Hello Dishack and welcome.  You must have been to hell and back over the last few years and I am sorry that this worry has presented itself.  I have to say that I have never had to face such an experience but - for what it is worth - here are a couple of things that spring to mind. Does your son have friends from his school days before he was sick or, given their ages, did the fact of his illness break up the school friendships that had not been in place for very long before.  Does he say why he doesn't want to go to school - is he worried that he will be a long way behind other children of his age?  Have you spoken to the local authority in charge of education - they may have experience of similar situations and in any event should work with you to gradually ease your son's way back into a normal school life.  I expect your son has fears and worries that he might not feel able to discuss with anyone so any help the local authority can give could be useful.  I hope that others on this forum will be able to to give some practical advice but I did want to contact you to say my few words as I feel for what you must have been through.  You will get through this stage and I hope the education people will smooth the way for your son and yourself.  Annie

Hi Dlshack,

You really have had a tough journey and one that no parent would want to travel. So very pleased to hear that your son will be ringing the bell in December! I wonder that when your son has been at school on an intermittent basis, has he enjoyed it? Does he have any anxiety about his return to school full time that he can tell you of? I'm sure the school will be Keen to work with you on this and maybe could help with structuring a phased return. I would want to meet with the school prior to his return to ask them how they will best support him both on an academic and social & emotional basis. It will no doubt be an adjustment for him and I do hope that plenty of positive reinforcement can help him along the way. Most of all, I do hope that he can soon consider school a happy place to be! I don't feel that I have offered any advice at all and mostly replicated what Annie has said. I do want to wish you and your son my very best wishes on your latest challenge. Compared to the challenges you have faced on your medical journey, I don't doubt that the resilience of both of you will see you through this. I hope you hear from someone with experience of your situation xx