(No Subject)

HI. New to this website and new to the crohsworld. My 10 year old son was just diagnosed with moderate to severe crohns throughout his gi track about 2 months ago and has sines begun remicade and methotrexate . In my research I have found mixed info regarding the roll that diet can play in crohns. Our new doctor who is very much on the forefront of this field reported that there was little evidence to suggest that patients should avoid gluten, dairy, raw veggies and fruit with skin - only thing she told us that he should keep to a minimum was sugar. When I look toward the Internet I often read otherwise . My son is still weaning of prednisone so he is in this false sense of "I can eat anything". Would loved the feedback of a seasoned vets based upon their experience and knowledge. Thanks in advance !

Like @gumby said, it's a little different for each of us. And what we can eat in a flare as opposed to in remission is very different. For me, gluten and lactose are fine, but super high-fibrous foods are a bit painful, like popcorn or spinach. But I can eat apples, grapes, and broccoli (sparingly). I just try not to overdo it with the fiber (like all fruits all day or something). You can even get constipated in remission from not having enough fiber.

However, when I am flaring (and most people who are flaring, so active diarrhea, pain, etc.) you want to go to bland, mild diet. Google the BRAT diet, for example. Some people will even need just a straight liquid diet (although that's for extremes).

Some things will trigger some minor symptoms, but not actually cause a flare. Chocolate is a big one - it'll make me gassy and more than a handful or two of M&Ms in a sitting might even cause a bowel movement and some cramping, but it goes away and doesn't lead to a flare.

I would suggest as the prednisone tapers down, to keep a food journal for several months. Keep track of what he eats and what symptoms/bowel movements he has (I know that's so hard to talk about). That could help you see a pattern of what is upsetting his stomach specifically. If it's hard to tell, you could try an elimination diet, where you take out all but very basic foods, and slowly add types of foods in every few days (similar to starting on baby food as infant to make sure there aren't any allergies).

I'm sorry to hear about your son, its very difficult for children to understand when this happens. My youngest daughter was diagnosed with UC at the age of 8. Through many trials and errors on our part we found that it was helpful for her to speak with other children who were going thru the same issues. I recall how excitied she was to know that she wasnt alone and some of the things the other children told her were very helpful(carry a spare change of clothes in your backpack!). It really helped her with many of the issues that we have to deal with. Also the school needs to know of your sons needs, in Illinois they have a meeting of the parents, school nurse, sociologist and teachers called an IEP that lets all the students teachers know of any special situations, restrictions, etc. I hope you can find a pediactric gastro. that was somewhat difficult to find one that she could relate to. Good luck.