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Our son was diagnosed with Crohn's at 5 years old.  Would love to chat with another parent who is going through the same thing with a child this young.  He is getting ready to enter first grade and it will be a challenge for him to go to school all day and try to control his bowels.  He is too young for Camp Oasis which is unfortunate because it would be fun for him to be around others who share the same symptoms.  Medications are also challenging because of his age.  Not much data for kids this age. 

 Reply posted for mamaof3.

I am sorry for your recent diagnosis.  It was quite a shock for us too.  Would love to compare notes and challenges.  If you want to contact me, please do so at rms202@aol.com.  Look forward to hearing from you. 

 Reply posted for Michelle804.

YES! My 6 y/o son was just diagnosed with Crohn's this past May 08.  Our heads have been spinning at bit as we have begun to understand everything and figure out food and our new "normal." 

Thankfully he is doing tons better and should be fine for school (as long as he stays flare free). I'm a little nervous about 1st grade in general (he is my oldest), and even more now with his extra needs.  I'm meeting with his teacher and a few school staff to discuss everything.

I would love to chat more and compare notes and ideas.  I hope you and your family are doing well!

 Reply posted for Michelle804.

My daughter was recently diagnosed with Chrons at the age of 8.  It has been a very difficult diagnosis for our family, but we are slowly adjusting.  I would say having a good relationship with your doctor is key.  Also it is so important to be an advocate for  your child at school.  I met with my daughter's principal, teacher, school nurse and guidance counselor.  Unfortunately my experience has been that the schools are much more familiar with handling emotional disabilities (ADHD, Autism, etc) than physical.  We are also meeting with a pediatric psychologist and they have offered to help educate the school personnel. 

I am trying to get her involved with activities that will be manageable for her.  Our community is very sports oriented but at this point physicial activity sends her running to the bathroom.  I am also trying to find other children with Chrons in our area so she does not feel alone.  As we learn to cope with this I also plan to connect with our local CCFA chapter. 

As for me, I have found it very helpful to talk to other moms with children who have Chrons. Practical advice from them is the best .. i.e, swalling meds with whip cream, opening capsules and mixing into pudding.  Your doctor's office should be able to help you connect with another parent.

Good luck to you and your family!!

 Reply posted for Michelle804.

I have an 11 year old daughter dx with CD at the age of 9. It is very challenging. I hope your school system is supportive. We had a lot of issues at her elementary school and am worried how things will go since she starts middle school this year. I would suggest a 504 you can get a template for it from the advocacy portion on this site.

Call me a bad parent but I find bribery works well for getting all the meds in............. We now have 2 dogs because of this illness and I am not a pet person. But they are cute!! We got her 1st one right after dx she was so sick in the hospital that we started offering her anything not to cry and to be strong.....The second dog was a bribery for surgery.

You are in our prayers.

 Reply posted for Michelle804.

Michelle,

I was 10 years old when I first started having Crohns symptoms, and diagnosed at 12years old, my parents did go to the school principal and the school nurse in regards to my illiness, my doctor gave the school system a note stating that I would be able to leave the room to go to the bathroom when ever needed, that they could not tell me no.  I was also allowed to keep drinks at my desk and eat snacks through the day to keep my energy levels up and to not get dehydrated.  As far as information on Childhood Crohns try you nearest University Hospital and ask them for there Pediatric Gastroenterologist, as they should be very familar with handling childhood Crohns.  I am not sure what state you are in as I am in Chicago and my pediatric Gastro was DR. Barbara Kurshner at the University of Chicago.  Stay strong as I know how hard this was on my self and my parents. I also have a Older Brother with Crohns and I do know this was extremely difficult on my parents. Your family and your son are in my prayers.

Littlestar