Help with food ideas for my son

[AntsMommy]

Hello everyone,

My son was just diagnosed with Crohn's (after having stomach issues for the past year) when he had a partial blockage and inflammation last week and ended up in the hospital.

He had been pain free since Saturday, on Pentasa until Tuesday, switched to Asacol on Wednesday (insurance wouldn't pay for Pentasa). Then, Wednesday night he had an episode again. He is also taking 65 mg. iron 2x day as they found he is anemic. He is not allowed to eat fruits and veggies right now and is supposed to be on a low-residue diet until he sees the specialist on 9/20.

Wednesday night he was very constipated (last BM Tuesday), finally went D on Thursday and today he is feeling better and hungry again. Yesterday, he was changed again to Prednisone (sp?) until next Tuesday at which time his regular dr will taper him off.

I bought him vanilla ensure which he actually likes, but he wants real food. I don't know what else to feed him as it seems everything I would normally feed my children to be healthy (fruits, veggies, whole grains) are banned right now.

I am starting a food diary so we can determine how he reacts to certain foods. In the meantime, does anyone have any ideas? I appreciate any input.

Thank you!

Kelly

 

[MapleLeafGirl]

Now that he is on prednisone he is going to be wanting food big time. Google "low residue diet" as there are actually lots of foods that he can still have. Kraft Dinner always works for me when my tummy is not good. Other foods that work for me are white toast, white rice, applesauce, bananas, instant potatoes, turkey, chicken or tuna sandwiches on white bread, grilled cheese (again white bread). I hope that helps a little!

 

[Rebecca85]

Home made soups are nice, boil up some chicken and veggies in some stock, and strain the veggies out before serving. That way you get the vitamins etc out of the veg but not the fibre. You could add a few bits of pasta to make it more filling.

 

[My Butt Hurts]

Chicken salad sandwiches always sit well when I am flaring. I boil the chicken, then chop it up really fine before mixing it with mayo. To make it more fun for him, (not sure how old he is) you could put it on those mini hamburger buns /sliders.

You could make a casserole with boiled chopped chicken, cooked instant rice, shredded cheese, and condensed soup over the top. My kids love the cheesiness of that.

How long has he been on the iron, and what kind is it? I think (but I'm not sure) that iron can constipate you, and I know that it can cause belly pain. The one kind that I found didn't hurt my belly is called Slow F.E. It is quite expensive, but worth not having pain I guess. If he is taking the straight red little pills, you might ask your doc if switching would be a good idea for him or not.

Good luck getting through the time until you see the specialist.
Welcome to the forum.
MBH

 

[AntsMommy]

Thank you for the suggestions, everyone!

I forgot to mention - he is 13, so not quite a little one anymore and pretty bummed about the lack of food choices.

I actually stopped the iron for two days because of the constipation. I am wondering if he should start it again because of the amount in the Ensure, or if we should cut it down. It is some straight iron pills from the pharmacist.

He is having no pain today.

 

[lovesugar]

AntsMommy, I am sad for you and your son. I have a 13 year old son and it would break my heart if he ever got Crohns like I have. I am currently trying to work out what food plays up on me, so far without a doubt I have worked out sugar has totally killed me. When i look back to my last few flare ups they were all sugar pig out related. I also without a doubt know that corn is an absolute no no...I can't stress sugar enough though, especially while he is having a bad flare. I would try and stick to anything bland for the time being. Good luck I really hope he comes good really soon

 

[AntsMommy]

Thank you, lovesugar! So far, it has been 8 days without pain. He actually isn't big on sugar (not sure where this kid came from, haha!) so if sugar were to trigger him, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Right now he can't have vegetables and I think he misses Chinese food the most (which, for some reason, has made him sick in the past). We see the specialist on Monday and then I am going to ask to see a nutritionist as well.

Thank you for your reply!