A reset weekend for me and my teenage son 🥹

[fifimummy]

My 13 year old amazing son was diagnosed (shock) with Crohn's disease in December.
It's been brutal honestly and he "failed" according to the hospital a course of liquid feed, and then had 7 weeks of steroids which has been living hell honestly....
I only took him to the GP because of scalp psoriasis and his life has been totally flipped on its head ...
The Prednisolone gave him rage and insomnia, he started vaping, hanging around with people I'd never heard about and also pretty bad depression, I massively fought against the.medication, but he was told they would work miracles....they haven't worked
He's now been prescribed more tablets and has to have infusions.
Anyway that's the backstory
I want to take him away for a weekend.....
Somewhere back to nature maybe, with walks and pretty scenery ....with phones for just an hour
I'd like for him to ride a horse for the first time.....I used to do it loads and it's pure therapy, there's nothing better in my eyes....be around animals and have a fire or barbecue at night....I feel like I need to reset after all the arguing
Can anyone recommend anything? Don't want to do the big things like center parcs etc xx

So many choices of things to say, and you chose this one. ‘Mother has concern for her unwell and struggling teenage son and trying to do something nice, I know, I’ll stick the boot in about the specific way in which I think she should be replying. That’ll help.’ 🤦‍♀️

Yes definitely let him decide. If you really enjoyed centreparcs there are similar types of chalet parks about. Or a lodge in a forest - have a look at Sykes' cottages.

I think somewhere with a hot tub would be fun.

Kids that age like their own so is there a friend you could go with?

Wales may be nice especially around Ben Nevis. There's zip lines, indoor caving and all sorts around there, and surfing if you stay near a beach.

Thank you all so much, I'm finally back from work with both kids sorted....
To the posters who have said nasty things like I've clearly no interest in what he wants.....seriously??
I won a competition last year and I'm taking him and 3 friends to Alton Towers when it's warmer and we're applying for a ride access card so he can reap a tiny benefit of his diagnosis, there lots of other things that we've also done like rage room, shopping trips, cinema with his gf, and random drives out in the car to chat plus hair & facials.....this was literally an idea that popped into my head and some of the replies have been pretty hurtful. He will absolutely have the final say on this weekend, but I wanted some ideas to present to him , that's all.
Thank you to everyone who's commented about the IBD journey, it's honestly had a big impact on all of us, obviously mainly him, and we're just dragging ourselves through a bit at this point....I'm planning to do a different weekend with his almost 17 year old sister when he goes away with his Dad next xxx
It's been a lot and I appreciate all of your suggestions, I'm off to have a Google xxx

This made me 🥹 thank you, I guess people don't understand the rough ride unless they've experienced it sometimes xxx hope you're currently well ❤️

Wales is only "around" Ben Nevis in quite a broad sense...

He's young and dealing with a bowel disorder. Its a lot too deal with. I was diagnosed young. Its awful and a lot too take it! Im now an adult and it still gets me down.

There’s an Away resort in the New Forest called Sandy Balls. You can rent a lodge with a hot tub and there are various activities there including Alpaca walking.
It’s close to local attractions including a shire horse centre.

You sound like a good Mum and you’ve got lots of suggestions here.
I think long term support would be good. Do you think counselling would help or a support group for him. There are Facebook Groups for anything and everything and talking to teenagers like him should help.

OP specifically stated not centre parks.........

What about air b&b somewhere that is rural enough for the both of you to have long walks, near by riding facilities etc. Your son will have the option of staying behind in warm, comfortable surroundings if he feels I’ll. You then have the opportunity to go for a hike on your own knowing your son has enough home from home comforts and a toilet for his personal use. My Fil has Crohns and it can flare up at any given time ,it can be quite bad and needs access to a toilet straight away. Certain foods especially bbq food can be havoc for sufferers of Crohns , lean meat ,chicken should be fine as any fatty content meat that may be greasy can inflame his gut and bring on his symptoms.

Hope you both have a lovely time away whatever you decide to do,

it will take time for you son to adjust to his new diet and also to come to terms with his new diagnosis, just be patient with him . You sound like an amazing mum🥰

You need to ask your son what he'd like to do

I’m sure she’s thought of that. Teenage boys aren’t always the best for coming up with ideas for things

What about an unusual air bnb - there are some treehouses, old railway carriages, old planes you can stay in. Stay close to toilet access. Maybe get a radar key for emergency access to loos. He has had to cope with a lot of adjustments. Maybe stay on a farm. I appreciate you like animals but would riding be uncomfortable for him with the condition? What are his interests? EG history? Natural sciences. Its a lovely idea to do a reset weekend and i hope it goes well x

Did you ever go away with him, OP?