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School and chronic illness?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Beingella
Beingella

I'm 13 with IBS-D and it has a massive effect on my life. I was once an energetic, lively kid who just wanted to have fun. Now I just want to sleep. I'm so tired even though I get at least 10 hours every night and it's terrible. I go to school and I'm so confused, dizzy and tired I can't concentrate. I have headaches for about 3 hours everyday. My muscle ache as I try to get around school without collapsing. The diarrhea is terrible though. I urgently need to go to the toilet. I can't run around like I used to and I'm not having fun. Plus I get terrible heartburn and vomit up saliva sometimes. IBS medication doesn't help much. I just want to be back to normal. How do I cope?

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • jo19531
    jo19531 Beingella

    Posted

    Hi, when u first got ur diagnosis of IBS did u have any tests done?
    • jo19531
      jo19531 Beingella

      Posted

      Could you get a parent to go with u to ur GP and explain? Request further testing? If you aren't responding to IBS meds then they need changing. Can u take immodium? Maybe ur GP could prescribe some, I'm not sure on the recommended age. Either way u should be supported by ur GP to a) check that nothing else is going on and b) to control ur symptoms. You can lose a lot of weight and become dehydrated quickly so u need monitoring. They can also issue u with a toilet pass for school and u need to get a parent to speak to the school nurse so that they are aware of what is happening x
    • Beingella
      Beingella jo19531

      Posted

      thanks Jo! Yeah I think that when I go to school a toilet pass will be needed. Immodium makes me very constipated so I might see my GP soon about the meds.
    • jo19531
      jo19531 Beingella

      Posted

      I hate that GPs say it's IBS without any actual tests. A blood test is useless in that it rarely shows inflammation in the bowel. A stool sample may do, but u should have 3 to ensure it has been thoroughly tested. U should ask for a referral to a gastro team if your symptoms are not copeable, it's difficult for an adult and whilst I hate to use the term child, you are indeed still a child so I should imagine the fear of having an embarrassing accident of passing out is terrifying. Do u live in the UK? X
    • Beingella
      Beingella jo19531

      Posted

      No I live in Australia, where not much is done about health. I had 2 stool tests from 2 different gps and only one bothered to test for inflammation. So it's definately not parasites, cysts or ova. And the first one left it there called me a liar. Very upsetting.
    • jo19531
      jo19531 Beingella

      Posted

      I'm sorry they didn't take u seriously, it must have been very upsetting. Are u able to go back with an adult to ask for further help? I also suffer from brain fog and fatigue as I have vitamin deficiencies due to malabsorption, so it maybe that the constant toilet trips are what leaves u feeling this way if u arent getting enough vitamins and nutrients. It's certainly worth them checking as it's quite common with ibs. It can be very exhausting dealing with IBS I'm afraid sad
  • pat51749
    pat51749 Beingella

    Posted

    It sounds like uou have Chronic Fatique, going by what you describe,you shouldnt be at school, you are ill, aduts and peers shouldnt not pressurise children who can hardly walk to act as normal; if your body is telling you to rest then thats what it needs to recover. A person with Chronic fatique is also more accident prone, eg, in just crossing the road with 'brain fog'

    If the red lights come up on the dashbord of a car ddriving ona motorway, then the normal driver stops the car and phones emergency recovery. To drive on causes major damage tot he engine, how much more important is the human body ? - so much more complicted and harder to repair.

    Your health is No. 1 - nothing else; education is secondary. You only get one shot at your health. Some children are suffering ME/CFIDS at 6 yrs old. and the doctors and parents in the know are giving them home recovery time; not to give the child that could lead to that child having Chronic Fatique for the rest of their lives. ME/CFIDS is a complicated illness that requires the help of experienced and  trained professionals

    • Beingella
      Beingella pat51749

      Posted

      Thanks. I really should take that advice and get some work from home. I think my family might have a long chat at dinner.
    • pat51749
      pat51749

      Posted

      if you havent done so before you need to tell your parents how ill you feel. Your self esteem will suffer trying to keep up at school, (I know as Ive expereinced all of that myself...)if yoru have no energy, concentration, as well as with IBS, Not sure which country you live in - if in the UK theres plenty of places ME/CFS/IBS charities where your parents can get advice by freephone. Here children can get home tutoring too
    • Beingella
      Beingella pat51749

      Posted

      Ive talked to my parents about it, so they think I need to wait it out two months, to let it be 6 months. Then we'll see a doctor. That is pretty annoying though. 
  • graham9772
    graham9772 Beingella

    Posted

    You shouldn't have to cope with such problems.   It sounds like you have found a couple of dud doctors but dont think you have to suffer because of that.  There are good doctors out there who will help you.   Are you in a capital city?

    If you are in a big city I suggest you try one more doctor,  If she is unable to help then I suggest you go to the nearest childrens hospital when you are feeling really bad (so you have lots of symptoms) and tell them the story including the inability of three doctors to help you.   Just front up at emergency and tell that that you are desperate.   If things work well you will get to some really knowledgable people who will help you.

    I had a similar experience with my daughter and eventually did just what I advise.   We eventually had her being treated by one of the leading specialists which was tremendous.    I hope you have the same good fortune.

    Let us know what happens.

    Cheers

     

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