linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
We are thinking seriously about moving our kids, ages 13 and 15 to a new school next year. They are lyme-free since doing Bionic tx last Oct.
They are much better and have been doing heavy metal detox and re-building of the immune system with an md specializing in all the above.
We think with the progress they have made, they should be physically able to handle a more demanding schedule and tougher school academically.
I wonder though if we are not pushing them along too fast and should wait another year to be sure they are ready.
They are currently at a small 'homeschool-on-wheels' type school, close to home, which is very sympathetic about all our issues. However, the kids are not getting a good education. They both agree and want to move to a more traditional type school.
We have two schools in mind. One pricipal understands lyme and even suggested exempting them from PE. This school is farther away, and would be a longer commute, up in the am earlier, less sleep etc.
The other principal didn't understand lyme and even after explaining it to him, he kept pointing to our absences in Oct. I kept saying, 'we were in Germany for a month for lyme tx.' There was even a letter from Dr. Woitzel, and another llmd with the application.
Then we got a lecture on the importance of good attendance. He didn't want to excuse them from PE, but reluctantly said ok with the drs. excuse, which I already have.
It felt like an appt. with an IDSA doc trying to get through to this guy.
On the plus side, this school is closer to home and would be a shorter, less stressful commute, more sleep etc.
Both schools are in the same school system, so curriculums are practically identical.
It is important to me for the administration of the school to at least try to 'get it' when dealing with these issues.
Even though both kids are now lyme-free, we all know relapse is possible with stress, both emotional and physical.
I have become neurotic about this disease (I have had it too-20 years) and never know when to let-go, and what is ok and what isn't. I know they cannot live life in a bubble.
Sorry to get so wordy, but I am at a loss and we are at 'decision time.' I know many of you guys have dealt with similar issues and wonder what you would do?
Thanks for listening. Any advice would be most appreciated.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
17hens
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23747
posted
Linky,
Sounds like you're between a rock and a hard place.
#1 Convenient, bad education #2 Not convenient, understands lyme, better education #3 Convenient, doesn't understand lyme, better education
Personally I would go with #2, but it wouldn't be an easy decision as I totally understand the sleep and stress issues.
My friend's son has lyme and the public school has put him back to 5 hours a day because a full schedule was too much for him. Would this school do that if it became too much for your kids?
Or would the school consider scheduling their classes so if they needed to miss their first class (so they could sleep in) it wouldn't be hard to catch up?
It just sounds like the principle at #2 would work with you if symptoms started again. What would happen if you had a principle who wouldn't? You'd have to pull them out and start over if they got flare-ups.
Tough one. I don't envy you.
I'm sure you'll make the right decision!
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
| IP: Logged |
tick battler
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 21113
posted
I would probably agree to go with #2 like 17hens says unless they are entirely symptom free and able to participate in sports, etc.
What is the difference in commuting time?
If you already have concerns about the classload, PE, etc., then you probably want to be in a lyme-friendly place.
Congrats on getting your kids lyme free! I hope to be there someday.
tickbattler
Posts: 1763 | From Malvern, PA | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
kidsgotlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23691
posted
If you went with option #3 and the children started having problems again, wouldn't you have to switch back to option #1 again anyway?? Would if really matter at that point if the principal was on board?
Just thinking out loud. I understand the hard decisions regarding schooling.
We were planning on having a big academic load this coming fall, but I've had to cut back because of treatment.
Be blessed.......Christie
-------------------- symptoms since 1993 that I can remember. 9/2018 diagnosed with Borellia, Babesia Duncani, and Bartonella Hensalae thru DNA Connections. Posts: 1470 | From Tennessee | Registered: Dec 2009
| IP: Logged |
linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
Unfortuantely, both schools are pretty rigid as far as scheduling. I don't think we could miss the first class of the day.
I am leaning torward the lyme-friendly school, as they might work with us if we have a problem. Maybe let us homeschool their curriculum for a while if need be. I just don't know.
My son is already repeating 9th grade due to this past year's tx, illness etc.
So much to think about and no clear answers. Thanks for the advice
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic