For the little people.

[OzzieKate]

Hi everyone. I'm not sure where this should be posted, so if its in the wrong place Im sorry!
Today at school, I noticed that again Im one of the smallest in my year. I was back in the UK too. Even my sister who's 2 years younger is taller and more developed than me. I've read that Crohns can delay puberty and my mum keeps saying it will happen when my body's ready, but its showing no signs at all.
I just want to be normal!!
Has anyone else gone through this and when did you start to catch up?
Thanks, Kate xxxxx

 

[Lisa]

yes, growth and puberty can be delayed and or/stunted - due to malabsorption if nutrients.....

Don't get too discouraged - I was one of the smallest in my class, and grew up to be about 5'5.....

Look at the bright side - if you are into different sports etc - I was a cheerleader my senior year - being small has its' advantages!.....I also used to go cave exploring - BIG plus to be small! lol.....

 

[SarahAnne]

My mom is small, and so was her mom, so I don't know how much the CD affected my growth. I'm 5' 1", and I'm shorter than both of my younger sisters (youngest tops out at 5' 5"). I didn't have a period my 11th or 12th grade year because the CD was so bad. I think once your body is in remission it will start to catch up.

And pasobuff is right, there are some serious advantages to being short. My gorgeous, adorable, fantastic husband is not very tall. He told me that as cute as he thought I was, he never would have asked me out if I was much taller! Short girls have the benefits of being sought after by tall guys and shorter guys, both. Most guys don't want to look up to their wife or girlfriend, just a fact. I love being petite. It makes my hubby feel bigger and more manly, I guess. He's a dork, anyway.

I wouldn't worry too much. You may not grow as much or as fast as everyone else, but you will eventually catch up.

 

[Grumbletum]

I'm only 5ft but I can't blame it on the Crohn's cos I didn't get it til I was 51! The only times I mind being this small really are when somebody tall sits in front of me at the cinema or I have to cut masses off the bottom of new jeans! :lol:
Here are some more advantages:
* I got kid's fares on buses etc til I was well into my 20s ( naughty, I know, but I was a poor student
* hunky men will help you if you're struggling with heavy bags etc
* people don't feel threatened by you
* I can still fit into teenage size clothes which are often cheaper
* very small size shoes are often the only ones that are left in sales
I do understand your concerns and I am not making light of them, but people love you for who you are, not what size you are - and you sound like a lovely person to me.

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

I only became ill when I was just about to turn 30, so I don't think my illness had much to do with my height. However, I did have minor symptoms that could have been precursors to this illness, such as "sensitive stomach" and anal fissures, for quite a few years before I became ill, so I don't know for sure. I'm 5 foot 8, so somewhat tall for a girl, BUT I am the shortest person in my family (and the only ill one). All my cousins are taller than I am, my brother is 6 foot 6 (!!), even my mom is taller than I am. So, maybe this illness did make me a little bit shorter than I should have been, or maybe it's just pure coincidence that I'm the only ill one and the shortest one in the family.

 

[HeatherMN]

I'm 5'3" and used to wish I was taller, I was also a bit of a late bloomer (*all* my friends had ****s long before I did!) Finally at my age (not telling exactly but it's over 30) I have become a little more happy with my body the way it is. You'll be fine

 

[DustyKat]

As a general rule, while ever the inflammation is present puberty will be delayed. I guess even with inflammation present puberty would eventually kick in but it may affect your growth as others have suggested.

Your CD would have been present for a period of time prior to diagnosis and that is why you haven't been through puberty yet, so yes it is quite normal for Crohns. Until Sarah was in remission her puberty did not start, that may not be the case with you though.

When is your next visit to the GI?

Dusty. xxx

 

[DustyKat]

If you feel comfortable discussing it then I would raise it with the GI. Having said that, the GI should start to pick up on the fact that you haven't started puberty but it wouldn't hurt to prompt the fact.

Dusty. xxx