Benito Vacio

Class, may I go out?

Dealing with a delicate classroom issue


What do you do you if in the middle of your teaching you suddenly feel the urge to go to the toilet? Do you wait until your class is over? Do you ask your students to excuse you? What's the best way to deal with this most personal of issues?

In a school where I once taught, an annual medical examination was a standard operating procedure (SOP). All teachers and staff had to undergo a physical examination - x-rays, urinalysis, sugar testing, CBC, etc. During one such examination, I was unfortunate to find out that I had a tiny stone in my left kidney. The doctor said I didn't need to worry because he could give me some medicine to dissolve it. He explained that the stone in my kidney had been caused by eating salty food - salted fish, dried fish, salty snacks and suchlike. He went on to say that he would give me tablets to take for one month then after that I needed to go back and have another x-ray.

I underwent an x- ray again and my doctor was happy to announce that the stone had completely disappeared. Fast forward five years and I was surprised to discover I had developed a urinary tract infection. I could feel intense pain before and after urination. I had a nasty fever at times and I was passing light brown urine. All in all, I had the classic symptoms of a urinary infection. I consulted a doctor and he referred me for ultrasound treatment. I decided not to go. At times when I had no money I wouldn't go to the doctor. I would just treat myself with a sufficient dosage of amoxicillin and paracetamol. However, the urinary problems wouldn't go away.

One summer, I asked permission from my students to leave the room, "Class, may, I go out?" Thankfully the toilet was only three doors away. I was able to make it to the toilet without an accident. But in the following uncomfortable hours, I felt a frequent urge to urinate. I decided to pass by the pharmacy and buy something that any person would find a tad embarrassing to ask for - adult diapers. "Yes, sir, what size?" the lady asked. "It's for grandpa." I answered. And with diapers hidden in a plastic bag, I returned home, chuckling about the fact that my baby daughter had never wore diapers in her life.

For weeks, I felt confident that nobody noticed I was wearing a diaper and what's more, was actually urinating in it. But a very observant seven-year old boy asked me what was wrong. In reality I was peeing in my diaper. In my condition, it may only have been a couple of drops but even that was such a great relief.

In my desperation, I sought advice from people who knew something about this ailment. They recommended herbal medication with apple juice, coconut juice, boiled guava leaves, boiled tree leaves, boiled flowers of corn and so much other stuff - but there was no effect or respite. I still had the pain before and after urination. I suffered for nearly half a year with antibiotics and analgesics as my only allies.

Finally, I went to see a urologist. There I came to realise that I was already old because most of the patients with my condition were in their 50's and 60's. I underwent an ultrasound and x-rays, and the diagnosis was a stone in my urinary bladder which measured 1 inch in diameter. Using the history of my illness, the doctor explained that the kidney stone did disappear because of medication, but it then fell to the urinary bladder causing all my problems. For years it had remained there and had grown on any minerals that it could cling to.

"You have two choices. We can remove the stone with a laser or with a surgical operation." The laser procedure was more expensive so I opted for the second choice. However, I did not have 40,000 pesos (about 1000 US dollars) so with the help of my cousin, a nurse working at the Philippine Kidney Institute, I was advised to go to the out- patient department of that hospital.

I had to wake up at 4 o'clock in the morning to get a low queue ticket number for consultation but it was worth the sacrifice. Finally I got my schedule for the operation and the ordeal was over. Thanks to social welfare, I only paid 3,000 pesos (less than a hundred US dollars)

What happened to me taught me a lot of things.

When we feel something different happening in any part of our body, we should see the doctor right away. Once we're given prescriptions and instructions, follow them religiously. If it can be avoided, we should refrain from eating salty foods. We should drink a lot of water or juice. A British friend of mine once said that a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water a day can help cleanse our urinary system.

When we feel the urge to pass water, we have to go. But when we are in school, we should go to the toilet first before starting our class. When it is unavoidable, leave the class, but be sure to leave things in the hands of a covering colleague if possible.

Keep yourself healthy. Oops, excuse me folks, I have to go to the bathroom.




Comments

I am not sure which is more painful: reading about a fellow teacher's health problems or passing a kidney stone myself. I'm glad you got it sorted out. When nature calls, answer it.

By James Piper, Saudi Arabia (18th November 2011)

Well done my bro...
Professionalism at the expense of your health and comfort is not professionalism...
To excuse your kids for a ''''natures call"",(VISIT THE GENTS) or LADIES...or PRIVATE or whatever you call it is not a crime...
Which is worse? Disgrace yourself in the presence of your dear kids? LOL?
Seeking the right medical attention at the right time is vital as suggested..
Once again, good job..

By J Bosco, Rayong (18th November 2011)

Post your comment

Comments are moderated and will not appear instantly.

Featured Jobs

NES Grade 4 Math and Science Teacher

฿40,000+ / month

Chiang Mai


Early Years Teacher

฿60,000+ / month

Bangkok


Primary Science Teachers for MEP Program

฿33,000+ / month

Maha Sarakham


Part-time NES Summer Camp Teachers

฿450+ / hour

Bangkok


Summer Camp Teachers

฿700+ / hour

Chiang Mai


NES Primary English Teacher

฿45,000+ / month

Bangkok


Featured Teachers

  • Diana


    Filipino, 35 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Samuel


    Ghanian, 32 years old. Currently living in Ghana

  • Barry


    Australian, 59 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Jamielyn


    Filipino, 26 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Erwin


    Filipino, 26 years old. Currently living in United Arab Emirates

  • Hammadi


    Moroccan, 39 years old. Currently living in Morocco

The Hot Spot


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


The Region Guides

The Region Guides

Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?