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Children with Crohn's

Wed, March 12, 2008 3:21 PM

My daughter was diganosed w/Crohn's at age 7. She will be 10 soon & is doing very well.

After the initial diagnosis, I allowed myself a few minutes, alone, to "freak out". I have taken a pro-active approach using a positive outlook to teach my daughter to how to handle this.

I downplayed the word "disease" as I do not want it to be the focal point of her life. When she first thought that she was "different", I explained to her about children with diabetes, allergies, asthma, physical/mental limitations, & told her that this was no different than what other children went thru.

We have handled it openly & honestly as it is nothing to be ashamed of, nor is it anything to hide. We have been blessed with a wonderful support group of friends/family & school staff.

I've spent a lot of time researching the disease, which has empowered me to question doctors, & be brave enough to decrease her meds. Since last fall, she has had no cramping, has gained weight, and now has solid stools. It took almost 3 yrs, doctor advice & a mother's instinct to get to this point.

The motto around our house is "poop happens"...to everyone, just some more than others.

Positive reinforcement makes all the difference.

kimvann
Joined Mar 12, 2008

Thu, May 15, 2008 4:31 PM

Reply posted for SilverLining.

I just found out that my 6 yr old son has Crohn's.In fact, I'm writing this from the hospital. We've been here for a week and will be here for maybe another week.

It was good to read your post. My husband and I have been thinking alot about how different life will be for our whole family, especially our son. Now that we are over the initial shock of it, we are ready to take this thing head on. Thanks for your encouragement. It helps to hear about some success.

~Becky

mamaof3
Joined Jun 29, 2008

Mon, May 12, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for kimvann.

Hello,

I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease at age 10, I am now 43yrs young, Back when I was diagnosed things were very different, meds etc. There are wonderful medications out there now for Crohns, I have and always will have a great attitude when it comes to this disease, I have had 7 surgeries and lots of procedures and complications from the Crohns. But I try to live a very active life when ever possible, please make sure your daughter is seeing her doctor on a regular basis as you don't want this disease to get out of control. I am glad to here you have been able to reduce her meds, as long as you do it with her doctors. Be as healthy as possible and I hope she continues feeling good.

littlestar
Joined Jul 26, 2008

Thu, March 20, 2008 10:48 AM

Reply posted for joelm.

Would you tell a diabetic they dont need med. Would you tell someone with high blood pressure they do not need meds. I mean give the boy a break with all the medical break throughs why should he suffer?

If he has crohns then give hime the meds he needs so he can have quality of life as other children.

jclovers
Joined Mar 20, 2008

Wed, March 19, 2008 9:43 PM

Reply posted for LoraLeigh.

Very touchy subject indeed. As someone involved in the health insurance field I can give you following advice:

If he is a college student your plan may extend as far as age 25 while he is in school.

Goto http://www.insurance.com/quotes/health.aspx for some information on available plans and rates for your state.

Most importantly... research on the internet, call and talk to reps. This is a time when overkill is not an issue.

polotono
Joined Mar 11, 2008

Sat, March 15, 2008 5:20 PM

Reply posted for kimvann.

My son was diagnosed with Crohns, six months ago, at age 8. He is feeling much better now that he is taking Pentasa and has managed to gain a few pounds. His good nature and optimism during all the diagnostic testing and reviewing of results gave me strength to deal with the reality of the lifetime diagnosis. We are enjoying our special time together at the frequent medical appointments and try to combine them with something fun. Our local CCFA chapter recently hosted a kids day where we got to meet other children with Crohns/Colitis and their families. Looking foward to making some new friends and building a support network for my son and myself.