educate the school staff, including teachers, school nurses, and administrators, about your child's condition and any special accommodations they may need. This could include access to a private restroom, permission to carry medication with them, extra time to complete assignments, or rests during physical education class

2. Stick to a routine: Establishing a routine can help manage symptoms and maintain a sense of control over the condition. This could include setting regular times for meals, medication, and rest.

3. Communicate with your child's doctor: Keep your child's doctor informed about their symptoms and any changes in their condition, and follow their advice on managing the condition.

4. Pack carefully: Pack items that can help manage your child's symptoms, such as extra changes of clothes, medication, and any special dietary items.

5. Be mindful of your child's diet: If your child's school provides meals, speak with the cafeteria staff about any special dietary needs.

6. Encourage physical activity: Regular physical activity can help manage stress, improve mood, and maintain overall health. Speak with your child's doctor about what types of activities are appropriate for their condition

7. Absences: It is likely at some point during the school year your child may need time off to attend hospital or for check ups. You discuss teachers providing lesson material or make up work for your child to try during long hospital stays. During my longest stays in hospital the hospital school and my teachers would work together to prepare handouts and lessons for me to keep up. In hindsight I am grateful I was able to keep up with school at my own pace with the help of my nurses, my parents, and my teachers.

Having Crohn's disease can make the start of every school year very different from the last. Be it needing access to medication during the day, requiring naps during lunch, or needing to use the toilet during Maths class. Attending school with Crohn's can be tough, my attendance fluctuated throughout the years. Ensuring you have the right support around can be the difference between keeping up and falling behind. Be realistic about your own limitations and request accommodations when you need them.