More than one child with Crohn's

[tannersmom]

I haven't been on here in quiet awhile. I have a 13 yr old son who was diagnosed with Crohn's at age 7. His Crohn's was severe and ended up having surgery to remove all but 10 to 12 inches of his colon. Now as of Tuesday the 26th my daughter who is 21 was also diagnosed with Crohn's but her case is mild. I was wondering if anyone else has more than one child with Crohn's and how do you deal with it? I have gotten use to handling my son's illness because we have been doing that for so long but now to have two kids to worry about:ywow:: Hoping I can be strong enough for both of them.

 

[Tesscorm]

I'm so sorry to hear of your daughter's diagnosis! Hopefully, they will get it under control quickly and it'll never be anything more than mild! And, with the knowledge and experience you have, I'm sure you'll be a great support and advocate for your daughter!

I know there are a few parents here who have more than one child diagnosed with crohns but the only one that comes to mind right now is DustyKat. Hopefully, one of these parents will come along or another parent who remembers their names and can tag them for you.

Lots of hugs! :ghug:

 

[Jmrogers4]

I know both of Dusty's kiddos have Crohn's. Only one I can think of that posts in Parents section but seems like I have seen other posts of siblings having crohn's.
Sorry you have to deal with this, but on a positive note you are already informed as is your daughter and can be pro-active in dealing with everything.
You are a strong great mom and will be there for both of them, even if you have to cry in the shower by yourself later as we all have done.

 

[tannersmom]

Thanks ladies, it does help that we as a family have experienced alot of the horror of Crohn's so we know all about medicines and treatments. Just was not expecting this.

 

[araceli]

Hi tannersmom. I am sorry to hear that. I know exactly how you feel. My daughter was diagnosed with crohn's 2 years ago at age 14. now at 14 my youngest son is diagnosed with ankylosing spondalitis. And of course I was not expecting that. with crohns you have a chance to develop spondalitis, and the other way around. Only thing I can tell you, is that after the surprise, the crying, kicking and all that, some how we are able to manage. We are Super Moms. Best wishes.

 

[tannersmom]

Thank you araceli!! Yes I guess we are Super Moms! Just another Chapter in our crazy life!

 

[izzi'smom]

Love the term "super moms" for you! I have been here long enough to see a few members come and go...but I distinctly remember a parent of two tiny ones (under 4 or 5) with Crohns.
Wishing you luck in treatment and strength...:heart:

 

[DustyKat]

Hey tanners mom, I am so very sorry to hear about your daughter...:hug::hug::hug:

Yes, both of my children have Crohn's so I surely know how you are feeling right now!

I have found the second time round far harder to deal with than the first. When Sarah was diagnosed she had been ill or so long that I grabbed eagerly with both hands at a diagnosis. I knew nothing of Crohn's so my knowledge grew along with my acceptance at a slow and steady pace but when you are faced with again it is entirely different. This time round you are an old hand and as such it can also be your enemy, a little knowledge and all that! :lol:

I have often thought back on the time when Sarah was the only one diagnosed and although it wasn't something I consciously thought about, as such, I do think in the back of my mind I did have an innate sense of ability to cope because I also had a healthy child. I did not have the worry that if anything happened to Sarah I also had to worry about Matt, I could just drop everything and go. With Matt's diagnosis the rug was pulled out from under me and the sense of helplessness and grief was overwhelming. How the hell was I going to cope with two children with Crohn's?!

What you are feeling Mum is normal, natural and just...:hug:...it is heartbreaking and it is scary but you will find the strength and the ability to deal with it and soon enough you will take it in your stride. I know that is hard to see from where you are standing now but your love for the ones you hold so very dear will overcome the anguish and doubts. Believe me hun, you will do just fine and better and in the meantime we are here to help you with a friendly and supportive ear to listen, a strong shoulder to lean on and squishy but gentle hugs to help you through. :heart:

In my thoughts,
Dusty. xxx