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| All of you teachers out there...how do you cope? |  | ||
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Posted by: momof2boys ® 06/06/2008, 20:57:58 |
I'm a special education teacher who has been diagnosed locally as being ABSD, but I'm awaiting confirmation/treatment at Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis. How many of you teachers out there have had to quit your job because of the disorder? I asked my surgeon on Monday if he thought I'd be able to return to teaching, and he said he couldn't give me an answer until I go to Mayo. My question is...what do you do if you have had to quit teaching? I have a double major, but what teaching position doesn't require you to speak all day long? For those of you still teaching, what assistive technology do you use? My surgeon told me he hasn't seen a case this severe...really encouraging! Thanks for your help. |
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Posted by: wolfe ® 06/06/2008, 23:17:17 |
I'm an elementary librarian and teach about 20 classes of thirty minutes every week. When I was diagnosed I went straight to the 504 person for our district and asked for a speaker system. We have had them in our schools for more than five years, but never one in the library. It wasn't a problem getting it either. I use it constantly and even have it on when I am talking one on one. Without it I am exhausted at the end of the day. And right after a shot I wouldn't be able to be heard two feet away. This fall I am getting an FM system which I hear is incredible. It is against the law to fire you because you can't speak well! Reasonable accomodations must be made. If you absolutely cannot communicate it is a different issue, but you need to hang in there. If you are not a member of your professional organization, you need to be. Don't just give up your job! Educators come in all shapes and sizes and abilities. And good special ed teachers are very hard to find. Now for the downside. I don't think it would be right for me to let you think it is easy. It isn't. I think about quitting every time I get to the end of the botox effectiveness. But there are people out there who have it a lot rougher than I do who keep on keeping on, so I resolve to keep on also. The start of every school year I explain to my classes that I have a "brain" disease that causes my vocal cords to behave spastically. I explain the shots. I explain that right after the shots I won't be as easy to get along with (Ha!) because I am very short on air and can't get words out easily. But there are lots of people who can't do lots of stuff, so you just need to be considerate and helpful. And raise your hand if you don't understand what i say. There is always one or two who have to test me. It is kind of amazing how a handicapping condition really allows insight into the character of others. But I am real straight with them about picking on the handicapped--or specially abled, if you will--and they don't generally do it more than once. I hope you feel more able to cope with SD after you go to Mayo Clinic. I don't think your surgeon should have told you you are the worst case he has ever seen. There are only about 50,000 of us in the US, so who knows how many cases he has seen! But,the bottom line is-- it isn't fatal! It changes your entire life, but generally I feel that MOST of the changes that have happened to me are for the better. I know it sounds PollyAnna-ish, but in many ways I am a better person for having had SD. By the way, there are many working teachers with SD. Take care.
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Posted by: magistramarla ® 06/07/2008, 10:18:07 |
I'm the Latin teacher in a very large high school in San Antonio, Texas. I teach six 40 minute classes a day of a foreign language. I've also thought about quitting, but Latin teachers are hard to find, and if I leave, my Latin program, which I've built since we opened the school, might die.
I loved what Wolfe said, and I approach it in much the same way. At the beginning of the year I have a talk with my classes about SD, but I also have to explain Meniere's syndrome and Spinocerebellar Ataxia, since my SD is all part of a package caused by my neurological disorder. I use a cane, and I fairly often get vertigo and fall down in front of my classes, so they have to get used to not laughing too hard while picking me up! Forget the rules about not touching students - I often hold onto their shoulders to keep my balance as I walk around their desks, or one offers me an arm when walking in the hall. My kiddos get very protective about me, especially the Latin III/IV group, since they have me as a teacher for 3 or 4 years - we even go on road trips together to Latin competitions! It is amazing how understanding teenagers can be when you are up-front with them. Since I'm honest with them, they tend to trust me and many of them come to me with their own problems. I've been very lucky with the speaking. I used to be a singer, so I've used the techniques that I learned then in the classroom. In large classes, I work at projecting my voice to the bookcase in the back of the room, and those kiddos hardly notice my problem. It's the small-group classes of Latin III & IV that really notice when I'm breathy, since I'm trying to talk to just 10 kids in level III or 5 kids in level IV. Luckily, those are the ones who know me best. I've had botox shots, and some days they work so well that I read a myth aloud to my Latin I classes the next day. Other times, I'm breathy and grumpy and it's worksheet time! I always have alternate lesson plans ready for bad days. I'm very lucky that I have a supportive administration - the principal and I have been good friends for many years. She's just very happy to have a Latin teacher, so I'll try to hang in there for a while longer until UT graduates a few new Latin teachers! My husband and I are hoping to move back to the North or maybe even overseas if the AF has something there for him, but I'll probably still try to teach for a while after we move, just because I love doing it. As Wolfe said, good special ed teachers are also hard to find, and if you love what you are doing as much as I do, you should hang in there and do it! Marla |
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Posted by: TMK ® 06/07/2008, 08:56:42 |
When I was diagnosed in Jan. 2007 I was teaching fifth grade. At that time I had absolutely NO voice which made teaching VERY difficult. I managed with the use of the computer for a while - I typed instructions for the entire class instead of talking. I also recorded my husband reading things like the spelling tests. I stopped teaching because of the stress it was putting on me and my voice. I just couldn't do it any more. Botox shots didn't really seem to help me too much but now, with the help of speech therapy and Botox (my last shot was almost a year ago) I am speaking relatively normally. Just to let you know - I have a very severe case of ABSD also. My speech therapist who has worked with many (okay - about 70) AB patients over the years said that my case was very severe and that I might never talk "normally" again. She said this over the course of about 9 or 10 months of therapy - she didn't say it at the beginning. However, I did get a pretty normal voice back! Don't let a diagnosis get you down. Keep working if you want to or need to and get a good microphone system. The district should provide one for you during class time. I also purchased a personal amplifier which would probably work well in the hallways, etc. It is a Spokeman. You can do a search online and find places that sell it. In my experience, the microphone for the SPokeman can also work with larger systems for the classroom so you don't have to switch microphones all the time. Good luck with your teaching or whatever you decide to do! TMK
Related link: In My Dreams I Can Talk |
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Posted by: momof2boys ® 06/08/2008, 14:37:11 |
Thank you for all of the positive feedback. I'm planning on returning in the fall if the Botox shots are effective. I absolutely LOVE "my kids" I work with. At this point, using a sound enhancement system would only amplify my horrible sounding voice. I had to put on a luncheon for Shriner's Ladies recently, and they were horrified when they heard me speak into the microphone. Since it was Spasmodic Dysphonia awareness week, I took advantage of letting them know what was wrong with me. After the luncheon, I had to run to a baby shower. Many of my relatives had not heard me speak and they were in complete shock! I'm so frustrated with people asking...are you sick...you sound horrible...have you had a stroke? Some people are so rude! What do you say to them? momof2boys |
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Posted by: Keith ® 06/08/2008, 14:14:24 |
Hi, I also have AB, and had a very difficult time for a few years before I found a doctor who was really able to help me with botox. I underwent a period of speech therapy that helped me and during that time I used a wireless mic system in the classroom. Now, I don't even use that anymore. I get my botox shots at regular intervals and thus am able to maintain a pretty consistent voice at all times. I can tell when it's time to get the next shot, but I've been able to continue teaching since being diagnosed with SD back in the 2002-03 school term. Don't lose hope! Are you planning on receiving botox shots at the clinic? AB is, as you probably know, treatable with botox but is also more difficult to treat than AD. Not all physicians who treat for AB experience the same degree of success. I had to find this out the hard way. Best of luck to you. If you want to talk off the board at all, please email me at:
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Posted by: lhaman ® 06/08/2008, 18:06:27 |
I am a teacher who was diagnosed in 2006. I have Botox treatments but it is a struggle. My district did provide me with an amplifying sound system for my classroom. I still struggled when I was outside for PE, in the library, in the computer lab, etc. 2006-2007 was my toughest year teaching. Last spring I pursued a job outside the classroom and became a mathematics curriculum specialist this year. It is a two year position and is much easier on my voice. I now have a Chattervox portable speaker system that I use for teacher training. After next year, I will try to remain out of the classroom, but if that is not possible I will return for about four years, the time I have left until retirement! I know I can do it! You don't have to give up, but realize that it does take patience. The Botox works for me, but I do have a few weeks after treatment where I cannot teach. My Dr. left in May and I had a treatment by the new Dr. last week. It does not seem to have done anything. So this may be a trial in the year to come! Good luck and hang in there! |
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Posted by: Faye Casanova ® 06/08/2008, 20:46:48 |
I teach second grade. I began having problems with my voice in Oct. 2004. I began botox injections in June 2005. The botox helps, but sometimes it doesn't work.
I purchased an inexpensive headset amplifier system, which helped with cafeteria duty. I use a wireless "Redcat" speaker/microphone system in my classroom, provided by the school. I use a whistle on the playground, and use lots of hand motions. I put lots of instructions on the board, and I use technology with a promethean smart board. I am also upfront with my students. At the beginning of the year, I discuss how each of us is different and unique. It goes right along with getting to know each other. I explain my condition and tell about the injections, etc., so they will know what to expect. I also think about quitting all the time. I feel like it is hard on my students, and it is exhausting for me. Sometimes I feel like the microphone is not enough, and I should go home. Then I hear about other people who inspire me to keep going. My last injection didn't work, and if the next one also doesn't work...I may be applying for disability. I hear that it is difficult to get. I have only one year until eligible to retire, so I hope to be able to make it one more year! I actually dread retiring, because I do enjoy my profession and friends at work. I know exactly how you feel, and I deal with the rudeness out in public places. But at school, everyone knows me and accepts me, so I am happy to be there. However, I feel more and more inadequate these days... |
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Posted by: rod ® 06/12/2008, 14:14:43 |
I can completely relate to your post! I teach 3rd grade, and was diagnosed in Dec'07 with AB/SD. I tried to make it through the end of the school year, but went on medical leave in Apr'08 (using sick days). Like you, volume is not my problem, it is simply that the words do not come out. As Keith mentioned, botox can be especially difficult for AB/SD. I have had 3 injections but so far no benefit. Now for the good news. I have begun working with a great SLP, and I strongly believe that voice therapy can help! I don't know if I will ever get my voice back to 100 percent, but I do believe I can make it strong enough to be successful in the classroom. It sounds like TMK and Keith have both had success with therapy, and I know there are others as well, so keep the faith! If you want more info. feel free to email me at rhall0820@oswego308.org |
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Posted by: mlb828 ® 06/18/2008, 15:01:19 |
I just joined this group and I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. I was just diagnosed with adductor SD and I am seeking treatment. Besides the SD I am blind. I am a teacher of the visually impaired and have loved doing this for 20 years! I can't imagine what impact this diagnosis will have on my students, not to mention my career. Not being able to see has definitely been a nuisance, but I have been able to overcome many obstacles. But, the thought of not being able to communicate effectively is really quite stressful...which of course does not help my voice quality. So, I look forward to exchanging information with this group and wish you the best of luck.
If anyone wants to contact me off the list feel free to do so: mlbork@cox.net |
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Posted by: magistramarla ® 06/19/2008, 12:11:57 |
Wow, Sweetie
You really, truly sound like someone who should check out Botox injections. Have you checked out other people's posts about those? I feel that they are the only thing that's keeping me in the classroom. I deal with multiple disorders, too - SD, Meniere's syndrome and Spinocerebellar ataxia, but you do have a lot to overcome. Good luck, and keep in touch! Marla |
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Posted by: Sybil Rae ® 06/20/2008, 16:32:48 |
I can so relate. As an elementary music teacher I wonder how I get through each day. I wear a small amplifier (Chattervox) and a microphone. I, too, have wondered how I will make the 4 more years to retirement. As far as I know, our school district (in Iowa) doesn't have any sort of disability plan. I am in great shape physically, except for my voice, so I hate to even pursue Social Security Disability.
Keep in touch. Sybil |
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Posted by: Sojourner ® 06/24/2008, 07:17:14 |
I have struggled with voice problems for about seven years. I was misdiagnosed for the first five, spent one year with lots of trial and error attempts, and was formally and correctly diagnosed with ADSD last August. Since then, I have had two BOTOX injections. I respond well and received several months of benefit. The rest of the time (before I was diagnosed and during the side effect and decline stages), I have found a few techniques that helped.
I am new to the BB, but am really enjoying reading others expressing what I am going through. I can elaborate on any of the items above and share any other tips that come to mind. I can be reached at the e-mail address listed below. Carol
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Posted by: Irish ® 06/26/2008, 01:25:22 |
Hi there,
I too am a sp.ed. teacher (learning disabilities) for the past 23 years. I have experienced job discrimination after 12 years at my current school district. My principal called me into his office and said, "I don't like your voice." I was devastated, but you can't keep a good woman down. There were suggestions that I retire, etc. Not looking good, so I enlisted the union lawyer and reps. I should let you know that I am able to teach the kids one-on-one and they understand me. It's all about image. When I was required to meet with the human resource person and the principal, two union reps went with me. One rep stated "I can understand her just fine, what's wrong with you?" God bless her. It was wonderful. Then my union lawyer (married to a teacher) stood up against the district's lawyer (part of an international law firm) and they backed down. My lawyer said that he could make a lot of money off of me if I were to sue. I've been doing fine and they are leaving me alone. Don't ever cave and don't let go of your tenure by moving elsewhere. There is a lot of prejudice out there. You are also a role model for your students so bravo to you. In conclusion, I also wanted to say that I totally agree with Wolfe. Please see my posting under SLAD as I have just had the surgery.
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Posted by: king ® 05/02/2009, 16:29:23 |
Good luck in your teaching position. I know it is upsetting
to communicate without a voice. But people without a voice disorder don't know what it is like not to be able to communicate they should be in are shoes for a day. I have sd, and learning disability a double disability. Thats why I am applying for ssd |
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