A Day In The Life of a Chronically Ill and Disabled Teacher

So recently I was back in hospital following a Crohn’s and adrenal insufficiency issue – I will share more soon – and I am now back at work. I thought I would share a day in the life of what I get up to! Obviously, every day can be totally different depending on how I am feeling and just what comes with the job – but here is my Monday for you!

5.49an

Wake up! I’m currently on a reducing course of prednisone and for some reason my body clock now believes 5.30am is the perfect time to wake up. It is actually working out quite nicely as it means I can take my morning medication and lay in bed for 20-30 mins and hope they kick in, just waking myself up and getting ready for the day mentally!

6.15am

Shower and bad change. Normally I do this at night but because of this heatwave we are having I’ve decided to do it this morning so I feel a bit fresher first thing. I change my bag every time I shower and it’s always something I have to think about an plan – it takes a lot of spoons but also there is a time factor added on so when trying to get ready for work this can be a juggling act!

7.15am

Breakfast time! I have to take my steroids on a full stomach so eating breakfast can’t be skipped! I usually have cereal, toast, croissants or cinnamon swirls.

7.30am

Drive to work. I normally listen to a podcast or audiobook while I get ready for and drive to work.

8.00an

Once I’m in work and have my stuff put away I get together the stuff I need for the day. Currently my team teacher is off so I make sure her class is resourced too and check in with the supply.

8.35am

Children start arriving so I have a catch up with them and then do the register.

9am

First lesson is maths and we are currently tackling decimals. It goes really well and I’m super proud of them!

10am

Break. I’m on duty 3/5 days a week which can be tricky to manage when my bag needs an empty. My colleagues are all amazing though, so if I let them know I’m nipping to the toilet they understand why!

10.15am

We have shared reading and then English lessons. Again all goes well and the children are enjoying our current book ‘The Wild Robot’.

12pm

Lunch! Time for a toilet break (sometimes two), some food, medication and a cup of tea top up! I also have a bottle for squash on my desk at all times that I fill up from the water cooler. Staying hydrated with an ostomy is hard enough and the hot weather lately hasn’t helped! I finish up by making sure everything is ready to go for the afternoon lessons!

12.45pm

Back from lunch so we do the register and a Mastering Number session.

1.05-2.45pm

This afternoon we do a Geography lesson on Spain’s climate and then a PSHE lesson. My bag has filled up during the lesson so I quickly radio SLT and someone comes to cover me while I go and empty it.

2.45pm

It is assembly time and I take a few of the year 4s to do some small group arithmetic work. They are enjoying it so much they ask for more questions to take home and practice!

3.15pm

Home time but my day isn’t done.

First I sit down and mark the books from the day that I didn’t get round to when live marking.

Then I make sure everything is printed out for the next day. As we are going swimming tomorrow afternoon, I get the paperwork and spare kits etc that I need ready too.

I have a quick tidy up of the tables and mark yesterday’s arithmetic tests. This put a smile on my face as they’ve done brilliantly!

5.30pm

Home time! Again, will listen to a podcast or audiobook in the car and enjoy the air-con!

6.00pm

Home and start making the dinner! Tom has a cuppa ready for when I get in – he”s a keeper!

7.30pm

Some TV after dinner and I do a little bit of cross stitch to relax.

9pm

Shower time – as it has been so hot I need to shower again but try and ensure my stoma bag stays as dry as possible as I will change it again in the morning! It dries pretty quickly in this heat but you can use a hair dryer to speed up the process if need be!

9.30pm

I go to bed, have a little Tik Tok scroll and then have a good read! I’m currently reading the latest Miranda Rijks book and loving it! Medication taken and alarm set, I will read until I fall asleep – night night!

The Spoonie Mummy