Overcoming withholding issues without Movicol - ERIC

ERIC

8,747 members2,912 posts

Overcoming withholding issues without Movicol

Yazz1e profile image
1 Reply

My son is nearly 3 and has been withholding since he was one after getting badly constipated. He’s been on a maintenance sachet of Movicol ever since. I was wondering if anyone has ever overcome this problem by using medication other than Movicol? Thank you.

Written by
Yazz1e profile image
Yazz1e
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
1 Reply
ERIC-Charity profile image
ERIC-CharityPartner

Hi Yazzle,

Holding can be a really tricky cycle to break but it's worth persevering!

The best approach is a dual one, so number one, keep going with the maintenance Macrogols. I don't know if you have looked at our guide to disimpaction already, but we have a guide around doses on our website. And as your son has been constipated before, it always worth checking that he is pooing enough, and that he hasn't become backed up again.

Number two is to use a supportive, positive toilet routine and a good reward system. Every child has something they enjoy, so link up his favourite things with your toilet routine and every time he sits on the toilet give him a little treat, like a chocolate button or 5 minutes of a game that he likes. Go with positivity, but make sure you are telling him that it is toilet time, and getting him to try throughout the day, especially 20-30 minutes after eating.

Most of all be patient, and now that he can eventually move past this - it will take time, but he can and will get there :)

Some links you may like -

eric.org.uk/Blog/potty-trai...

eric.org.uk/News/app-will-h...

Good luck!

Kate,

ERIC Helpline

You may also like...

Reassurance needed please. Movicol and withholding.

my son has been withholding since he was 2, he's now 5 and I'm having to put him back on Movicol as...

Interoception issues causing withholding behaviour

a bowel movement? My 6yo has struggled with constipation/ withholding since early stages of potty...

4 year old withholding again

daughter is nearly 5 and has suffered with constipation since she was 2. She has been on movicol...

Movicol/soiling success!

daughters soiling/constipation. She's 4.5 years old and has been on movicol roughly since 2. Her...

4 year old on movicol, but won't drink it!

My son has been having toileting problems since he has been out of nappies at about 2 years old. He...