2.5yr old constipated - lost and need help

[Lornam1989]

Hi all,

I’m looking for advice after nearly 2 years of constipation issues.

My little girl was breastfed up to 7 months. Once we started weaning we experienced constipation problems ever since.

The doctors keep saying it is something she will grow out of. We are on day 8 of no bowel movement and she is crying in pain.

When she does have a bowel movement they are big (5cm diameter by 10cm) the last one made her bleed a bit.

Her diet isn’t great, she refuses all veg, only eats certain fruit and we are trying to get her to eat healthy

We are currently taking 10ml of lactulose, I need to get movicol over the weekend. I’ve been doing bicycle legs each night.

Can anyone offer help or advice?

[SallyandPaul]

Hi there. Sounds like she needs a disimpaction with the movicol. Maybe you've already done one, they work for a while, after which getting the maintenance dose right can be tricky. I don't find Gps very helpful at all. Have you seen the pooh nurses video? That's very good. You can go on a course that they do at Darenth valley hospital if you are near there. I think gps should go on one!!! It's important that she drinks plenty but food is not really an issue in childhood constipation so don't beat yourself up about that. Goo luck and take care, let me know how you get on xx

[Frustratedmum1]

Hang in there. I would say she is constipated and you would probably need to do a disimpaction programme. Gps are not always that helpful. The one thing i would say is follow your gut and not allow people to fob you of. I found ringing the eric helpline very useful as they can advise what route you should take and it gives you more information when you confront your gp. Have you tried smothies it may allow you to hide certain fruit or vegetables. Exercise can also help them.

[Helen36]

Hiya - how have you got on over the weekend? Have you got any movicol yet? I read your post and my heart went out to you as this was us 2.5 years ago. Tummy massage, warm baths and hot water bottles might help a little. Prune juice can also be helpful if she’ll take it but really you need some specialist advice and lots and lots of movicol, and quite possibly a disimpaction as the others say. Movicol holds water in the bowel so will soften what’s in there and help stop it getting hard and difficult to pass. I’d second the idea above to call they ERIC helpline - they are brilliant.

Are there any other GPs in your surgery you can see? There will be a children’s continence team in your area but they tend not to take referrals until children are three. However they can have long waiting lists so start pushing for that referral now. Try a different GP if you can and failing that start complaining. It was sobbing in frustration that finally got me our referral! Sending you a big virtual hug and hope she’s not in too much discomfort x

[Frustratedmum1]

Have you tried your health visitor. What I found once your gp has given you a referal and you are waiting on appointment. Get back in touch with the gp and ask if you can be seen sooner. Explain the situation is getting worse. The gp have to write another letter to who it concerns to bring your appointment sooner. Turn on the water works if need be. EXplain what affect it is having on your life. For me personally it was pushing me to breaking point.