Any alternative to metronidazole? Traditional or alternative?

[Mummygee]

Hi all.

My son is 21 months old with a diagnosis of UC. We finished his first course of steroids 3/4 weeks ago and are on our second course of metronidazole for frequency of BMs and bleeding. Within the first 24 hours of both courses the bleeding stops and frequency reduces and food seems to be digested (Tmi -sorry!!!) but this isn't a long term solution at some point it will stop working so was wondering if anyone has any experience of this or any suggestions.
I am going to start some probiotics with him tomorrow and looking at aloe Vera juice. He had severe inflammation and ulceration in 2/3 colon and it had been persistent and worsening over 3/4 months prior to diagnosis.
The only symptom my son has is frequency and blood. He appears otherwise well, weighty, tall and full of energy (although can have quiet times - so this could be compensating at the moment).
Any, any help would be gratefully received. And thank you to all those who replied to my first post x

 

[Farmwife]

First of all no such thing as TMI here.:thumleft:

Warning about Aloe Vera juice. Learned the hard way with Grace that it is hard to digest for some with compromised intestines. Our MLP might have more info on that. She's the one who told be about it. But I take the stuff and it works great. We're big here on probiotics.:thumright:

I'm glad he's well except for the blood.:rosette2:

HUGS

 

[Patricia56]

Do not make changes like probiotics or Aloe Vera juice without consulting your son's doctor's. Please.

Not all probiotics are created equal. And Aloe Vera juice (as Farmwife shared) can make things worse not better. And that's setting aside your ability to insure that the Aloe Vera juice has been processed so that it is pure and safe for a young child.

I believe you posted earlier that your doctors have no experience caring for a child this young with these symptoms.

Do you know if they have tested for c. difficile infection? If not, it is very important that they do this testing. He should be tested 3 times to make absolutely sure that he doesn't have it. The testing should be done after he stops taking the medication he's on right now as it is one of the treatments for c. difficile and could be masking the infection.

I suggest you ring up or e-mail this doctor at St. Georges University and ask her for help in finding the closest qualified doctor to care for your child.

Name: Dr Sally G Mitton
Position: Senior lecturer in paediatric gastroenterology
Clinical role: Consultant in paediatric gastroenterology
Division: Clinical Sciences
Room No: 3.084, Third floor, Lanesborough Wing

Tel: +44 (0)20 8725 5975
Email: [email protected]


Here is a link to the british version of CCFA here in the US. They provide information and support to people with Crohn's and UC including parents. They may also be able to help you find a qualified doctor.

http://www.nacc.org.uk/content/services/parents.asp

I think it is early days for you to worry about whether your son may be on this medication long term. I agree it would not ideal but if it is controlling his symptoms while you find a doctor qualified to care for him then that is a blessing.

I think until you have been seen by a doctor who has some experience treating very young children with IBD I would not assume that his diagnosis is certain or draw any conclusions about the likely course of treatment.

 

[Mummygee]

Thank you for your replies. Patricia56 thank you for the info. We are going to seek a second opinion, to be fair I'm not particularly doubting the diagnosis as much as I would love to, but it's our treatment options we need to know more about.

It's a minefield and my head is all over the place at 100 miles an hour. I am medical and struggling with not being able to "fix" my boy!!!

 

[Spooky1]

Hi there, mummy.

Aloe vera juice didn't work for me either. my mind is also 100 miles per hour, and i'm struggling that i and my docs can't fix me. Family do get to see us struggle, but you're sounding like a terrific mum, congrats on that. We have to remember that doctors don't live with the diseases they treat. we live with it 24/7. nice to hear he's looking and acting, mostly, healthy. That seems to be like good news.

good luck with your journey with him.