My son's story

[bandbmom]

My 17 year old son was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in January, 2010. He is currently taking Pentasa, Azathioprine, Entocort, Vitamins, and currently Prednisone. He has good days and bad days. He graduated from high school in May as Valedictorian of his class and now he starts college in 10 days. This is a vicious disease and I pray every day for a cure!

 

[mikeyarmo]

Welcome to the forum banbmom!

I am sorry to hear of your son's diagnosis. I was diagnosed at a similar time in my life (winter/spring of the year I graduated high school) and while there were some bad times, I was able to finish my university degree on time and get an ok job afterwards.

I benefited greatly from my school's Office for persons with disabilities, which helped give support whenever I was sick or needed special accommodations for an exam. You (and your son) should look into seeing if his college has a similar office that can provide support.

 

[LindaS]

Hi bandmom. I'm sorry your son was diagnosed with this awful disease. I hope he can find the right combination of treatment to have mostly good days.

 

[Dexky]

Welcome Mom!! Has he had trouble tapering off pred or is this pred due to a new flare-up? I hope he can get settled before school starts. I'm sure the excitement surrounding his new venture probably adds to his crohn's problems.

What is he planning to study? In my day, B and B was code for Block and Bridle club

 

[bandbmom]

Thank you

The college that he's going to is in our hometown and both his father and I work there. So, he can live at home for the next two years, which is a good thing. He is planning on being a gastroenterologist so he can help other people with Crohn's.
He has just been prescribed the Prednisone for this latest flare. He hasn't had to take that since early last year. I think this flare started from trying to taper off the Entocort. He's been taking that since April, 2010.
And, B and B stands for Blake and Brady's mom. We also have an 11 year old that we try to keep up with!
Thanks for all your words. As you can tell, I'm struggling right now with what we need to do next. It helps to talk to people who have the same kinds of problems.

 

[Dexky]

He'll make a compassionate GI someday!! I hope the pred brings him back under control soon so he can start off college in good order I know you are secretly very pleased he will still be home for 2 more years!!

 

[bandbmom]

Thanks! Oh, it's no secret that I'm happy he'll be home for two more years! :dance:

 

[Crohn's Mom]

Hi bandmom and welcome

I am completely jealous that your son is staying home for college for 2 years ! LOL
My daughter has CD and will be leaving for college that's a little over 2 hours away, in 15 days (but who's counting!). She also wants to be a doctor. These kids are nothing short of amazing!
I am very happy for her, but I will miss her greatly also...but as I've been told...time to cut the apron strings, a little :lol:

Good luck to your son and getting his meds sorted and on track!

hugs,
~T~

 

[bandbmom]

Hey,
They are amazing and so brave with all they have to handle! I'll be praying for you. I'll be facing that in two years and I'm already dreading it! It is so hard to cut those apron strings! Is your daughter doing good after surgery? I wish her the best at college.

 

[Tesscorm]

Hi BandBmom, I'm sorry to hear that your son was also diagnosed with Crohn's. Such difficult 'baggage' to carry as they move into young adulthood! My son is also 17 and was diagnosed in May. I hope your son's meds get all under control quickly - he sounds like a great kid, he deserves to start college with ALL good days!

My son still has one more year in high school but my daughter is 18 and is starting university in September and I have to admit just a little relief that she decided to stay home! :dance: We worry so much for them at the best of times, let alone when they're not feeling well.

(Tracy, I can so appreciate your bittersweet emotions - my daughter was planning on residence and I was very happy and excited for her and all the opportunities awaiting her BUT was just a wee bit happier when she decided to stay home for first year :cheers: But, it'll be a double whammy next year when they both head off!)

BandBmom, I'm sure you'll find lots of support and help here, everyone's been incredibly helpful to me in learning all about my son's illness.

 

[bandbmom]

It's already helping to be able to see that there are other people who are experiencing the same things. So often we feel like we're the only ones who have problems. Thanks!

 

[doctor's mom]

It's already helping to be able to see that there are other people who are experiencing the same things. So often we feel like we're the only ones who have problems. Thanks!

We have similar stories, our mutual understanding in this forum allows us to feel each other pains. I hope he'll get better soon and succeed in his goals.

 

[Crohn's Mom]

Yes band mom, she is doing very well after her surgery, thank you for asking. She is scheduled for her ileostomy reversal surgery in December, a few days after her first semester ends, pending she stays healthy. I'm sure it will prove to be her best Christmas present ever!