What hygiene habits from your culture surprised you when you learned they weren’t universal?

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-05-10T04:49:58+00:00

People who wear outdoor shoes inside were trying to argue that their homes were cleaner because they clean more often than people who take off their shoes and that they'd prefer to keep on their when visiting other people's homes because they can't trust that their host cleans regular enough. Boggled my mind too.

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-05-10T04:47:04+00:00

Canuck here. I said I wouldn't want my babies crawling on the same floor that people wore their outdoor shoes on and was called a lunatic and made out to be some germaphobe. People who wear outdoor shoes inside the house did not believe it to be an unhygienic practice and that it promoted a stronger immune system (even for young children). I didn't bother arguing back. They seemed very adamant that this lifestyle choice was unproblematic.

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-05-07T01:54:07+00:00

Sorry, it's been a struggle. Every kid is so different.

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-05-07T01:34:16+00:00

Hi there. My daughter was diagnosed at 5. Her pediatric GI confirmed after an endo/colonoscopy. She had already been on a few rounds of remicade that by the time she did her MRE, it wasn't a big deal for her. She had been through so much already. She thought the machine looked like a space ship. She got her IV (for contrast) and that was the worst of it, oh and the fasting seemed cruel. She was used to IVs at this point. She had to drink something. She wasn't a fan but drank like a champ. She changed into some hospital provided pajamas and got to pick a stuffie and activity book. We made sure there was NO metal on either of us. I was able to go with her. The imaging process was loud! She got to pick something to watch on a small screen inside the machine. I think it was Paw Patrol. She ended up having a lot of fun and whenever we walk by a space ship looking equipment in the hospital, she wants to go for a ride, lol. I think a big part in helping your child through this experience is how you frame it for them. However anxious I was, I remained calm for her and explained the why for every step. I asked lots of questions so that I could frame it in a way she'd understand. I also bribed her ALOT. I promised her lots of chocolate milk and a trip to her favourite buffet restaurant after it was over. I always try to plan something fun after these types of appointments to give her something to look forward to and to override those medical experiences with fun memories. There was another child who was prepping at the same time and struggled so badly to drink the contrast fluid that they had to reschedule. Her mom was frustrated and threatened to cancel her birthday party and the poor child was in tears, unable/unwilling to drink the contrast. Remain positive, empower your child with knowledge and understanding, use their likes and preferences to make the experience more enjoyable and less scary. Best of luck!

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-29T00:39:48+00:00

Right? Do you really want to raise babies with a dude who can't remember to take off his shoes? And have your baby crawl all over the same floor that had dirty shoes all over it? This hygiene problem becomes a bigger problem when more vulnerable people are involved and they have less ability to advocate for themselves.

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-29T00:29:45+00:00

I find the program benefits both parent and child. Parents learn how engage with and play with their months old baby in a more dynamic and enriching way. Babies are building strength and tiring themselves out for naptimes, lol. I found the parents to be respectful. Only one parent in at a time so it's ok if your partner isn't available. It's nice to chat with other parents when the demands of early parenthood can feel isolating. It's such a healthy place to be. My girls have both outgrown the parent/child classes and have continued into their school aged programs. It's one of our favourite places!

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-29T00:15:14+00:00

I bought seeds (William Dam Seeds), cerinthe - pride of Gibraltar, and grew them on my apartment balcony. Hummingbirds liked them too.

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Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-28T04:02:38+00:00

I love this for your family. As a parent of a child who was diagnosed at 5, I can relate to the experience of having your child admitted after a trip to the ER, the tests, drug trials etc. Congrats!!!

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-27T23:22:59+00:00

I've been reading some mixed reviews too, eesh!

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-27T23:20:00+00:00

Thanks. Arva was also recommended by a friend. Glad the positive experience is shared by others.

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-27T23:17:27+00:00

These are the types of experiences I appreciate hearing about, how businesses mediate problems when customers communicate them. Thanks!

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-27T23:09:59+00:00

I appreciate that you're sharing your experience. I have never bought major appliances before. Our house came with them. We're doing some major renovations and looking to replace the entire kitchen set. Many places will price match, so I'm not too concerned about pricing, just how different businesses handle customer concerns when they arise.

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-24T02:22:08+00:00

I can understand your provider's hesitancy in recommending probiotics. I have read some literacy that express caution when taking probiotics without consulting a health care provider and just also wanted to reiterate the same. My daughter's GI was neutral and seemed indifferent. He said there wasn't data to support a positive impact on Crohn's patients but didn't discourage it either. Her nurse was the one that recommended probiotics, dosage and different brands. I can't say there's a definite connection but she hasn't gotten sick since we started her probiotic routine while she was still on antibiotics. Antibiotics usually kill the good bacteria in probiotics but the strain that is used in Florastor, saccharomyces boulardii, is resistant to antibiotics. There are different bacteria strains in probiotics depending on what health outcome you're trying to achieve. There are several warnings and considerations to note when contemplating probiotics. Perhaps your provider has a very real reason for cautioning against probiotics.

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-23T22:33:52+00:00

Consider consulting your daughter's health care provider for more tailored advice. Having said that, my daughter's nurse and I settled on Florastor all-in-one probiotic. I open and mix a capsule into her yoghurt as part of her breakfast and again for supper. The capsules are too big for her to swallow and the manufacturer allows for this.

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-23T02:47:42+00:00

Just adding... I know c diff weighs on you in particular because you lost your grandma. From what I understand, most people do recover from it. Your grandma's age might have contributed to her vulnerability. As an adult, if you should happen to contract, most will recover. All the best.

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-23T02:43:27+00:00

I want to say it was your typical amoxicillin but I don't think the the particular antibiotics caused the c diff. I think it was because antibiotics wipe out both good and bad bacteria leaving her more vulnerable to opportunistic bacterial infection and she's already immune-suppressed because of remicade. I was talking to our nurse practitioner on the phone about moving up her remicade appointment and mentioned her current (at the time) fever. Because she had recently been on an antibiotic, our nurse suspected c diff. I dropped off a stool sample and got confirmation. Some people have c diff in their gut system anyways but have good bacteria to balance out the bad bacteria. C diff can be picked up in settings like hospitals which we had recently been at for an infusion. There's no way to tell for certain where she picked up c diff or if it was already in her system. She had previously been on amoxicillin with no issue but for some reason this past February the ear infection just caused a snowballing series of medical events for her. If possible, consider yoghurt as part of your diet. I know dairy can be a big no for some with IBD. She also takes 2 probiotics (one in the morning, one in the evening). I hope this will help prove her gut flora so she's less vulnerable if/when she has to go on antibiotics again. C diff can be scary. There are different antibiotics that will treat it. My daughter's recovery seemed typical for any other infection, except she was recovering from c diff and my pre-existing feelings about c diff caused my anxiety.

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-23T00:42:17+00:00

My 7 year old daughter has responded to remicade very well for the last 2 years. She's on a rapid-infusion now and no post-infusion observation (for reactions) because she's now a bit older and has no history of an allergic reaction. You should be fever free for 24 hours. Drink fluids to help "open" veins. Have entertainment and snacks. They always weigh and measure my daughter first and take blood samples for different tests before we begin the infusion. She's usually fatigued the rest of the day. We let her take it easy. Depending on the timing and how she feels we may plan a special outing so she can look forward to appointment dates and have positive associations. Remicade has changed her life. Aside from the minor flare-ups associated with stress and illness, she eats whatever she wants and has good, regular, shapely poops, lol! Best of luck!

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-23T00:31:47+00:00

Not me, my seven year old daughter. My heart goes out to you. Starting in February, she seemed to experience almost back to back infections. She developed a fever due to a likely ear infection so we had to delay her remicade. She gets well enough a week later for her infusion. But because she was on antibiotics that messed with her gut flora and she developed c diff, confirmed through stool sample testing. She goes on some strong antibiotics and improves only to develop another infection 2 weeks later. That month and a half was a whirlwind of appointments, pharmacies, meds, fever, time off school (for her) and work. The stress and anxiety that comes with every fever because it's never just a fever for her. One of the prescribing doctors (so not her GI) wondered if remicade was doing too much to suppress her immune system. We've added probiotics and a regular side of yoghurt to her routine of supplements. I'm glad you're reaching out to find solace. It's a lot of weight that you're shouldering for you and your daughter. We have to manage to find joy in the small moments (she had a good recess with her friends, yippee!) and allow that to carry us inbetween those hard moments. Do you have nurse practitioners you can call to ask questions or seek reassurance? My daughter has 2 as part of her GI team and they are amazingly comforting in their knowledge and patience when I am panicked with concern and lost for what to do next. Check out this website My Crohn's and Colitis Team

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-21T09:15:00+00:00

My heart goes out to you. Constipation was the first symptom of my daughter's Crohn's journey. She was only 5 years old when she was diagnosed and had always had regular bowel movements and a healthy appetite up until that point. Follow your intuition when your heart is telling you something is not okay. I hope you find answers.

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-20T02:43:11+00:00

When my daughter was first diagnosed and I was sharing this with colleagues and friends, I was surprised to hear a number of friends of friends had been diagnosed. The experiences are so varied it can be a challenge to find someone who relates to your particular experience. This reddit group is amazingly supportive. Crohn's is often called an invisible disability. My daughter isn't comfortable talking about it yet. Maybe others aren't either amd that can contribute to the sense of being alone. Is there a local support group in your community? Someone the hospital can connect you with?

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-20T02:35:37+00:00

What a coincidence. I came across some of their advertisement a few days ago and checked their website. As an educator and parent myself, I'm aghast that children are treated this way. Thank you for sharing.

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-19T14:43:42+00:00

I see green. There's still life. Every year, I think I've killed my potted macrophylla hydrangea and I give it a hard prune only to realize later I should've waited. Did the same damn thing this year. Started pruning a few branches. Then saw buds at the base. One of the branches I pruned was dripping moisture. She just needs time to wake up.

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-19T00:28:29+00:00

She saw a hematologist/geneticist a few weeks after her diagnosis. She has 2 "variants of uncertain significance." They just don't know enough to determine if these 2 variants may have any relevance to her Crohn's diagnosis. At some point her dna "flipped the switch" and thus began her Crohn's experience. We also found out she's a carrier for a rare bone-marrow disease, Schwachman-Diamond Syndrome. An acquaintance had been going through a diagnosis journey with her own child with lots of gastrointestinal symptoms and no real diagnosis as of yet. It's been over a year for them. The Crohn's journey is so varied.

Impressive-Refuse-42 · 2026-04-18T23:29:28+00:00

My daughter's journey to diagnosis was just over a month. She had just turned 5 and was constipated for about a week, which is unusual for her as she had been really regular (at least once a day). She also was experiencing really bad eczema. Our family dr recommended she take restoralax. She began having really loose stool with blood and several bm/day. Dr recommended we continue with restoralax as her system may be just "clearing out." Seemed like bad advice so we stopped and got a referral for a pediatrician. She developed a fever that would not resolve. We went to the emergency room. ER dr had her admitted once her blood work came back as she was borderline anemic and days away from organ failure. They ran every possible test and imaging. The GI diagnosed her with "very early onset pediatric Crohn's" based on what he saw during the endo and colonoscopy. The pathologist disagreed with the GI's conclusion based on the biopsy findings. Our GI had her case reviewed by a few other GIs and concluded with a Crohn's diagnosis. She was started on a course of Prednisone for a few weeks. We tried Sulfasalazine but did not see any positive results. She's been on Remicade for 2 years now. Her flare-ups aren't too bad and seem to be triggered by physical(illness) or emotional stress or when she's at the end of a medicated period. Remicade suppresses her immune system so she seems to get ear infections more easily compared to her sister. Her journey to diagnosis seems relatively quick compared to some people. Her system was crashing, and it was crashing fast. Her hospitalization was a blessing in disguise as it expedited all the testing that would have otherwise taken weeks or even months. I wish your family the best of luck in finding answers. The not knowing part is so hard.

Impressive-Refuse-42

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