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This is in regards to my 15 old year old son, diagnosed in sep. 09. with IBD.  He has been hospitalized 2 times since sep. and has missed many days of school due to his illness and dotors appt.  He is failing 2 of his classes and finds it extremely difficult and frustrating to catch up.  He says he has no real friends that really care about him.  He does not socialize with anyone and doesn't want to do things.  He feels tired all the time.  He is also extemely moody and sensitive.  We have discuseed home schooling as an option until he his in remission and feels better.  He is on 60mg of prednisone and just started his first infusion of remicade yesterday.  I know that prednisone can cause moodiness and is probably a contributing factor.  I hope that he can begin to taper off the steroids and that remicade works.  In the mean time,  I am a very conercerned mom who is not only worried about his physical well being but also his emotional health. Any good advise is always appreciated.

Thank you

Derek's mom

 Reply posted for dmstern8.

Ive been diagnosed for 1 1/2yrs and im 22 now. I didnt have to deal with UC during high school but even now it is tough. Luckily im married and the wife is always there for me. But when it comes to friends I dont have any. Im either too tired to go out, too poor because of med bills, or they want to go eat at a place that has nothing for me. I cant even go to the movies without going to the bathroom. I have more friends on my xbox that ive never met and talk too then I do in real life. I would have chosen homeschooling if I had this in high school. I know if I decide to go back to college I will try and get an online degree so that if im not having a good day ill be able to just lay around and get better. I hope he does get better this is rough on anyone of any age.

 Reply posted for dmstern8.

The prednisone can surely cause depression along with other not so good feelings. He's a teen, he's different with his Crohn's and he's on medication- yes, it's all understandable. Is there a Crohn's group around you? I don't mean the crying kind I mean the kind where young people can meet and discuss what's going on with them. He may meet someone who even if not his best bud, will at least understand with what he's dealing. The teen years of course is not the best time to feel different. Maybe he can go on the "kids and teens" portion of this site and at least find a pen pal if nothing else. Poor kid, I know what he's going through.

 Reply posted for dmstern8.

Fifteen is a hard time for a kid without also having an illness to cope with. Maybe it would be best to just try and  maintain for now until his IBD is stabilized and you both learn how to cope with it some what. Doing a year of school over (repeat) is not such a bad thing. I repeated a year in school because of a family illness, injury and a move, it wasn't that disruptive to my education or my life. The kid feels like he is drowning. Give him some time to sort things out. Learning to cope with IBD takes time, lots of time. Hang in there.

                                        Joe  

 Reply posted for Lizzies Mom.

Thank you for your thoughts

derek's mom

 Reply posted for dmstern8.

Raising a healthy teen these days is tough, throw in a chronic illness and it doesn't make things any easier.  I have two daughters 13 healthy as can be and my 9 y/o has CD (from infancy).  

As moms that is what we do, we worry about our children.  You are right to be concerned about both his health and his social side.  My daughter and I had joined a support group through our docs office and I found it helpful.  It was good because she had an opportunity to meet other children with "special bellies" and she realized - hey, I'm not alone!   and  I was able to speak w/other parents too.  We stopped going because the kids were a little older and I thought it started having an adverse affect.  You may want to investigate what is avail in your area / call your local chapter.  

Hopefully now that he has started Remicade he will begin to feel better and will be able to taper-off the Prednisone.  You may want to talk with his school and arrange for a home-tutor until he feels stronger (maybe take some of the stress off him with the "make-up" work).  Kids are rough these days and can be really cruel, especially at the teen ages. 

I know how hard it is.....all you can do is your best.   I will keep your family in my prayers (while I pray for the cure).

Lizzies Mom