Help! returning to work teaching

[bladder]

I am a primary teacher and will most likely return to work after being off for a few months. I am concerned about my frequent trips to the washroom. My principal says to write a letter to the parents. I am concerned they will think it is a safety issue with my leaving the classroom unattended to run to the washroom. Any comments? Suggestions? Does anyone carry or wear a bracelet that says they have IC and must use the washroom?

[dmarie]

I teach too!

I teach first grade and was diagnosed in Oct 06. I missed two days of work due to IC and that was for my diagnostic hydro. I have moderate to severe IC and my symptoms have improved greatly with treatment and I am able to work full-time. Some flare days, my first graders get a lot more potty breaks. We go as a whole class! Other times, I have my next door neighbor stand in the hallway between our classes so that there is still supervision. I've made this work because I LOVE my job!!!!

Dawn

[beandip]

I am a teacher with the same problem. I teach secondary kids, but I still don't want to leave them alone and no one wants to cover for me because everyone is exhausted and overworked. There are no real answers here. I am taking hydroxine at night and elmiron and my frequency is not as bad. Can a teacher cover for you? Can you set up a system where someone stops by to relieve you every hour. I have considered disability, but I am so young and I just don't want to be disabled. I am newly diagnosed and back to work for a month, but they gave me a student teacher, which is tremendous, but I won't have that next year.

Can you get set up in a two teacher situation? We have a class within a class with a special school teacher where kids are being included in a regular environment. I volunteered for that so at least 2 hours of the day, I'll have another teacher in my room so I can go to the bathroom.

I've also considered adding a library degree onto my teaching certificate. Also a job where you might be able to go to the bathroom more often and still be in your retirement system. These are all things I have considered..

I hope things get better!
Colleen

[bladder]

Thanks for the ideas! I love teaching so I am looking for options. If the IC becomes a problem I will be looking at librarian positions, learning assistant, or prep jobs. I do know that I feel better when I am moving or walking around. I rarely sit at my desk as I teach Kindergarten. Sitting for long periods seems to bother me - back pain and cramping.

[Bethrlk]

Hi! I am an elementary teacher in NJ, with a very supportive principal. For the past 3 years, I have been teaching in a classroom with a restroom - I also have a paraprofessional, so if I have to run the the bathroom 10+ times during the school day, I can.:woohoo:

Before speaking to my principal, and getting the classroom with a bathroom, I would constantly run down the hall to the restroom, and feel guilty and stressed out...I am so glad I discussed my IC with my administration.

Each year, we have a parent orientation in my school district the week before school starts. I make sure to hand out a letter about the classroom, curriculum, etc., but I also include my illness, so the parents are aware - I used to feel shameful letting people know - like I was looking for sympathy....but most parents are very supportive.

Hugs,
Beth