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My name is Christina and my 7 yr old has Crohn's whenI tell people about him they just say awww and walk away. No I am not experienceing the pain that he is but let me tell you I am right by his side through it all and I tell him all the time if I could take the pain I would. We have not been successful with treatments going to new GI doc next week so I hope they can help him. I am emotionally worn out right now, I am always thinking about him and ways to help him feel alittle better, I am a single mother of 3 work full time and it is hard for me to watch my child suffer. I may not beable to share symptoms with others but I can share the emotional I am feeling. We keep our faith and keep praying that is all I can do right now but I am starting to get lost and worn out..

 Reply posted for JNA.

I was diagnosed with Crohn's a year and a half ago at the age of 22. Let me tell you, my best resources have been my boyfriend of three years and my mom. They may not be able to relate to the symptoms but they are there for comfort none the less. Since college my boyfriend and I have moved back to my home town and during my current and worst flare my mom comes with me to all of my GI appointments. I may be 23 but I can't tell you how much better it feels to have her there in the office with me. She and I have cried about this together and worried about the future together, but the best thing she does is just being there. Mother's are invaluable, (my parents are divorced, I'm sure there are tons of invaluable dads out there too!!). The only thing I can really tell you is that you are amazing, I bet nothing makes him feel better than having you around when he feels sick. Hang in there, try to find ways to have a sense of humor about it, I know that sounds impossible sometimes. Here's an example: I recently went to a dinner party with my boyfriend where we agreed that if I tapped his hand twice it meant I needed to leave. He suggested that instead, I wait until it gets really quiet and then yell KABOOM!! We both got a huge laugh out of that picture. Stay strong

 Reply posted for son seth.

I was so sad reading your posts... I really feel for you and don't envy your position. I have Crohn's myself, and have a little boy who is 2 (and a girl on the way). I hope that neither one of them EVER has to deal with this disease - or any other health problems, for that matter.

Throughout any of my flares and surgeries, my son has given me perspective to stay positive. Basically, I figure if I am sick and he is healthy, things are in the right "order." I'd much rather be sick myself than to ever see him suffer! And I know that if he ever does have to suffer, I will be a wreck. Same goes with any troubles I've had with being sick during pregnancy - if I can get through it and have a healthy baby in the end, bring it on. As long as she's healthy, I don't care if it's rough on me. 

I can handle being sick... but hope that I never have to deal with what you deal with as a parent of a sick child. I will take this disease any day if it means my kids don't have to! Best wishes to you and your family... stay strong for them. He needs your support more than you know!

 Reply posted for son seth.

parents really do hurt!  My beautiful 18 yr old son went from being a big strong swimmer to a very thin sick boy in less than a year.  We are continuing to work on it--but it makes me so sad at times.  Today i just went back to bed and cried.   I did get up and do other stuff--but it is really hard at times.  I would totally take this on for myself instead of him.

You just don't know if they will have a good life--but does anybody?  We do the best we can and provide comfort.  It helps to talk to a friend or family member...and to check out this site.

My heart goes out to you.  I wish I could fix it all!!

 Reply posted for son seth.

Hello there.  My son is also 7 and just diagnosed with Crohns in October.  You are absolutely right, some people can come across as being insensitive.  I have heard comments like--"at least there is medicine for that" and "does he try to milk it for toys and attention".  The latter comment brought me to tears.  Does he try to milk it????????  I was sooooooooooooo mad.  Anyway, I wanted to let you know that you are not alone and hang in there.  Our children need us to be positive (I know first hand--its hard).  Pray for a cure and be an advocate for your baby.  Also, is there a camp Oasis in your area?  There is one in mine and I am considering sending my son if his health is better.  God Bless and Keep in touch. 

 Reply posted for kg.

Reply to KG I live in finksburg MD>>

 Reply posted for son seth.

I am totally with you on this.  My son is 9 years old and has Crohn's.  We have been dealing with this for 3 years now and I have found for us it is getting tougher.  His case has not been an easy one.  He had a few months of (for him) good health and then because we had to switch meds it went downhill and hasn't came back up.  People who have healthy children do not understand and because our kids usually look pretty healthy they don't think this disease is that bad.  I did ok emotionally until this year(of course I am good with supressing things just so I can get done what I have to).  And since this summer,which was when my son's flare became really bad, he has been having episodes of depression which are becoming more frequent.  I work a full time job, just got a part-time job and have another child.  It is hard and I just wish people could see just what we deal with along with our kids everyday.  We really live minute by minute because you never know when something is going to happen.    

 Reply posted for son seth.

you soundlike my mom. where do you live?