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i have had a *** of a time handling my son's  likely diagnosis of ibd. the problem is liesi is that my mom had to have an ileostomy over 25 years ago because of uc. that doesn't help me handle this situation in a sane situation (even though i do mental health therapy). this has been a real challenge for my family.they are not happy with the way i have been handling it. i have decided that it was time that i deal with this through therapy. perhaps, other parents or other caregivers are in the same situation as me. do not be ashamed!!! when you have loved ones who suffer, you, too, are suffering. do not feel bad about addressing it.

 Reply posted for Lizzies Mom.

Aaaaah, I see. I hope things work out well for you.

 Reply posted for Laura.

I am keeping my initial bloodwork to myself because I do not yet have a confirmed diagnosis.  My follow-up appt. with another GI isn't until Jan 6.   Being the Mom of two children, I want them the enjoy their holiday.  My mother is also not well and I would also like her to have a nice holiday season as well.  Once I have a colonoscopy and confirmed diagnosis, I'll have yet another thing in common with my daughter (a "special belly").  I come from a very close-knit family and they have always been supportive.  I'm confident that won't change.

Lizzies Mom

 Reply posted for Lizzies Mom.

I don't understand why you are hiding. I may not have Crohns as bad as everyone else (yet) but I have no problem telling people that I have it or that I am having a bad day. I don't do 'happy face' very well I guess, so I never tried. If I don't feel good, I will say so. I figure if others know about my condition they will understand better why I can't do the things I used to do.
Most of the people I know have always been interested and supportive. I guess in the beginning when I so bad off that I could barely get out of bed for 8 weeks everyone realized this was something serious. I didn't really have any lead up time that I noticed, it just hit me all at once. I hope those around you are as supportive as my family was.

 Reply posted for Lizzies Mom.

the lighten up is exactly what he says...lol. my family doesn't want me to say anything about the special ingredients in the food i prepare or buy, so i am trying hard to keep track of what i say. i have been in the sandwich generation since i hit my 30's. i know that i need a "tweak" at this time, so that i don't put my *** (pardon the pun) onto the people around me. thanks for listening. by the way, he's not running to the toilet after eating the food i'm making, so i guess that's a good thing. happy thanksgiving to you and your family. feel good.

 Reply posted for lorraine.

I think it is normal for a parent to go through a type of mourning with an IBD diagnosis. I know I did. Your child will handle this differently.  I have a 10 yo. with Crohn's.  I don't think she fully understands the gravity of the diagnosis but she will have a lifetime to try to adjust - one day at a time. I don't want to react emotionally in a way that will upset her, otherwise she may try to spare MY feelings by not telling me about new problems.  

 Reply posted for lorraine.

I've sought help in the past.  I think joining a support group helped both my daughter and me.  Even though we no longer attend - the kids were a little older than my little one and I thought it started having an adverse affect on her - it did help.   Just knowing that we (as a family) are not alone. 

I personally did try therapy a few years back.   It was a short-lived relationship because she had a full-time job and didn't have suitable hours.   What I learned there was that I am in what is called a "Sandwich Generation".  Being you are in the field, is she correct?  or just blowing smoke???   Anyway, she explained the sandwich being that I am trying to take care of my children and my mom.  The stress had gotten to the point where I just needed to hear an un-biased professionals opinion.

I think your situation may be even more difficult being you have a background in mental health and also that your son is older.  Being he is a young man, he may have the opinion of "back-off" Mom (I'm no baby- lighten up).   Unfortunately, we are Moms and no matter how old our children get, they are still our children.   I didn't have an understanding of that until I had my kids......the love is endless.......and we just want to kiss the aches away.

I hope you do your best to enjoy your Thanksgiving.  I intend to put on my happy face and show for the family, though inside I am contending with possibly the same diagnosis as my daughter (CD).  This secret hiding is awful.

Best wishes, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lizzies Mom