A little new here

[momof3]

My 8yr old (9 in a couple weeks!) was diagnosed with crohn's in August. Actually, about 4yrs ago, he had an upper and lower scope done due to symptoms, but the dr kind of dropped the ball. She advised us that she did not believe he had IBD and to bring him back if there was anymore problems. However, when I took my son to his peds dr in July due to symptoms, he asked why I quit taking my son to the GI dr because she reported to him that my son had IBD and to go back to her in 4 weeks!! I was a wee bit livid!

After an upper and lower scope in late July, we were informed that he did in fact have crohn's. He was put on Apriso, prilosec, and prednisone. He was finally weened off the prednisone last week.

My son's dr advised us not to alter his diet and to just make sure he has a well balanced diet. She said we might want to watch out for high fiber foods. We have found some triggers for him feeling bad and are trying to stay away from those. I feel that I am not doing enough with his diet, but I am not sure where to look for that.

So I am here to learn and be able to teach my son. Just from the short time I have been on here, I have already found some very helpful threads and that me so relieved!

Jessica

 

[mikeyarmo]

Welcome Jessica!

I am sorry to hear about the trouble you experienced having your son diagnosed. As your son is young it makes sense to try and ensure he is getting as proper a diet as he can to ensure his growth and development will not be impaired.

I am glad you have been able to find the forum useful so far and hope you are able to gain a lot more from us.

 

[Crohn's 35]

:welcome: Jessica, I am sure you must have been frustrated to have your son diagnosed and then not. That can happen as this disease is very head to diagnose and control for many. Whenever he is on Prednisone always make sure he has enough Calcium and Vitamin D3. Prednisone robs the bones of calcium and antiacid type drugs do too. Check out the Low residue diet, it helps and if you feel he isnt eating enough, get some Ensure or Boost. Avoid dairy and milk products, they can irritate the gut. Most kids are not water drinkers, so it really helps keep them hydrated and keeps the medications from affecting him down the road. Hopefully he will be one of the lucky ones and stay in a mild case. Lots of parents here with children of IBD,, they are great supports and everyone else too! Keep us posted , glad you are here!

 

[momof3]

I have read that everybody reacts to different things and was hoping dairy wouldn't affect him. He has always been a milk lover. I think it is time to start looking at alternatives for him though. We did have him drinking pediasure while on the prednisone, but the dr said he should be fine without it now. Since weening him off of the prednisone, he has had some more stomach pain. His dr wants him to start taking entocort, however he has a respiratory virus and they said he can't start the entocort until that clears.

Thanks for the welcome guys!

Jessica

 

[DustyKat]

Hi Jessica and :welcome:

Gee I can understand why are peeved with the GI! You know it's amazing how many times a doc tells you one thing and then reports something else, argh! There's great advice in the food and diet forum and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. There is also a thread about keeping a diary, it may be a good even if you only use it for the diet aspect of things............

http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Diary-Inclusions

As Pen has said, there a quite few parents on here, me included, and we understand what are you going through seeing your child go through this. This is a safe and friendly place with loads of support and info so please stick around. Best wishes and good luck to your son and family. Welcome aboard!

Take care,
Dusty

 

[Dexky]

Hi Jess and welcome!! That's the same advice we were given regarding diet!! Be sure he gets a well-ballanced diet, avoid fiber during flares...that's about it!! When they first told us that, I was a little annoyed. Further along now, I don't know what else they could say!! Truth is, after reading this forum, I have realized that no two crohns diets are or should be the same other than during a flare. That being said, we do try to drastically limit his consumption of processed foods and sugar. EJ's crohns has been very well-behaved for several months now so hopefully our efforts have paid off.

Good luck and glad to have you aboard!! Stick around Jessica!!

 

[Lucy]

:welcome:
Welcome Jessica. I hate to hear somone so young having to deal with CD. I'm glad your here and I know you will find tons of info. Keep us posted.
:hang:

 

[Dallies]

Hiya Jessica, welcome to the forum. xxxxxxxxxx

 

[momof3]

Thanks for the welcome all!

The first thing I have been working with on Harley is moderation. While on prednisone, that was hard! The boy could out me and my husband! I told him that until we find out his trigger foods, everything has to be done with moderation. I have tried limiting the amounts of processed and sugar foods. My biggest problem with him is keeping him from spicy foods. This kid loves spicy foods!

All in all, I think he is doing good with watching his food and he comes to me when he doesnt feel good so we can start narrowing down food that is making his tummy upset.

I have talked to him about some of what I have read on here and he is very happy that we are learning together how to keep him healthy. The sad thing is he told me that it seems not normal to have a day without stomach pain.

Thanks again for the welcome and all the helpful suggestions!

Jessica

 

[Astra]

Hi Jessica and Harley
and welcome

I really understand about the Pred munchies! That must be so hard for Harley! I crave sugary stuff so much on Pred, but now he's coming off, this should ease a bit.
Whenever I get some belly ache or D, I just go back on the low residue diet, it works for me. I just stuff myself up with mashed potatoes mixed with butter and roast chicken, or salmon and new potatoes, this way I can remain full without mooching for snacks. Rice cakes are good snacks tho, and bananas. Try some Arrowroot or Rich Tea biscuits too.
glad you found us, lots of friends here for you
lotsa luv
Joan xxx