Advice from Anyone Who Has a Child with Irritable Bowel Disease

My son was diagnosed around age 3 1/2 with IBS if you can belive it that young. I did my own research as there is no drug that is helpful or without worse side effects and doctors have no schooling in nutrition (i asked my dad who has been anything from a cardiologist to a family practicioner, to a radiologist now and he admitted that much). I ended up removing the proteins that are so difficult on their stomach such as Wheat (gluten) and dairy (casein). Sure enough within two weeks of removing those foods his stomach stopped aching, his loose stools stopped, his skin was looking better and he was ganing weight and growing again. He still remains gluten free and dairy free now (he is 9 yrs old now) and has also remained sypmtom free since 4 yrs old (with of course the occasional dietary slip up and resulting stomach ache and diahrreah). Many doctors diagnose IBS when it can actually be Chrones or celiac as many people do not want to hear that and the only cure is dietary which can not be fixed by drugs or surgery.

I hope this helps. It does require a change in life style and you have to do more cooking - but my whole family eats this way now (at least at home) as it is too difficult to cook more than one meal at at time (and it has been interesting to see my oldest daughters 'unexplained' stomach aches go away, my youngest daughters eczma clear up, and my headaches and occasional joint pain relieved).

Oh, also, it helped heal his intestine tremendously to put him on a good probiotic as well. He still takes them.

Good luck. It is very worth the dietary changes to see your child eating and happy again!!

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work on changing her diet. For instance, my friend wih IBS found that cheese as well as wheat products made her stomach act up. once she reduced how often she ate cheese, pasta and bread, she started feeling a lot better.

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Hey there. I am so sorry that your little girl is having this problem. I have had IBS for about 13 years now. I didn't know what it was for about the first eight. I have tried a couple of things. I went to a gastro doctor and he gave me a prescription for Robinul. And that actually helped quite a bit. I never got it %100 gone but it was a huge improvement. But when I got pregnant I decided that I didn't want to be on any medication. About five months after I had my son it got really bad again. I would just have to lay curled up on the couch sometimes when my hubby was home because it hurt so bad.I decided that I didn't want to be on medication again. So I went to an herbal place in Vegas when I was visiting family. I talked to a girl there and she said that fennel tea is suppose to help. I have been using it for about 3 months. I cannot believe the difference. For me it actually works better than the meds did. It is really easy to use. You just boil 8 oz. of water and use about 1-2 tbsp of fennel tea, and let it seep for about 10 min. Then you can sweeten with honey. I love the taste now. If you do it every morning and noght it should take care of it. I am lazy and only do it at night. Now when my husband gets sick to his stomach he takes to too. and it helps him too. It really soothes your stomach. The kind I got is called Heathers Tummy Teas/ Organic Fennel Loose Tea. You will also need to get tea bags because it is loose leaf not bagged. It has worked great for me. If you have any other questions let me know. ____@____.com Oh and stress really does make it worse so maybe have her learn some relaxation methods. And I have not even really changed my diet at all. The only things I avoid are caffeine and iceberg lettuce.

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I am 41 and have had the same problems all my life. When I was young they had no idea why I was sick all the time. I just dealt with it and I feel for your daughter. Even after seeing very good specialists etc. I have still not gotten much help. I believe it is something that they do not completely understand and so use a blanket name (IBS or IBD) just to be able to tell you something. I have only gotten pills which I refuse to take. I have always wanted to solve the problem, not cover it up.
I wanted to share with yoy what I could at least eat. I could eat malt o meal and pancakes. I know that is not much but I have made it this far ! I still have bouts of eating malt o meal for up to 2 months at a time but I have adjusted and maybe you can test out other foods that may work for her, just do them one at a time so you know. Chopper Traveglini of the Nuggets had the same issues and was the one who told me about the pancakes - it works !!!!!
I have tried all the herbal stuff and accupuncture (I lived with an Oriental Medical Doctor for years)but nothing helped me. Everyone is different so I hope you find your answers.

Best of luck to you

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Hi A.,
My 12 yr old daughter and I both suffer from IBD, Fibro Mayalgia, CFS and Interstitial Cystitis. My daughter was diagnosed at 5 yrs. old and missed over 70 days of school in one year. After seeing every, and I do mean every specialist west of the Mississippi, we found an incredible Naturepath who has dramatically changed our lives. My daughter has returned to a "normal" life after 6 agonizing years. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have, I totally understand what you've been going through and I believe our Naturepath could answer some questions for you as well.

A little about me. I am 45 years old and have been married for 15 1/2 years. I am a retired Figure Skating Coach and stay home with my two children. I have suffered all of my life with these diseases so I really do have a lot of information to share. Hope I can help.

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Dear A.,

Poor kid, I have dealt with this in my own health problems years back. Once in a while it rears its ugly head when I don't watch what i eat.

Your daughter needs to eat more fiber an apple a day at her age should be a huge help. Plus she needs to be drinking water. Try to cut out as many processed foods as possible. I know it is hard in our busy lifes now a days, but it is messing us all up in our health. If your food does not rot or sprout don't eat it. Try to shop on the out skirts of your grocery store.

Also have her take probiotic acidophilus. These are the good bacterias that our bodies need in the digestive track. Also have her take digestive enzymes.You can get these at your local health food store. Cut out SUGAR and all manmade forms of it.

There is a great book called the 90 Day Immune System Makeover by Dr Janet Maccaro. I strongly recommend everyone read this book.

The more natural your daughter eats the easier things will be for her.

Take care,

J.

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Hi. I know traditional medicine and holistic medicine clash each other methods and beliefs but if you are desperate and are willing to try anything, holisitc medicine can probably cure your little one. I use to be traditional medicine but it didn't help me at all so I did holisitc with lots of prayer and it cured my fibromyalgia, IBS, endometriosis, candida, etc.It works. It treats the cause, not the symptoms like traditional medicine. I know plenty of people who I informed them of my path to healing and they chose not to go that path and today when I see them, they are still sick. I can help your daughter if you are willing to try my path.....or should I say the holisitc approach.

Rosie :o)

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Ask to have her tested for celiacs disease or Gluten intolerance. IBS is often a misdiagnosis of celiacs. It's estimated 1 in 10 have it and there is so much support and food products out there. MY IBS turned out to be celiacs so that's why I always share. My friend consults with people if you want someone to talk to about what it is, symptoms, etc. Jan at GlutenFree AtoZ her email is. ____@____.com

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I have struggled with the disorder since I was about 10 or so. What helps the most is avoiding dairy, caffeine, and sometimes gluten. I love pasta. I eat a lot of it, but sometimes that's when my IBS flares up the most. I used to struggle with the diarrhea the most, but now it's the constipation. And what has helped me with both is really increasing my fiber. I used to take a fiber supplement 3 times a day. It doesn't always work, tho. My best advice to you is to give her a fiber supplement and visit with a dietitian. See if that helps. Otherwise, there are medications. I have never tried them, but it might be worth discussing with her doctor. Miralax is over the counter now, and I've heard really good things about that. I feel your daughter's pain, tho. I missed a lot of things throughout my life due to flare ups. I was also really embarrassed about my condition as a child. I always made sure I had Pepto Bismol with me where ever I went. If there wasn't any, I got stressed out and then I would for sure have a flare up. The other thing that has been said to work for IBS is anti-anxiety medication. That's kind of a scary thing to give an 8 year old, but food and stress is kind of what causes flare ups the most, so changes in her diet and anti-anxiety medication might work. Just some things to think about, anyway. I hope you can find something that works. It's really tough for a kid to have to deal with that.

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Hi A.,
I've dealt with irritable bowel since I was a teen (I'm 42 now) and I can confirm what others have said. Good quality probiotics and enzymes are vital, as well as a whole foods diet (eliminating any foods that seem to bring the IBS on). The one thing that I would add to the rest is that, at least for me, stress is a critical factor. Does your daughter express her emotions freely or is she a "stuffer"? She may need some help from you in dealing with stress and learning to safely express her feelings. Consider what was going on in her life when her symptoms started. That's a good starting place for emotional issues that can contribute to IBS. Good luck--I'm sure you'll figure this all out and she'll be fine.

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I know someone who has had this same problem and they have used a product called body blance. If you want more information e-mail me or call me @###-###-####.

J.

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I had the same diagnoses--turns out it was food allergies. Haven't had a problem since! Know a great natural doc who treated me and my kids if you're interested. (sorry so short--holding newborn :-)
J.

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Hi,
I'm a new mom and have had IBS myself. I have found that eliminating foods that are gaseous help. Broccoli, Celery, Coliflower. I found a book called 'Living with IBS' i dont know the author but it helped me alot when i first realized what it was that was causing my stomach aches. Also I found that if i took probiotics it helped alot. There is a new product for kids, i have recently been giving it to my 3 month old. It's called bio gaia, you can find it on line at www.biogaia.com.
It helps promote a healthy gut. It's kind of like those new yogurts for good digestion but super more concentrated.

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First of all, it is likely that your other daughters may have it too. My sister was not diagnosed until she was about 19. the damage for her is permanent as it went misdignosed so long. I am the younger sister and had my first upisode at 20 so I knew what is going on. Now, my son, tow years, has run the gamment of tests to find "nothing" wrong with him. this is good, as you know, but he is still intolerant to corn, soy (all beans), and all cow (dairy and meat). I also trained myself when I was in my twenties after 5 different doctors and having colitis six times. I just didn't want to be on "drugs." So once "cured" from an episode using the steroids or whatever they do for 8 year olds, get on a strict diet. I would suggest you get Allergy Friendly Foods cookbook off the web. It was my best source to learn by. I did this for myself and then recently for my son. Eat only rice (whole grain), bannas, pears, or apples (depending on what you know doesn't give gas or systems), plain (or very lightly dressed in teriaki or organic honey mustard) grilled or steamed chicken, and two veggies you know they will eat and can digest. Have the entire family do this together...make it a team effort, even if it turns out to only be to one daughter. Then after two weeks of cleansing the system, add in one item at a time. Add things you think work like oatmeal (real stuff, not packages with perservatives), apple sauce, etc. After a month to six weeks, try the big ones like dairy, corn, lagumes, gassy veggies.... After one bowl of cereal with cow milk, my son was cramped and diariah...so bingo! Same for soy. the corn was harder to detect but after having a clear diet and there was something still bothering him, I discovered the corn in the Cheerios ond other cereals. Stay away from produced chemicals like BHT. Buy organic and natural...still read the labels though. Cook mostly fresh foods. Keep stress low...and be aware that female homones make it worse (aka: the surge just before your period). Just read read read...but look at the diet and ingredients. I haven't been sick in ten years except for a small episode with each pregnancy due to hormones. Also, talk to your GI about vitamin suppliments and drinks if you think she is not getting her minerals... watch for a "ghostly" look in her eyes...sort of greyish, purplish skin around them...sort of sunken in and tired looking. I know my son has tummy issues when his eyes are like that.

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Was she tested for Celiac disease? A lot of people with Celiac are misdiagnosed with IBD. I have a friend who has it and all three of her children have it too. Their symptoms were chronic stomachaches and diarrhea.

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Hi A.,
I am a Clinical Herbalist and I specialize in a form of massage called Mayan Abdominal Massage. I work mainly with women's reproductive health but also deal a lot with digestive complaints including IBD. Of the clients I have worked with, ALL have benefited from the work. A combination of gentle and effective herbal remedies with the abdominal massage has been the preferred treatment for these clients.
Although I honestly have not worked with a child with IBD, I do a lot of pediatric herbal care, and understand the difference of an 8 year old compared to a 35 year old. That being said, this may be a supportive option for you and your child.
The treatment includes me teaching you and your child self-care massage techniques for you to practice at home on a regular basis. This helps minimize the cost of seeing a practitioner regularly and allows you and your child to literally be "hands-on" with your health.
An herbal protocol can also be included to 1) ease the pain and cramping 2) heal and repair the intestinal lining 3) and support healthy digestive rhythms and elimination.
We would also address nutritional support and possibly begin an elimination diet, eliminating wheat and dairy products that so often cause insestinal discomfort.
I regularly see this work do wonders for people and really think this could be a healthy and safe option for your child. The massage is very soothing and can help ease the stress and anxiety often associated with IBD.
Please contact me if you have more questions and want more insight. I would love to support you as best I can. You may contact me thru Mama Source directly or call ###-###-####. Be well, L. Golub, Clinical herbalist

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Your daughter does not have to just "live with it" I agree with the last comment that herbs and alternative treatments are great. I have many people including my husband who have dealt with IBS in the past. He doesn't have it anymore because we have Sunrider herbal nutritional foods. They have a formula called Assimilaid that promotes a healthy digestive system. It's also good for flare ups. For your daughter I would open three capsules in warm water and help her drink it. It tastes pretty good, with a cinnamon taste. Check out the Sunrider website, www.sunrider.com to find out the integrity of the company. I have many personal stories about success with getting rid of IBS with Sunrider. They are safe for children of all ages because of the types of herbs used. My mother's best friend was able to get rid of IBS by having three caps 3x/day. It's amazing what your body can do when given the right foods to heal. Write back and I'd love to help.
N.

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