When you are unwell, it is important to take care of any
inflammation (swelling, redness and sores) in your bowel. Your diet
is also important to your health - you need energy to grow. Before
trying any medicines, your doctor may suggest you try a special
liquid diet. There are two types of diet available - called the
'polymeric fluid diet' and the 'elemental fluid diet'.
Both these diets come in different flavours. You could ask your
doctor if you could try the different flavours and see which one you
like best. For about 4-6 weeks you won't eat normal food, and will
have only the special liquid diet and water. You can then return to
a normal diet. Sometimes, you may be asked to continue with the
liquid diet alongside your normal diet - this is to ensure that you
get enough calories and nutrients.
Some people may find it difficult to take these fluids by mouth and,
as a result, may need to be fed through a tube. There are two
different types of tube that can be used:
-
Nasogastric tube. This tube is inserted through the
nose to allow food to be slowly fed into the stomach. The tube
can be changed every 4-6 weeks as needed and taken out when you
don't need it any more. While the tube is in place you will
still be able to go about normal activities - going to school
and meeting up with friends.
-
Gastric tube. This tube is positioned through the gut
wall to send the food straight into your stomach. As the tube is
very small it can easily be hidden under your clothes when it is
not being used.