School Forms

School Meeting

Hello CDH Moms and Dads out there. I know that sending your child to school for the first time is very scary. Take a deep breath and know you are NOT alone. I've put together a form to fill out and take to your child's school. It will inform them of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and brief them on what to look out for in case of a problem at school. All cdh children have a possibility of additional issues. Number one and two on the list is Bowel obstruction and Reherniation. None of us like to think of the worst, however it does happen. I strongly feel information is power.

I think it is a good idea to call your child's new school and ask to set up a meeting. A few schools will do this on their own. Your child will be eligible for extra help if they have been using occupational therapy or any other resources. A good rule of thumb is to have the Principal, the Teacher, the School nurse and any other person that may benefit from knowing your child's history, at the meeting. When you have them all together, tell them about your child. If your child has had no additional problems with cdh since birth be sure to explain that things can happen. If your child has had many issues and still struggles fill them in on the surgeries and medications your child has received. The meeting will be a great time for you to ask about the school's policy on being sick and missing school. If your child gets very sick and needs to miss school for a few weeks will there be a tutor to help with your child's school work? All of these things help you get a clear picture of what could lie ahead. It's always best to be prepared. We don't like surprises!

Some parents like the gym teacher to be informed as well. Things like bending over a bar or doing back bends might be something you may want your child to sit out if your child has already reherniated. Vocalizing your concerns help both parties!

Also ask your child's teacher to send home a note if something is going around in your child's class. If you are aware that the stomach flu is happening it may make you feel a bit better if your child starts throwing up. I know for me my mind jumps to the worst. Open communication is always best and will be a win win for both you, your child's teacher and your child.

We can get through this together... remember you are not alone.

Raising Healthy Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Children

http://cdhkids.blogspot.com

___________________________________________

Here is the form to take to school. 

My Child was born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

What is Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia? (CDH)

A diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that helps you breathe. The opening allows part of the organs from the belly (stomach, spleen, liver, and intestines) to go up into the chest cavity near the lungs. Also forcing the heart to move.

A diaphragmatic hernia is caused by the improper joining of structures during fetal development. As a result, the abdominal organs such as the stomach, small intestine, spleen, part of the liver, and the kidney appear in the chest cavity. The lung tissue on the affected side is thus not allowed to completely develop.

Children with CDH can sometimes have reflux, asthma, chronic lung disease, developmental delays, feeding difficulties, hearing loss, musculoskeletal deformities and neurological problems.

►Children with CDH can often have recurrence of the diaphragm or Bowel Obstructions►

*Signs of Reherniation/Recurrence of the Diaphragm- Diaphragm muscle fails and organs migrate back into lung area causing breathing or bowel issues.

*Signs of Bowel Obstruction- Food not being able to pass through the bowels.

►Complains of belly pain.

►Throwing up.

►Lethargic not wanting to do much.

►Being in certain positions to ease pain and not getting comfortable.

►Difficult breathing.

►Will not eat.

►Fever

►Crying


(If my child starts acting different please call me right away.)

My Phone number ________________________________

My Child's Surgeon _______________________________

Phone ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­    _______________________________________

My Child's Doctor ________________________________

Phone     _______________________________________


My Child's Surgery and Hospital Stays

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________


My Child's Dissabilities include_______________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________


Special Instructions: ______________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Drug Allergies __________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Current Medications:_____________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

CDH information can be found at http://cdhkids.blogspot.com

Information provided by "Raising Healthy Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Children"