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Teen with difficulty in school-concentration


Wed, November 07, 2012 6:57 AM

My son was diagnosed in the spring with UC. He responded extremely well to Prednisone then Apriso.  Now having a flare up and will likely need stronger meds.  We suspected that he might be having some issues with memory or concentration, but had not discussed it with him.  Last night he told me that he feels his brain isn't  up to par....says he is having more difficulty understanding and grasping this school year.  Now he has heavy load with AP classes this year, so it is expected that it will be more difficult but he seems to feel it is more than just that.  I am not finding symptoms or side effects  related to the disease or medication indicating this problem.  Have any other parents seen this with their child?   Maybe it is just stress?  He has a horrible year with lots of stress with the illness , school, sports, etc.

Thanks,

Cheri

FPO mom4td
Joined May 11, 2012

Sun, April 14, 2013 12:42 PM

 Reply posted for mom4td.

My son is 15 and has CD. He has been struggling for several months with chronic pain. The pain definitely affects his memory and concentration. We are in the middle of a process with his doctor's to determine if the pain is associated with CD or if it is functional pain. If it is CD, then a change of treatment if functional pain (visceral hyperalgesia) then he will get a refer to the GI pain clinic and a different type of pain meds plus hypnotherapy and possibly biofeedback.

I have tried to emphasis to him that he will be able to learn to manage his pain, there are proven (ancient) techniques for managing pain that will help him. Pain may be inevitable but misery is not.

hang in there! It is tough.

ck

FPO crohnskicker
Joined Oct 15, 2011

Thu, February 21, 2013 3:24 PM

 Reply posted for Mom4td.

My son (12 yr old, 7th grade) has had a difficult time this year as well.  The Humira stopped working and we have been in a kind of limbo trying to find a new solution.  One of the biggest issues was that he had PE 2nd period.  He was just too tired and unable to focus after PE.  I talked to the school and his schedule was rearranged so that the  more "academic" classes are all before lunch.  PE and electives are after lunch.  If he is having a bad day, all he has to do is make it to lunch.

I know it's different in high school, especially with AP classes.  It's important to give yourself and your son "permission" to re-evaluate his needs from time to time.  I'm a firm believer in keeping things as normal as possible for our kids.  At the same time, you have to ask yourself what will give your son the most benefit in the long run?  Sometimes a small step back allows them to make adjustments that position them to be able to cope with their Crohn's/UC and be successful in school and other activities as well.

Best of luck to you both.
Cheryl

FPO vtcrohnsmom
Joined Dec 21, 2011

Wed, January 09, 2013 7:58 PM

 Reply posted for my teen.

Our 13yo son was diagnosed 2 days ago with UC.  I'm thankful that he attends on-line public school because I can't imagine him trying to focus on "real" school with everything else he's going through.  Today was only our first day back to school but it does seem like he is more easily distracted and less capable of concentrating.   Hopefully, it will get better.

FPO treyster
Joined Jan 8, 2013

Sun, December 30, 2012 2:43 AM

 Reply posted for Mom4td.

I think that it can be really hard for kids with a chronic illness to focus on their studies when dealing with the pain and fatigue of UC. Our daughter is in the 9th grade and was diagnosed last spring also. We chose to homeschool through a great curriculum that keeps records and is very inclusive. The cost was $400 for the year brand new or $100 used. It's all done on her laptop and there is a parent log in and student log in. I only log in every few months to do my part. This takes so much pressure off of our daughter and allows her to work extra when she feels great or take a break during a challenging flare up. 

So I'm suggesting that he may just be having a hard time focusing while facing the challenges of a chronic illness. There may be more involved and I would definitely talk to your specialist, and read up on side effects as it sounds like u are currently doing. I will say a prayer for you for sure.

sincerely Kara :) Kara.copes@gmail.com

FPO my teen
Joined Dec 30, 2012

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