Any Advice for Making Nutrition Drinks More Attractive to a 9-Yr Old?
Wed, January 31, 2018 12:31 PM
(I posted this in the mychronsandcolitis forum too, so apologies for anyone reading this twice.)
Hi.
Our 9-yr old was diagnosed with Crohn's 8 weeks ago, and just had their 2nd dose of Remicade.We were put on a mostly liquid diet last week because he's even less tolerant now of solids than when he was first diagnosed...has anyone else had this occur?Also, because the protein drinks are coming 3 times/day, he started fighting us and not wanting to drink them. Each and every bottle is a battle that has just worn us down emotionally. These are so very important for his growth and nutrition, but we're at our wits and creativity end trying to find ways for him to take them. We've tried Special-K chocolate (which he got tired of and now won't take), Ensure Clear, and Carnation Breakfast (mixed with milk) (We think the Carnation may be irritating his system.)
This is so very, draining. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Derek
dereklJoined Jan 31, 2018
Mon, April 02, 2018 7:01 PM
Reply posted for KatyKelly.
My 13 year old was just diagnosed a few months ago and was severely malnourished and has been trying to get 1 -2 shakes a day. We discovered he likes the chocolate ensure and strawberry pedisure. The only problem is that they are very thick and he doesnt like to drink too much at one sitting. Our solution is for him to take "shots" (a bathroom cup about 3 oz) through the day. We have been able to get about 1 1/2 in him a day.
Joined Apr 2, 2018
Sat, March 03, 2018 7:27 AM
Reply posted for derekl.
I can’t offer advice on how to make them more attractive since my 12 yr old says my recipes have all failed (lol), but I can tell you the only one my son will drink willingly is the vanilla flavored Boost Kids Essentials. Good luck, I know how tiresome it can be to get them to do what’s best for their bodies. We are dealing with trying to get him to drink his shake at school before he has track & field practice, and of course that is totally embarrassing to a middle schooler.
KatyKellyJoined Mar 3, 2018
Thu, March 01, 2018 2:07 PM
Reply posted for derekl.
Hi Derek,
I cannot offer a parental perspective, but I was diagnosed with Crohn's at 8 years old, so I can sympathize with what your son is experiencing and can only imagine how difficult it must be to deal with having your child be diagnosed at such a young age (or any age, really). I was very malnourished at my diagnosis, and while I was not restricted to a liquid diet, my doctor was encouraging my parents to give me those nutrition shakes as often as possible since I was not able or willing to eat much. I hated them, and still do to this day. My parents tried to put them in milkshakes for me (a good option if he can tolerate milk and a little vanilla ice cream), and bought a variety of flavors so that I would not get sick of a specific kind, but truthfully none of them taste great. You could try telling him that for each shake he drinks, he can write down one food (any food!) you'll get him when he is feeling well enough. I don't have much other advice, it's a difficult thing to get a child to do, especially one who is already not feeling well. I can tell you that I am now a happy 21 year old in my third year of college (currently studying abroad in Denmark, who would've thought that could possible!), and Crohn's has not held me back from anything in life. I have always been small due to growth issues, but the malnutrition subsided once my medication started working and I was able to eat normally again. It will get easier, I promise! I wish you the best of luck and hugs to your son.
gcsternJoined Mar 1, 2018
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