Let your teacher know why you’re late. Ask your teacher if you can talk outside of the classroom if you are embarrassed. Remember that teachers are there to help you and letting your instructor know what’s going on can prevent further uncomfortable situations. For example, you could say, “Mr. Newman, could I please speak to you outside about something important?” Once you get out of the classroom, tell the teacher, “I’m very sorry, but I’m having terrible problems with my stomach today. I may need to get up and use the bathroom during class. ” Put your own health first. If you’re having trouble communicating with your teacher or are not receiving the help you need, do not hesitate to put your own wellness first. Do what you need to do in order to manage your diarrhea, even if it means walking out of the class without permission. You should minimize disrupting your classroom and school environment, but your health should be your first priority.
Consider asking to sit on the floor next to the door if necessary. If anyone asks, you can easily say “my back is killing me today and sitting on those chairs makes it worse. ” Avoid making a commotion if you do leave. Get up as gently as possible and quietly open the door to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
You can get full padded briefs, protective underwear, and/or belted undergarments. Choose the undergarment that you like the best, think is the most comfortable, and is the easiest for you to use.
Cover the back of your trousers with your bookbag or shirt until you can get to a bathroom or the nurse’s office to change. Bring identical clothing if you can. For example, if you’re wearing jeans, have another pair handy. If anyone asks, you can say “I ate too much at lunch and my other jeans were uncomfortably tight" or “I spilled water on my other pair. "
Allow yourself to use the bathroom without experiencing any embarrassment. Holding in a bowel movement can be uncomfortable and may harm you. If you need, use the bathroom and wait until everyone is gone before you leave.
Rinse your hands with warm water and then lather with soap for at least 20 seconds, which is about as long as singing “Happy Birthday” twice. Rinse your hands again thoroughly to clean off any soap residue. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available. Cover both the front and back of each of your hands and rub in the sanitizer the same way you would soap.
Avoid thoughts such as “what if I don’t make it to the bathroom” and “this is awful. ” Instead, think that accidents are rare and that you’ve never had one or that if you stay calm, your bowels will stay calm, too. Consider trying deep breathing exercises, which may also calm you and your intestines. Inhale and exhale evenly and deeply for a count of 4 or 5 seconds.
Be open with the nurse and don’t feel any shame or embarrassment. She’s used to seeing cases of illness in school, including diarrhea. If you have a hard time saying, “I have diarrhea,” you can use an alternative statement. Something like, “I have terrible stomach pains and can’t stop using the bathroom,” will cue in the nurse to your problem. Ask the nurse if she can give you an excuse for your teachers, a place to lie down, or even an anti-diarrheal. The nurse may also have clear liquids or other treatments more readily at her disposal.
Coughing Sneezing Shifting in your chair Laughing if the timing is appropriate Asking a question Ignoring the sound altogether
Try and get at least 8 ounces of clear liquids every hour. Clear liquids include water, broths, juices, and even clear carbonated beverages. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Broth and clear soups such as chicken soup and 100% fruit juices are good choices because they will also help replace electrolytes. [10] X Research source Consider carrying your liquid with you in a bottle or Thermos. Let your teacher or the school nurse know why you have it in case there is a problem. For example, say, “I know it’s against policy to have a drink, but I’ve been very sick and need to make sure I’m drinking enough water throughout the day. ” You can also ask your parent or a school nurse to provide a note as an explanation for your teacher. Avoid drinking any caffeinated drinks like coffee or black tea. You should also not drink alcohol. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Have boiled potatoes, crackers, and gelatin at lunch if you can. Consider carrying your lunch and snacks such as soda crackers can also help ease your stomach. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Other good options are bananas, apricots, and sports drinks. [14] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source If you bring perishable foods to school, make sure that you can put your lunch in a refrigerator until it’s time to eat it. You can also keep your food cold with ice packs in your lunch box. Try eating foods such as soft fruit, vegetables, and cereal if you are feeling better. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Avoid adding any spices to your food or eating spicy meals at lunch, such as Mexican food. These can irritate your stomach lining. Ask if there are alternatives to eat and drink for lunch if you can’t find something other than the daily meal and milk.
Be aware that anti-diarrheal medications don’t work for all kinds of diarrhea and may not be safe for children. Take anti-diarrheal medications only if you are sure your diarrhea isn’t caused by bacteria or a parasite and/or if you are over the age of 12. If not, you may need to see your doctor and get proper treatment. Make sure to follow the packaging instructions if you do take an anti-diarrheal medication. If you don’t, it could make you more sick. Ask your doctor to prescribe a medication such as codeine phosphate, diphenoxylate, or cholestyramine if you have severe diarrhea. These medications should only be used under the supervision of your doctor to prevent serious and potentially life-threatening complications.
Take your teachers a note from your parents explaining that you are sick and need to not exert yourself too much.
Try either regular moist wipes or even baby wipes, which are generally gentle on the skin. However, don’t flush anything except normal toilet paper down the drain, as baby wipes can clog sewers. Put them in a sanitary bin. [19] X Research source
