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My 10 year old was diagnosed with Crohn's on July 8.  Her main symptoms were tons of mouth ulcers, mild stomach aches, mild (1x day) diarrhea, and fever.  She just finished predinsolone on Friday.  We opted to try gluten free/lactose free diet, VSL#3 probiotics, and OmegaBrite supplements instead of starting her on 6-MP.  Her ped. GI was fine with us trying this "natural" route if it worked to keep her in remission.

Our daughter's TPMT level is on the lower side which puts her at a greater risk for some of the side effects of 6MP which is what the doc wanted to start her on.  This was just one more reason we didn't want her on these meds.  The doc also said the 5ASA may not work as well because it is mainly for the colon and her inflammation was in her esophagus, small intestine, and colon. 

Two days after her last small dose of prednisolone she woke up with a cough and a low fever.  She had a low fever today (99.5) so I still allowed her to go to gymnastics (3 hr practice).  When she got back she said she was cold and when I checked her temp it was 102.8.  I am just sick thinking that this is another flare-up.  I feel like every time she has a fever I am going to be worried. 

Anyone have these type of symptoms with a flare?  My daughter didn't have the major diahhrea and stomach pain that I've read about so I worry that we might miss the beginning of a fare.  

Not sure if we should rethink our diet regime and try something more restrictive or just bite the bullet and go the meds route which we just don't feel comfortable about (especially the immune modifiers since we have three other young kids in the house to drag germs home).

Any advice would be appreicated.   

 Reply posted for victorsmom.

Hope Victor is doing well now. 

 Reply posted for momofk.

Thank you for asking!  So far so good.  She had some antibiotics and felt better.  We are still doing the VSL #3, OmegaBrite, multi-vitamin along with a gluten-free and lactose-free diet.  Right now she is in full swing of gymnastics and practicing 9 hours a week.  Her first competition is this weekend and she is super excited.  We feel blessed that she is healthy right now. 

 Reply posted for momofk.

So how is she doing?  

 Reply posted for Lizzies Mom.

thanks for the post...Victor too had a fever/cough one night and then flared two days later...we're not sure if connection or like the previous comments...just plain sick...we parents have come to question so much and over analyze triggers...but that just comes natural as loving parents...good luck...

 Reply posted for momofk.

Claire's mom is right....every temp, ache, pain, sore, etc does not always relate to CD/UC.  This was a hard lesson for me to learn when my daughter was first diagnosed 6+ yrs ago.   I was such a crazed woman.....every little thing sent me into a frenzie of sorts and either ended up w/a call to the pedi gi's office nurse's direct line, our pediatrician's office, or to my mom (who's a nurse for 50 yrs.).   It took some time, but I have now learned to take a deep breath and wait and see.   (an extra prayer doesn't hurt either).  Sometimes it is just a simple "bug".

When it comes to questioning these possible "symptoms", I now treat the symptom as I would treat anybody else.  If it is a fever, then it is soak in a warm bath w/rubbing alcohol followed by some soup, and tylenol, just working on breaking the fever, lots of fluids for hydration.  Mouth sore, ok, milk of magnesia and / or canker cover.   Sore joint, tylenol.  Stomach upset (not diarrhea), peppermint tea and super light diet to give her gut a break.   

Another thing I have learned for my daughter anyway, they are all different, is to look at the big picture.  In other words, other than the "symptom", how does she feel, look.  Is the fever coupled with never ending bathroom trips and severe cramping.  

I hope by the time you are reading this your daughter is back to her own self.  After all, there are only a few weeks left of summer.   Be well, and know we have all been there and are here to help.

Lizzies Mom

 Reply posted for momofk.

Hi Momofk.  I hope you hear from Lizzie's Mom on here too because she has to remind me periodically that sometimes they are just "sick" and it isn't related to the Crohn's.  It really CAN be just a virus.  So hang in there a few more days to see.