United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello My daughter is going in to have surgery done on march 8th and I am having trouble with the school. The dr sent them a note saying she would need to be out for 8 to 12 weeks and if they had any questions contact them. I have called and gone in person and asked them if they needed anything else to set up for a teacher to come into our home and continue her education. They have told me no we just need the letter from the dr. Well they now have sent me papers that they need filled out before they can determine if she really needs to be out of school. The whole form asks the same questions that they already have the answers for in the letter from the dr. I was wondering if anyone else has had trouble with schools giving them the run around?

Tonia (Vali lobpi)

Tonia,
My son was not school age when he had his surgeries, but I am confused as to why she needs to be out of school so long. These kids are resilient and bounce back quickly. She is twelve, that should emilinate the problem of her not sticking up for herself. If she is in middle school and changes classes, she might be able to leave class earlier than everyone else so she doesn't get hurt in the hallways......maybe someone with a older child could help. As far as the schools, they really don't have a choice, the doctor does, they probably won't send a teacher though, most of the time here in Illinois, they give the child a laptop computer to use and internet so they can turn in there work. I would ask the doctor why she needs to be out so long......and then make a parent decision !!!! Gayle
mom of Brandon 7 ROBPI !

I am so sorry, I don't know how I got the idea of her being twelve, how old is she, what grade etc......sorry, I must be seeing things.....Gayle

I am not sure what age your child is and which surgery, but I was school age for three of my 4 surgeries and the most I was ever out was a week. My first was a week before I turned seven and the other two were at age 11, and 12. I would go mad not being able to go to school. Why does the dr. want her out for 8 to 12 weeks? I know I had no recess for a couple months for my second surgery but was allowed to go to school.

Good luck figuering every thing out!
Amy 18 ROBPI from MN

I'm sorry my daughter is 9 and in third grade. The dr said that she would need to be out that long in order to recover completely. He also said that if they would monitor her condition and as soon as she was able to they would release her to go back to school. I just thought that it was normal for them to need to be out of school. They said she was going to be casted in the (statue of liberty) position. Also my school was the one to suggest that they send in a teacher to home school her. They are afraid she is going to get bumped or something I guess. Now they are giving us a hard time and acting like we are asking them for too much. I told them about the surgery in November and I give them all of her appt time and dates at least two to three months ahead. I just feel like they don't think it is important for her to have surgery. The teacher she has this year has given us a hard time about her missing school for pt and ot and neither her nor the nurse seem to know that Valentina had a brachiel plexus injury. I am venting so I am sorry that I am rattling on. It just upsets me that my daughter has been going to this school for almost three years and has had this teacher for a half a year and no one seem to know that she had something wrong with her left hand. I even sent in a copy of the print out for the school. I will call dr and see why they are expecting her to be out that long. Thank you for your responses and listening to me vent

Tonia

I totally agree about the fear of bumping issue, however, if they bump her in the SOL splint, they will get hurt more than her. That cast is indestructable. TRUST ME, my wild child had mod at 14 1/2 months and did everything possible to try and break it. I would really argue with the doctor about the need to stay out so long. I can see no PE or recess, (possibly the reason for the school suggesting that she needs to be tutored at home.) this would mean they have to get a aide to stay in with her, that might be too hard for some teachers. My son went back to very normal activities while still in the hospital.......we were running all over the place chasing him, he would have drove me crazy if I had to keep him home for that long. You will find this with your daughter too I am sure. Talk to the doctor and see if he will budge.....I am sure he will tell you to play it by ear and see how she does, I am sure that 8-12 weeks out of school is TOO LONG !!! What Doc is oding the surgery? Gayle

tonia,
jade was in full time day care for the most part of her recovory time. She did well. Jade will be having surgery next yeare most likely. I will keep her out of 1st grade for 2 weeks. Any thing more then that would drive jade and i crazy. I can't tell you what to say to the teacher.Maybe a meeting with all involved. Maybe they just don't know the facts. good luck to you and your duaghter.

When I had my second surgery I was in an airplane splint for 6 weeks I think, then a pillow for another 6 weeks. No recess the entire time so I stayed in with my teacher. We became very good friends. I was allowed to help my teacher with her filing if I wanted or could use the time to catch up on homework. Or my teacher and I would just talk. Same for PE, some times I would go watch the class but most of the time I stayed back in the room. This would work if your daughter likes her teacher. Also the teacher would get a chance to learn about your daughter.

Good luck with every thing!!!
Amy 18 ROBPI from MN

I have witnessed your troubles with several of my students. What should be most effective for you is to arrange a principal, parent, teacher and a medical professional conference with the school. That medical professional should probably be the PT or OT that will treat your child during that 8 - 12 week period, based on a prescription from the surgeon. I have seen this produce great results; don't leave the meeting until you are completely satisfied with a written agreement with signatures from all parties.

I was 14 and was out for 10 days full time, then had few days where I went 1/2 days. So about 2 weeks before I was back at school like "normal". I was in an airplane splint and was afraid of being bumped, so the teachers let me leave a few minutes earlier with a friend to get to my next class/lunch room... for the bathroom, my best friend came with me and helped me if I needed it. But really, being out that long (8-12 weeks) would drive me crazy, especially at 9 yrs old.
Good luck,
Marieke (30 yrs old, LOBPI)