"Success" stories of adults Dx as kids?

[Hoping]

Good evening, I am yearning for success stories of adults who were diagnosed as children and who are living happy productive lives - married, working, children?... I know there are plenty out there but those are not the stories I am finding on the internet nor at the conferences/symposiums I have attended. I have read my share of tough stories and I know the road ahead is not an easy one. My 13 year old was Dx a few months ago with Crohn's. He is a really smart kiddo, VP of his school, and great soccer player. He is doing very well emotionally and I am so proud of him, but we are already challenged with a second flare. It is harder for mom (me) I think! The illness has brought us back to the essentials of life and has been grounding in many ways. However, I would love to feel comforted by real stories of teens like him, who have "grown up" with the illness and are living happy lives. Does anyone have a link to recommend, a book to read?

Thank you!!!

 

[Lisa]

Hi and welcome! I was diagnosed at about 7 years old, had a lot of ups and downs over the years.....

I've worked at ll sorts of jobs over the years, been an EMT, volunteer firefighter, taken multiple college courses, work in my 'dream job' as a State Fire Marshal for the past 14 years......


Yes, there is life possible with crohns'.....I also have an almost 12 year old daughter, and been married for the same amount of time.....

Crohns' doesn't haave to rule your life.....

 

[Lam123]

Hi!
This is a really good post, you really got me thinking.
I was diagnosed at 14, so very similar to your son. I went to college and university. I am a school teacher and it's been a great career with managing my health. I am married and have a 7 year old son. I have had flares and my ups and downs, but honestly, as a kid, my parents support and always being there for me is what helped the most. I know when I was younger I may not have expressed to them how much I appreciate their support, but as I got older, I appreciate it more then words can express. Crohns has taught me that it's ok to slow down life, it's ok to stop and take care of yourself. I also think it forced me to be responsible a lot earlier then others. Crohns has taught me to be forever grateful and never take anything for granted. Some flares have been more difficult then others, but it's all part of the journey. If you have any other questions, you can private message me.

 

[Hoping]

Thank you! Great to hear these stories. Much appreciated!

 

[my little penguin]

Hoping
There is a parents group here if you have questions or need to vent

http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=49

 

[eleanor_rigby]

Hi, although not officially diagnosed at the time I have had Crohn's since I was 15 years old. I will be 28 years old in March. I studied a degree in Psychology, completed a masters, worked for a professor as a researcher and I am now completing my PhD after winning funding from a leading medical research body. I have spent months travelling the world with my friends and boyfriend including interrailing around Europe, travelling north, central and South America for 3 months and a month in Asia.
I have been with my boyfriend for 6 years and we are very happy together.
I have had one surgery which made my life so much better after I recovered but I believe it could have been avoided if I had been diagnosed in my teens.