Skating on thin ice

[michele1770]

Hi,
I am new to this site and decided to join because I am at the end of my rope and don't know where else to go. My son is 20 years old and was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease last year during his first month of very intense training for Division 1 Ice Hockey in college. He lost about 20 lbs and was extremely ill for about 2 weeks until we figured out what it was. Once we figured out what it was he was put on Asacol, Metronitizole and Ciproflaxin to get the symptoms under control. About 4 mos. later his doctor put him on Humira which he injects every 2 weeks and he continued to take the Asacol. Back in May of 2012 his Doctor recommended that we start to wean off of the Asacol. He was virtually symptom free up until about a month ago when he started getting severe stomach pains and started having to go to the bathroom with increased frequency. We are currently working to get the Meds regulated to get his symptoms under control but along with that he has been working very hard to gain weight and has not had any luck at all. His weight stays at about 160 lbs. His coaches set goals for him for the summer and that included gaining at least 10 lbs. In order for him to be competitive in hockey this season he really needs to put on some weight and that is what is expected of him. He works out regularly lifting weights and is on the ice skating 2 to 3 times per week. He is preparing to go away to training camp in less than a week and I am really worried because he is still experiencing symptoms, has been tired and weak and has not gained any weight at all. Anyone out there with similar experience who could offer up any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Z_Ghost]

It might be something that he is eating to gain weight that is causing his problem.
I know at one time when the Chron's was giving me a lot of problems that I would lose a lot of weight and it took till the Chron's settled down before I could get my weight back up.

 

[Scaryman]

I consume smoothies (homemade) or drink a ton of Boost shakes. It helped me gain weight back. He needs to understand what a low residue diet is. Ie no celery or fruit with skins, popcorn, any corn product. Basically it I learned from one of the best GI docs who happens to be very knowledgeable and highly educated as well in nutrition. He has to convert to "chewdism".

Basically anything he swallows must be purée., or mush like baby food. Thats what works for me, he might have other complications. Hope that helps.

 

[Farmwife]

Hi and welcome,
Sorry to hear about your son. We have a wonderful Parents Forum here. Lots of mom's and dad's that have kids that are in sports. Some of these kids are in very competitive sports like yours. Please pop by and say hi. Lots of advice to help you, help your son.
I do give my girl smoothies. Great source of fruit and I add powder carnation instant breakfast for added vitamins and calories. She's only three so losing even two pounds is a big deal.

Farmwife

 

[Snoflayk505]

I too consume smoothies very often as well. My daily favorite is Peanut butter, banana, Ice, Water. I learned from a fellow forum member adding almond flour works too! Might be a good addition for your son to gain some weight? One of the bad things about a low residue diet AND trying to gain weight is that will probably mean lots of gluten/grain =/ Lots of Crohnies symptoms are caused or made worse it seems by those very things. Have you ever looked into a particular digestive disease diet like SCD or Paleo? Only trouble with those is sometimes gaining weight can be a challenge. I myself keep my weight well balanced since the SCD diet keeps my Crohn's at bay As long as I don't eat what Im not supposed to, it SEEMS I have the reins now and can be symptom free.

Best of luck to you and your family! I hope he gets well soon.

 

[Scaryman]

Might want to check out her SCD blog. I just learned some things there. I'll have to take it slow but darn reading her recipes made me hungry.:ybiggrin:

 

[Snoflayk505]

haha thanks scaryman!

 

[Thermo]

I would say the key is ensures, and adding butter and misc fatty items like that on everything. I myself was told i could never over do it with vitamins so i just add heavy and fatty side items to everything. I eat pasta with heavy oil on it and chicken everyday for example Its a long battle but he needs to add the fatty stuff to what he eats. I am honestly kind of shocked he didnt gain the weight on Humira.