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Complementary or Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Mon, September 14, 2009 6:10 PM

My 9 yr old son was recently diagnosed with Crohn's. Hes on 6MP which seems to have put him in remission for the most part altho i feel like hes still not at 100% all the time. Id really like to stay away from more or stronger meds if at all possible. Does anyone have any experience with complimentary or alternative medicine with their children?

jacksmother
Joined Sep 14, 2009

Wed, September 30, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for tripmom.

I too am very much interested in alternative medicine. My son was diagnosed with Crohns a year ago. After the Pentasa and Budesonide...we are facing Imuran. I absolutely hate the fact that the best thing they can come up with to give our children is immune killing drugs. He has low enzyme levels to break down imuran, and I absolutely do NOT want to go with the infusions. I have him on fish oil, probiotics, folic acid and iron. Has anyone had any luck with natural anti inflammatories such as curcumin, serrapeptase or other? I believe an anti inflammatory diet will likely be essential. Getting him to eat is a chore to begin with....I feel helpless as I am sure many of you do.

stikmonkysmom
Joined Sep 28, 2009

Tue, September 22, 2009 4:09 AM

Reply posted for jacksmother.

Have you tried giving him a low carb diet. It seems difficult at first but my life has been transformed by the SCD diet. I have used it for three years and looking back have seen improvement all the way on minimal drugs.

Read Breaking the Vicious cycle and Life without Bread. These books give a great insight into the effects of our diet with no commercial pressure to buy anything. Before SCD I thought I ate a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and not much processed food and I was very sceptical that diet could make a difference. I don't take any special supplements but always make sure I have plenty omega 3 and I only use healthy fats such as butter, beef fat and cold-pressed unrefined oils.
Patman has posted some great references on this site.

Both Azathioprine and 6mp made me sick and caused violent cramps but I am now thankful as I might never have discovered the effect of diet.

The best of luck in finding a way forward. UC and Crohns are difficult enough for anyone to deal with let alone a young child.

lca
Joined Oct 12, 2008

Sat, September 19, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for jacksmother.

My 9 year old daughter has Crohns and she takes Imuran and the following supplements. I would ask your doctor about a probiotic, fish oil, folic acid and calcium. The first two could help with inflammation and regulating the GI tract, the last two are to make up for what she may not be absorbing in her food. Good luck.

concerned mom
Joined Jun 19, 2008

Fri, September 18, 2009 6:13 PM

Reply posted for jacksmother.

I am also interested in alternative therapy. My 9 year old daughter was diagnosed at 5 but didn't start showing true signs until the last year. She is on a 6-MP after unsuccessful trials with Asecol and Pentasa. She has had severe reactions to all the meds and the 6-MP is proving no different. We spend 6 hours in the ER after she vomited all night. I'm worried that this medication is going to destroy her. I have a lot to learn about this disease...

tripmom
Joined Sep 18, 2009

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