Crohns flares in a cyclic pattern?

[kimmidwife]

I was just thinking about something and am wondering if anyone else has noticed this:
Caitlyn was sick the first time with her crohns in August four years ago. I just realized since then every August almost around the same week she has started a flare. the camp nurse just called and she is having some mild symptoms. (first time in months hopefully it will resolve quickly).
Has anyone else whose kids have had crohns for a while noticed a pattern to when their kids get a flare up during the year?

 

[Jenn]

I think it's likely. Alex had a fistula in January two years back to back. He has a birthday near Christmas, so lots of extra excitement and he's usually indoors all winter break from school and less light and physical activity. Hope Caitlyn recovers quickly.

 

[Thermo]

Yup winter/spring for me

 

[SarahD]

I've noticed a similar thing. Most of my flares start in Spring or Autumn. I think there has actually been some research into seasonal flares, looking for allergens etc.

 

[dannysmom]

Danny is not dx ... but Sept & Jan are usually downhill times ... and I believe for him it is related to catching viruses (back to school & spreading colds, Christmas gathering w/ sick relatives). When his immune system is burdened more ... his GI symptoms increase.

I hope this passes quickly and maybe she caught a germ at camp or is not getting enough good sleep.

 

[kimmidwife]

Dannysmom
I thought originally it was the stress of going back to school but then I realized the flare always starts the second to last week in camp. She is having a great time. Has been eating the same food for six weeks now. I did also think about the sleep issue. Maybe the accumulation of going to bed late and getting up early for this amount of time. She has no seasonal allergies that we know of.

 

[kimmidwife]

Just to update the nurse callled Caitlyn is feeling fine today but they are sending the stool cultures and fecal cal protein anyway. This will be the first time she is having the fecal calprotein I am very curious to see what number it will come back with.

 

[Tesscorm]

Great to hear she's feeling good!!

 

[DustyKat]

Good to hear Caitlyn is feeling better Kim. I hope all stays that way!

Dusty. :hug:

 

[Zoodles]

We've noticed the same trend. Mid to late August we start to have more issues. So I tend to be more careful with food choices to compensate. We are hoping that this August is the exception. Knock on wood. Haven't had a flare since the last one broke around October.

We had a pony with Cushings and always tried to keep it under control with more lights in the barn. I wish we could do something similar for the crohns.