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Need teen answers

Tue, September 27, 2016 11:35 PM

I am a mom of a 19 year old son. He was diagnosed with colitis a year ago. He was very sick before he was diagnosed and was on prednisone for almost 7 months before they were able to gain control of his symptoms. He is now on Azathiprine which is causing cramping in the mornings (were told that's normal). I am reaching out to you guys because he is not dealing with this well at all. He doesn't really except that he is sick and there for doesn't take the best care of himself including missing his meds. I can't get him to reach out to anyone so I thought I would ask you guys what things help you cope with being sick, what are things that maybe people have said or done that have helped you. I really appreciate any suggestions. Thanks. 

mom651
Joined Sep 27, 2016

Wed, December 14, 2016 9:19 AM

Reply posted for mom651.

I'm so sorry that your son is going through all of this. Please do tell him that he is not alone. When I was diagnosed about 3 years ago, my doctor said that there is about 1.4 million Americans have Cohn's or ulcerative colitis. And that's only in America!

You said that your son isn't doing a good job with taking his meds? I was just like that when I was taking pills. I would forget, and be in pain all day (and more). And when I did take the meds, they weren't as strong as I needed thwm. That's when we decided to put me on Remicade instead.

Because of Remicade, I have been doing so so so much better! I haven't had a big flare up in years and I can eat pizza, popcorn, and other things that he may not be able to eat pretty much fine! (Only once in a while though. :) )

I would seriously go and talk to your doctor about switching meds. I go in every 7 weeks, and it takes abut 4 hours.

Send my wishes to your son!

rebekahguindi
Joined Dec 14, 2016

Wed, October 05, 2016 10:33 AM

Reply posted for mom651.

Also, tell him that he is not alone!!!!!!!!! Encourage him to seek out and ask questions and find answers on his own. That will give him a better understanding of what to do and how to manage his colitis, with what he feels most comfortable doing.

anthony0427
Joined Oct 5, 2016

Wed, October 05, 2016 10:29 AM

Reply posted for mom651.

Stress the importance of following the doctors recommendations in order to feel better. It may not be the solution to fix his colitis, but tell him to not give up and keep up with his meds, proper diet, and try exercising if he doesn't already! I was diagnosed in High school, and yes it was hard to face the facts. But, by following doctors orders and trying my best to maintain a normal teen lifestyle, I am still managing today in college.

anthony0427
Joined Oct 5, 2016

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