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My 15-year-old son was just diagnosed with moderate Crohn's. His symptoms were weight loss and chronic diarrhea, but the latter was manageable. He is on prednisone now and his doctor has reviewed the long-term treatment options--immunomodulators or biologics. He is open to starting with either approach based on our preference, but we are overwhelmed by this decision.

On the one hand, I'd prefer to start with Imuran for ease of administration and most likely fewer side effects. On the other hand, I want to reduce remission quickly, so I'm considering Humira. My husband is also very concerned about his growth potential. He is small for his age (5'3" 90 lbs) and my husband is afraid that he will miss his growth window if we choose a drug that takes longer to be effective.

For parents of teens or young adults with Crohn's, what medication did you begin with and how long before you could tell it was working? If you later switched meds, why did you switch and do you wish you had started with that medication?

My apologies for the long question, I have so much to learn. Thanks!

Reply posted for juliedecker.

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's comforting when you realize that you are not alone. I hope that your son is doing OK.

My son is doing well. He has been on Humira for 2 months and has not reported any side effects (of course, I am always worried, and always on the lookout for changes). He is weaning off of his steroids...just one week to go.. so I guess we will start to learn if the Humira is effective at controlling the disease on its own. He gained 30 pounds while on steroids, which was great since his starting weight was 84 lbs. I'm hoping that he will continue to do well once he has stopped the steroids.

Wishing you and your son all the best.

Reply posted for LEGOCAT.

Hi,
We are in the same situation. Our 15 year old son was diagnosed with moderate Crohn's and we are trying to decide between Humira and Remicade. What did you decide? How has he done on the treament? Any side effects?

Thanks!

Reply posted for LEGOCAT.

I am 34 and just diagnosed 4 days ago with Crohn's. I COMPLETELY understand your thoughts on the medication your doctor is suggested. I was not expecting what type of treatment Crohn's entails. I too worry about the side effects so my doctor encouraged me to get a second opinion. (You can see my story under newly diagnosed if interested). I want to get better, but at what risk. My research on the treatments (Humira being one of the recommendations from my doctor) scare me so much. My thoughts are with you and your son!

Reply posted for LEGOCAT.

My son was diagnosed at 12 yrs old last June with severe Crohn’s. His GI advised an aggressive treatment approach using Remicade every 4 weeks and Colazal, 2 pills three times a day. I know everyone has different experiences, but for us it was a miracle. He was a new kids in months and by the end of December his second colonoscopy showed incredible results. 

It’s very scary to have your child on such powerful medications, but we feel it was the best choice for our son. I hope you find a decision that you are at peace with as well!

Reply posted for LEGOCAT.

My 15 year old son was diagnosed with Crohns in December, started treatments in January.  His GI has him on Meslamine and Uceris currently.  We are hoping to avoid Biologics for now as there seem to be so many potential side-effects to consider.  We are fortunate in that his bleeding has gotten much better - if not stopped, his blood levels have increased and the diarrhea has improved to the point where it is nonexistent - however he still has several trips to the bathroom during school - which, for a 15 year old in high school, my heart goes out to him.  He has gained 7 pounds since starting treatments, so I am hoping that means the medication is working.  He will be having more bloodwork done in a couple of weeks which will dictate the next steps for treatment.

Reply posted for LEGOCAT.

Keep an eye on his weight, because when the prednisone kicks in one of the side effects is you are hungry all the time