As a teacher with a compromised immune system-we can't go back to normal. I have almost died 3 time

[demtenjeep]

in the last 4 years because of school.

Kids come even when they are sick and I have no immune system. As a result, some of the germs they bring manifest itself different in me.

I have had Crohn's for over 15 years now.

in 16 I contracted C-diff that took 4 rounds of antibiotics to clear. I missed 4 months of work. Likely a germ from a kid that wreaked havoc in my body

17 I got Campybactor (SP) that likely was a simple virus one of the kids brought in and my body responded differently. I was in the hospital for a week and the CDC had to call and do contract tracing because the disease is so rare. They said only 2 in Kansas had it that year.

Last year some kids had runny noses and flu like symptoms-I got phenomena

This year in Feb-I came down with Bell's Palsey which is a virus-likely something simple to the kids but havoc for me.




I am not old enough to retire
I love my job
I love my kids
WHY should I risk my life just to do my job???

[onecaliberal]

1. Because Republican Jesus needs money.

[jmg257]

2. Man thats a tough work choice, even in normal times. Good luck - may be time to stay home.

[demtenjeep]

3. I have 4 years

I would like to go out on top

not slunk out because of health

[jmg257]

4. Of course...have to see how it goes. Hopefully you wont need to choose.

[demtenjeep]

5. I hope not

4 years isn't that much when you do a job you love


but when you are immune compromised it could be forever.

[Books_Tea_Alone]

6. I am also a teacher- special education

To children with severe disabilities that will not be able to keep on masks. We absolutely have to be in very close proximity to teach in a 1:1 or 2:1 environment. I'm in the same boat as you age wise. My students do not follow the protocols of covering their cough or sneezing into their elbow. My heart goes out to these parents, however I don't know how we will go back. I have 7 assistants in my room- they cannot be in a room by themselves with the students, a teacher has to be in the room at all times. So we cannot split the class into smaller groupings. If we are screening using thermometers many, many parents over the years have given their children Motrin in the morning and they appear fine during the day until it wears off. I'm sure this happens to regular ed children as well-just to send them in for the day. What then?

I know our union rep is all over this- making sure we are provided with all protective equipment but the fact is we will all be exposed

[redstatebluegirl]

8. My sister is a special ed teacher, she is fearful as well.

She had breast cancer last year so her immune system is not the best. We had this discussion last week about how her kids won't keep masks on or practice social distancing. The first thing they do is want a hug from her.

[demtenjeep]

11. I too am in SPEd. I have the Emotionally Disturbed children...yea they will not keep masks on or

properly social distance.

These are the kids that throw desks, spit at you and cuss you out on an hourly basis



I can't imagine asking "johnny" to please keep your mask on....bwahahaha

[lkinwi]

7. I feel for you.😢

Scott Walker’s Act 10 forced me to retire early or lose the fought for and earned retirement benefits that were in our contract. I wasn’t ready to leave the kids and my classroom, but found solace in substitute teaching for former coworkers and friends. Now that I’m 60+ with type 2 diabetes there most likely will be no more subbing. It sucks!

[SheltieLover]

9. Schools should not reopen imo

Until a safe, effective vaccine is widely administered.

So sorry to hear about your situation. Can ypu go on disability? 😢

[Freddie]

10. What state are you in?

I’m a retired payroll/benefits admin for a Pennsylvania district. If you’re in PA check out PSERS disability. It’s an excellent program, you have to be medically re-certified annually.

[demtenjeep]

12. Kansas

When I had C-diff 4 years ago, it was not a possibility.

Not sure how it would be today but I can go out in 4. Actually if things get really bad, 2 because I can buy my two years in a different state.

I just want to go out on MY terms

[roamer65]

13. Schools definitely should remain closed at least until fall.

[demtenjeep]

14. They are

and our district is discussion Fall opening

Could be a LOT different

[ismnotwasm]

15. Crohn's is such a brutal disease

Unpredictable, painfully debilitating and mostly invisible.
I’m sorry you have it and hope you are able to take good care of yourself