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I was just speaking with a friend of mine today who is very much into only going to holistic/alternative type doctors.  She was suggested that I give that a try.  My son has UC and is 5 yrs old, he is currently on Colazal, Prednisone and Imuran.  While I would love for my son to be med free, I am a little skeptical.  Anyone ever try it????

 Reply posted for jcraig007.

Sandy - I appreciate your feedback and you kept me from deciding not to post anymore!!  I'm sure you could tell that the whole thing "struck a nerve" with me. 

Claire's Mom (aka Julie )

 Reply posted for AZMOM.

Hi Claire's Mom,

 Reply posted for alanschachter.

Wow - without sounding defensive I would like to say that we are fully aware of what 6MP is and how it works.  I would say that most parents who spend time on this forum spend a lot of time researching medications for their children.  And.....I am truly happy for families who have found success with diet modification alone - count your blessings.  

 Reply posted for jcraig007.

I read the what to eat book that you did and it works very well for my 6 year old.  She was dx with Crohns June 09.  It is true that gluten, dairy, etc, etc are triggers for some kids but definitely not for my daughter.  She is doing very very well on 6MP and has been able to return to a completely normal diet now that the flare is quiet.  

 Reply posted for Coopers Mom.

Hello,

 Reply posted for jcraig007.

I would love to receive more information on this topic, my son is 7 and has UC, he was diagnosed at the age of 5.  He is currently taking high doses of both Imuran, and Sulfasalizine.  He was on steriods for 7 months, but has been free of steriods for 5 months.  His Gastro Specialist maintains diet has nothing to do with the disease.

 Reply posted for jcraig007.

I just finished reading a book called 'Beat Crohn's Getting to Remission with Enteral Nutrition by Margaret Oppenheimer.  http://www.solutionsbooks.us/ibdbook.html

Fantastic reading.... Enteral nutrition is a holistic treatment that often works very well (actually HEALS tissue) and keeps kids in remission for a long time.  This treatment has been around for 40 years...and is not advocated very often as the drug cos. pretty much run things in our country. We are opting for this treatment next...definitely before trying a biologic...these are very scary meds...with no long term study data.

 Reply posted for jcraig007.

I completely understand how you and Lizzie's Mom both feel about this issue.  I have a 10 year old with Crohn's, diagnosed two years ago.  While I hate giving her the 9 pills that she needs every day to control her Crohn's I have come to accept it.  I would love to believe there is a diet or other holistic approach that would cure her.  But I have also come to realize how important it is to keep her disease under control.  There are so many things to consider with kids such as growth, delayed puberty, social issues, etc.  And ultimately I want her to have as normal as a childhood as possible.  It has helped me to just focus on today and realize that what we are doing at this moment might not always be the way we choose to control this disease in  the future.  Of course, I pray and hope for a cure.  Even without a cure, when she is older and able to play a bigger part in the decision-making she might be willing to try other approaches and weigh the risks and benefits herself.  Good luck to both of you.

 Reply posted for Lizzies Mom.

Lizzies Mom :)

 Reply posted for jcraig007.

I too am a parent of a very young CD patient and also prefer a holistic approach over daily meds.  After my daughter was diagnosed and controlled, I stopped her meds. We continued with supplements and a low fiber/residue diet, organic eating and I'm sorry to say her doctor was right!   She needed her meds.   Unfortunately, my daughter's symtoms came back with a vengence and it took twice as long to get her system cooled off and back into remission.   After that episode, I have concluded that for my daughter the meds are necessary and she isn't a science project.    I shouldn't have taken it upon myself.  Though I didn't want to admit it at the time, her body needs the meds.  I pray every day that the cure will come to heal all of our children. 

 Reply posted for jcraig007.

I have read one of Jordan Rubins' books (founder of the Garden of Life) who claims he cured himself of Crohn's.  Unfortunately, there is no research or evidence to support the effectiveness of such therapies. Crohn's patients go into periods of remission, so it is hard to know if non medical treatments are to be given credit or if it just coincidence. But, when a flare hits, it will take more than a few probiotics and vitamins to stop the autoimmune response.  And, bear in mind it is a multi milliion dollar industry so you have to take their claims with a grain of salt.  There is no right or wrong answer. With a child, it is important to get them in remission as quick as possible so their lives aren't disrupted and they can go about the business of being a kid. 

 Reply posted for jcraig007.

He has Crohn's disease.  He was diagnosed in August 09.  He was hospitalized for a couple days and put on Prednisone for 3 weeks and had a nasogastric tube placed for 6 weeks at home to let his bowel rest.  He was down to 98 lbs. and is 5'8".  He is now over 130 lbs.  He hasn't been on any of the heavy duty drugs because I wanted to try everything possible first and hopefully avoid them.  I am too afraid of all the side effects they can cause.   It is so hard for us as parents to see our children suffer.  I am thinking of you and I hope your son is able to reach remission very soon. 

 Reply posted for Jonsmom.

Does your son have UC or Crohns?  Has he ever been on prescribed meds?

 Reply posted for jcraig007.

I prefer the alternate route also.  My 15 y/o takes VSL#3 probiotics, Nordic Naturals fish oil capsules, vitamin D supplements, 3 Ensure Plus daily, and mostly organic/natural food.  He is currently in remission, which I hope lasts a very long time (like forever)!  It took about 3-4 months after being on all these things.  Well besides the vitamin D, that’s only been a month so far.  I hope your son gets in remission soon.