Total Newbie with a few questions

[mdbd]

Hi Everyone
I'm SO glad I found this forum. I have a 10 year old who was diagnosed with Crohn's during the summer. It was a complete shock to us. He has had 3 flare ups since and is currently on a short course of the "new breed" of steroids to help him through this period - and they are working really well. His regular meds were a low dose of Pentasa though this has gone up a lot.

I'm really worried because Crohn's is such a big black hole for us - we don't know what to expect and the flare ups have been quite frightening. We're trying to educate ourselves as we go along but when you're up all night with a child in pain..it can be a bit difficult to catch up on the Crohn's reading materials! :thumbdown:

...SO...I've got a few questions:

1. We've cut out all dairy and realized that corn really irritates him - but are there any other foodstuffs that generally aren't good for Crohn's sufferers? 2. Similarly, are there any foods I can give him DURING a flare up that will not irritate him further?

3. What are your preferred probiotics that you use as a supplement? I know there was some research done on the F. Prausnitzii probiotic but I haven't found any F Prausnitzii available on the market. Are there any particular strains of probiotic or combination of them that work best? Also - are there any brands that you would recommend?

4. Are there any books that are sufficiently simple for a newbie (and frenzied mother) to read where I can get the gist of things pretty quickly - such as diet, environment, meds, stresses, etc?

5. Do any of you have any experience with managing stress? My son has always been an 'internalizer' rather than express problems and feelings and I suspect that this personality type may be more susceptible to Crohn's and the flare-ups. Are there any tips you can give me...bearing in mind he's 10?

I'm SO sorry I have so many questions, but thank you all for reading this. Even putting it down on a thread is helping me!
Maria

 

[xJillx]

Hi there and welcome, Maria! I am sorry to hear about your little boy. There are lots of parents on here just like you. I am sure you'll find the forum very helpful. As for your questions...

1. Food triggers are different for all of us. But some foods that generally cause us Crohnies problems include high fiber foods, fried foods, popcorn, seeds, raw fruits and veggies.
2. When flaring, I stick with a low-res diet. Things I'll eat include oatmeal, toast, applesauce, chicken, salmon, mashed potatoes, rice, crackers, and yogurt.
3. I don't use a probiotic, but I have heard great things of VSL3 for those with IBD. I believe you can get this by prescription.
4. I don't have any advice for a good comprehensive book.
5. Stress is a big trigger for me. Working out regularly certainly seems to help. For a ten year old, playing outside and so forth could be helpful. Also, relaxing activities such as reading help, too. Perhaps reading or coloring would help calm your son's nerves if he is anxious.

I sure hope your son starts to feel better very soon!

 

[RFarmer]

Hi, and welcome to the forum

1) Like Jill said, we all vary in what we can/can't eat. We have a thread here: http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=17707
on the various types of foods we can or can't handle. Though generally, for flare ups, white breads, white rice, mashed potatoes, and other bland foods are the best.

3) I don't use probiotics myself. I know I prolly should, but I get along fine avoiding too much sugar, and having some form of yogurt. I'm lactose intolerant, but I find most yogurts I'm able to do. Then again, I'm not really sure how to measure if I'm getting enough probiotics, so I could be in severe need :S

5) This one is terribly hard. Sometimes, I find it just best to remember that my health is more important. He's ten, and therefore what he does now doesn't matter too ridiculously. It's more important that he get into a good remission than he get good school grades.

Good luck

 

[David]

Hi there and welcome! I'm so sorry to hear about your son, that must be so tough for all of you

In addition to the wonderful answers above:

1. You may want to check out our diet and supplements forum. People discuss probiotics a lot there and you may also get some dietary ideas.

2. As for stress, have you thought of enrolling him in yoga? I teach and practice and feel it could be very beneficial for any age. 10 certainly isn't too young to start. If this is something that interests you, let me know so I can provide some pointers.

3. We have a Parents of Kids with IBD forum you may want to check out.

All my best to you and your son

*hugs*

 

[mdbd]

Thanks so much to everyone! I didn't realize that yoga is okay for 10 year olds - would
he do a general class or should I just look for a child class? I'd do the yoga with him if in a general class as it's been a while since I've had time to practice it and I'd love to get back into it.
M

 

[David]

Yoga is great from the time we're in the womb (prenatal yoga) until the day we finally pass.

As to whether he should be in a child's class or general, that would depend on your son. Some 8 year olds might be great in a general, some 12 year olds might not be able to pay attention and remain relatively quiet that long and would do better in the "safer" environment of a child's class. Since you'd be there, I think taking him to a general and explaining that he needs to try not to disturb others would be best, especially since the idea would be to help him decompress rather than (potentially) get amped from being around other kids.

Finding a good yoga teacher who understands IBD would be extremely important. I talk about that in this thread (10th post down). I might try and find a couple teachers you have a good feeling about and then get an hour of private instruction with them so your son can get a feel for yoga and the teacher can really evaluate his needs. From there, progressing to group classes would likely be a much smoother transition. If you have any other questions, I'm happy to help in any way I can

 

[mdbd]

Thanks so much. I'm going to read your other thread now. We're in CT and have a few yoga places relatively close by so I'm going to see what I can find.

 

[DustyKat]

Hi mdbd and :welcome:

I'm so sorry to hear about your boy...:hug:...but I am glad you have found your way here. There are so many friendly, knowledgeable and understanding people hanging out here and ready to help you out. So keep asking the questions and will we do our best to answer.

You have already received fab advice so I will just add that it may be helpful for you to go the parents forum as David has suggested and have a look at the sticky threads at the top. There is a wealth of information, experience and links in there and should provide you with hours of reading! :lol:

I hope your son continues to do well with his meds and he has lasting relief. Good luck and welcome aboard! I look forward to seeing you around.

Dusty. xxx