Crohn's Disease in children

[Busty]

I am writing this in the hope that someone in BB has experienced what we are going through right now and may have some advice to pass along in this thread. For the last 7 weeks my daughter has been very ill - they have not yet diagnosed what it is but suspect that it may be Crohn's Disease. She is 12 years old. Have any of you gone through this with a child? If so could you pass on what the symptoms were and what the treatment has been. I have done some research on it but have often found that the best advice comes from those who have lived through it.

 

[CelestialBody]

 

[Nicole]

Busty I don't know anything either and I have asked beleive me, you see the Doc's thought I might have it but, being the chicken I am I'm not willing to go for the tests and now live with very bad stomach pains every so often.

I do hope that your daughter finds out what the problem is and that she is well and healthy. My heart is all hers right now.

Get well and good luck sweetie.

 

[forgetunome]

Busty...

I am sooo sorry to hear about your daughter...I don't know anything about it. My bosses husband has it and I know he leads a normal life he just has periods where he's in pain alot! And that's about the extent of my knowledge.

I hope they can do something for her!! Here's some heartfelt hugs!!

((((((((((((Busty)))))))))))))

 

[Handy-Andy]

Be strong , Be brave , My Heart and thought's are with you .

You've got mail .

 

[TonyG]

Hi! My nephew was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when he was 12. He is now 20. His symptoms were mainly of a digestive nature. He begun to throw up almost everything. He lost a lot of weight.

The disease affects the digestive system. My nephew must take medication for the rest of his life and be very careful not to eat certain foods. Other than that he is living a normal life. He plays sports, dates, goes to the same school as his friends, etc. Things may seem real bad for your family right now but they will get better.

 

[Busty]

Thank you Tony - the symptoms you describe are exactly what my daughter is going through. It's nice to know that it will even out.

 

[Temptress_1960]

I have an acquaintance whose son has Crohn's disease. It has been very difficult for their family, and although I don't know the details, I can tell you that it is really important to get support - from your church, community, schools, anyone who can help you.
Her son is 19 now, and going to college. He has bad days, and good days. And during high school, one year, he missed something like 130 days out of 180.
The local high school was able to make some accomodations for him - he even was able to be on the varsity football team (they set it up so he could do that kick for the 2-point conversion - no, I don't know much about football).
Anyway, my point is that you are not alone - and people will be willing and eager to help you if you ask. Think of specific things they can do, too.
A big problem for him was loneliness. Due to the disease, he missed a lot of time at school. It's important for a kid with Crohn's to have friends who call, e-mail, or visit. And it's important for the parents of a kid with Crohn's to take care of themselves - be sure to get a break now and then, don't wear yourself out.
I'm very sorry for what your family is going through.

 

[Darowyn]

What dreadful news. Please let your daughter know that we all care about her.
It seems as if this is another of those diseases which no-one had heard of and now are becoming more and more common.
I'm sure you will find lots about it on the Net. There are probably support groups too.
From my own experience, children come through it better than people who are affected as adults.
Look after yourself too Busty. Nothing brings you down harder than seeing your child hurting.
All the best.

 

[Ksss]

((((((((Busty)))))))) you are still in my thoughts and prayers

 

[naudiz]

I don't know a lot about Crohn's disease. The only advice I can offer applies to living with a chronic disease in general. Develop a regimen with your daughter and her doctor that works for her. Then stick to it no matter what. On good days, it doesn't seem necessary, but it really is.

Best wishes to you and your daughter. I'll be thinking good thoughts for both of you.

 

[Cg1369]

it goes without saying that you and she are in my thoughts and prayers Busty. Be there for her, as you always have been. And please, give her a hug for me.

 

[Guest]

 

[Busty]

I want to thank all of you for your support and for the information - it really does mean a lot to me.

 

[Busty]

For those of you who wrote to give your support - I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Yesterday she had the final tests and it was determined that she does have Crohn's Disease. We know that there is no cure but that it is treatable. Life as we've known is about to change but hopefully not too much. With a little luck the medication will help settle her down and it will not get any worse than it is now.

 

[Nobody Special's wife]

Children have the remarkable way of Not careing for the own bad thoughts...They just live...Your daughter My have to live with this disease But it won't controll her on her life long dreams....She will be well and Happy soon..She may have to take medicne everyday..But She will be like everyother child.....She will Play as her heart contant .....I pray you get through this as your daughter will...Good luck to you and your family

THE WIFE

 

[Cg1369]

Busty, ya know i loves ya both. and ya know how to contact me if ya need me for any reason. My prayers, and budlady's, are with you both.

Bud