Could it really be that easy??

[Knittingmama]

Hi all,

I just wanted to post some good news and a possible light at the end of the tunnel for someone else. My daughter has been suffering with constipation and withholding since she started school (she’s now 10) and despite taking her to the doctor repeatedly we’ve always been told there’s nothing to be done and just to keep her in a routine and give her Movicol. However, earlier this year she managed to not go for 6 weeks so after speaking to three different doctors we finally got referred to a Paediatrician! We saw him a month ago and he was really helpful. He actually examined her, which no one else has done for five years, referred her to bladder and bowel and mentioned that she could try going dairy free as it’s the most common cause of constipation in children.

Well, since that day she’s been a different child! She was still constipated when we saw him but we started the dairy free that day and two days later the blockage was released and she’s done at least one poo every day since!! Her behaviour has dramatically improved, she’s able to concentrate more at school and she is applying herself so much more. We’ve been filling in the diary for bladder and bowel but I’m going to have to send it back with a letter explaining why she’s gone from doing one poo every 1-2 weeks to doing 1-2 a day!

If dairy free hasn’t been suggested to you I’d say it’s definitely worth a try! We’re seeing the consultant again in July and, fingers crossed, we won’t need to see him again. 😁

[Chocolate-chicken]

That's great news! We've cut dairy down after it was suggested by the continence nurse, but haven't seen any changes.... Perhaps we should cut it out completely for a day and see.... I'm so happy for you though!

[Knittingmama in reply to Chocolate-chicken]

It's definitely worth trying. There are lots of dairy free substitutes available so it's not too hard, you just need to check everything as there's milk in some unusual places! Stop it completely for a couple of weeks, use Vitalite or similar instead of usual buttery spread, soya or coconut milk, ready salted crisps instead of flavoured, plain chocolate is dairy free, there are dairy free ice creams, cheese and yoghurts available. Good luck!

[Jfraser1]

Aw fantastic! You’ve really spured me on to try dairy free. I’ve been putting it off as my son loves milk and worry that he won’t drink as much if I replace with soya! Would you advise to cut it out completely or by around 70%? I’ve heard different recommendations x

[Knittingmama in reply to Jfraser1]

I’d say you’d need to cut it out completely to see any real difference, but I’m no expert! It’s got to be worth a try. I can’t believe what a difference it’s made, our household is so relaxed now we’re not constantly stressing about when our daughter last did a poo.

[Helen36]

Wow - this has blown my socks off! I have never heard of this link and basically consider myself to have a PhD in poo these days. Did she accept the dairy alternatives OK? I’m not sure my 5 year old would readily accept the swap but has to be worth the try!

[Knittingmama in reply to Helen36]

Go for it! Yes she’s been fine. I think she’d just had enough to be honest and wanted to try something that wasn’t medicine or everyone shouting at her.

[Isabel-123]

Wow never would of thought dairy been the issue. I might mention this when I go to doctors. Is their a way she can be tested for dairy or is it a case of going dairy free. Does your daughter need any medication or is she off this completely?

Doctors don't to do an examination on my daughter either. I just try to explain her habits.

The thing with my daughter she does seem to go most days a number 4 on the poo chart with 1 movicol a day. As soon as she is out of routine and doesn'the go in a morning that is when I goes all wrong for us. I can count on 1 hand how many times she's has gone on her own acord to have a poo, and think I would still have fingers left !

[Knittingmama]

I’m not sure about testing. We only tried it as it was the first suggestion we’d had other than just keep her in a routine, give her Movicol and she’ll grow out if it eventually. I think the only way to test it would to give her dairy again and see what happens but none of us want to try that!!

She was on two sachets of Movicol but she started getting type 5 poos and having to rush to the loo so I’ve cut it back to one a day and so far everything’s on an even keel. Before the beginning of May she’d not willingly gone to the toilet of her own free will now she’s perfectly happy going.

[Louloubelle23]

Congratulations! It's so good to hear that there is light at the end of the tunnel for some Can I ask if your daughter suffered with overflow soiling because of the constipation?

My daughter's 10 and had this problem since birth I think! Although she does 2-3 big poo's a day and still has accidents - both before and since being on huge amounts of laxatives!

[Knittingmama in reply to Louloubelle23]

Yes, she’s had to wear pads for the last 6 months or so as she stank and it’s easier to change a pad than pants. We’re worried that she might not be doing as many as she said she is now as she was caught lying about doing a poo today. ☹️ I’ve tried feeling her tummy but I’m not sure so I’ve told her I want evidence next time she says she’s done one. We’ve been away for a couple of days and she has had some chocolate and I forgot to give her her Movicol so I’m going to be right back on it from tomorrow!!

[squizita]

That's wonderful it worked for you! I've read about it being the commonest 'linked to another condition' cause, however ERIC's helpline and the pediatrician - who is an allergy and bowel specialist - I saw both said that that is only a low proportion of overall cases (because I was actually eager to try dairy free) and the most common cause is the witholding/fear cycle.

The most important thing would be, I guess, to speak to an actual specialist before making any adjustments.