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Hi,

This is the first time I'm reaching out also a New bee!!  I NEVER get online and do this BUT I am soooo worried about my daughter!!!  She  was diagnosed with UC September of last year.  Lo and behold on her 16th b-day she was  in the hospital trying to figure out her diagnosis :(.  The first time she's been in the hospital since birth.  Anyway, we have been on a emotional roller coaster about this since then and she had a major melt down tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.  I am at such a loss for words except that she will get thru this!!  and Mom is here 200% etc etc.  But I feel this is not enough!!!  What do fellow parents/Mom's say to a wonderful upset/disappointed teen that can't live the same life as her fellow teens!!!???.  With out going on tooooooo long :) Any key words of encouragement that might help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!.   THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!! 

Debba :)

 Reply posted for EZ.

My daughter just got crohn's in September 2007 and know she's having problems again with her stomach even though she's 28 and me being her mother with Crohn's I try to keep her and mysel motivated and to think positive, I tell her and remind myself to meditate, pray and ask the Lord for strength to make it through the day I just take one day at a time  you also have to condition yourself even though it's easer said than done :however, I've been doing it for the last 27 years. I still have my low moments though. May God bless you and I will kepp you in my prayers.

 Reply posted for debba.

Dear Debba,

I know exactly what you are going through.  My daughter is 18 now but was diagnosed with UC 3 months after she just turned 16.  I really feel your concerns for what your daughter is going through.  My daughter  felt really alone.   Do you like her doctor?  My daughter went to her pediatrican, then referred to a GI pediatric doc, then he wouldn't take my insurance so we went to another GI doc who we hated, then we found a great pediatric GI specialist.  Then my daughter turned 18 and we also wanted another opinion since the GI pediatric specialist was suggesting Remicade.  She now sees an adult GI specialist who she just loves.  She just had her 2nd colonoscopy last week.  She looks great althought he found 3 polyps which he said are normal in UC patients.  He also thinks she has bacteria overgrowth.  She is feeling so much better since she started the probiotic Ultimate Flora Critical Care 50 Billion.  He is going to leave her on Lialda but she can stop Azathioprine.  She'll find out more Monday.  I just want to tell you that your daughter will feel better.   I can't imagine how she felt on her 16th birthday in the hospital that she has UC!  I want to tell you that it does take time to find the right "combo" of meds to help.  Is she watching what she's eating?  I know it's hard at 16.  No processed foods, no added sugars, no sodas, etc.  It's hard when her friends are going out eating all that junk.  Read all the posts on this website.  It has helped me so much.  My daughter reads them too and once in a while posts something too.  She does everything everyone else does now.  She's camping this weekend, she goes snowboarding and actually feels better when she's outside.  You're daughter will be fine too.  This website is great and just knowing you're not alone really helps. 

 Reply posted for debba.

A simple phrase my mommie told me was.....God does not give you more than you can handle, so he knows a strenght within me, that I may not even know myself :-)        I say this to myself at least twice a day, and it helps.

She may not be able to do all the things that her friends may do, but she is by far stonger than all of her friends combined, because we all know how greatly this disease can affect body, mind, and soul.

Best wishes to keep chugging along and battling every day like we do :-)

 Reply posted for Karen17535.

Karen is right...
you can tell her that you are there and you will fight for her, even when she doesn't feel like there is hope. You won't give up on her. You'll find the right doctor...and treatment that works for her lifestyle.

Hit submit too soon..
wanted to add that my prayers and thoughts are with her and you! Hang in there Mom!

SOS!! Mom needs words of support for 16yr old daughterMy daughter turned 16 the day after she came home from the Clinic with a Crohns diagnosis. She also never has had any major health issues.
She has those meltdowns and I say the same things. And while you think they arent enough they are, really. She will remember how you were there for her.
Kids learn to respond to situations based on how we as parents respond. I try to have a sense of humor and we both try to find something to joke about. I try to not get caught up in hype or fear. I tell her that IBD doesnt have to define who she is ... she is strong and doesnt have to let that limit her dreams or her passions.
I realize that she and I are building a very close bond through this journey.
Its hard when they cant do what their friends are doing. I  encourage her to set up some a sleepover at our home, movies with a friend, etc. as small but manageable social outings.
It is important to me that my daughter keeps it in perspective and realizes that while Crohns is awful it isnt life threatening or disfiguring. When we are at the hospital I make a point that she notice other kids that are there for really serious conditions.
Maybe encourage her to start a journal, something she can do to release her feelings. My daughter likes to write poetry and short stories.

 Reply posted for debba.

Hi, Debba.  I have Crohn's and a 14 yr old daughter who, thankfully, has never shown any signs of inheriting it.  I don't have any magic words for you, and I can only imagine what her world is like right now.  Just keep assuring her that you WILL find the right meds that will let her lead a somewhat normal life. Find the doctor that is the 'right fit' for her, and don't stop trying meds (or specific diets, or holistic medicine) until her life improves.

Many prayers for you both,

Karen