Chronic Constipation in 4yo

[black_rose]

Thanks Em, pears are the one fruit she doesn't like, so will try some pear juice.

[Miss.B]

We used stewed apples wheh DS was really constipated, seemed to help a lot. I hope your DD gets some relief soon

[Abigail]

Hi Black Rose, my son (4) actually suffers from chronic constipation and has done so since he was weaned at 20 months. He actually suffered before then but thats when it really ramped up. I started a thread on here a while ago about our issue and subsequent update and journey.

When they just wont poo.

Originally we were told by our GP that it was all in DS' head. My mummy instinct thought that wasnt right but I didnt act on that until we had proven that the Dr's methods werent working. After 12 months of GP care we referred to a pead, this is when we really started to get results. DS has been on a variety of poo helping medication. The issue is getting past impaction and onto regular bowel motions - a motion a day. It should also be a soft but formed motion - google the bristol stool chart and you will see what you should be aiming for. Unfortunately for kids with chronic constipation what tends to happen is that once the bowels have been impacted for so long the bowel tends to stretch and loose feeling, which is what you are finding with your DD not knowing when she needs to poo. Also you will find that any liquid type skid marks on her underwear are usually overflow... so soft stool that is flowing down around the impaction and coming out (sorry if tmi) and is a classic sign of chronic constipation. It takes time to fix but it can be done. Our original assessment at 3 years old with the paed was that DS would take up to 3 years to be "normal" and not need mediciation to poo and this is within the realm of normal. DS was given a blood test to rule out thyroid conditions and I also asked to have him tested for cealiacs disease.

Our paed was not interested in looking at outside sources, we found improvement with the new medication and a being very firm with a toileting regime (I think I explain that in the other thread). Within a week he was a different kid, but he still needs medicating. With DS none of the usual foods helped with his poo problem. We discovered, after seeing a dietian that wheat was one of our issues and after eliminating that we were able to cut back to half the dose of medication almost immediately. I dont recommend you do elimination diets without supervision though.

DS is now a once a day boy so it can and does improve. It takes time, persistance and the right people to help. I hope some of that helps. for you and for DD.