3.5 yr old constipated??

[Samk82]

I am pulling my hair out as it has been almost 7 weeks of my 3.5 yr old pooing small amounts in his pants up to 8 times a day. VERY rarely does he make it to the potty, and increasingly (due in part to our frustration) is trying to make it a lot less. I haven’t taken him to the Dr yet as I don’t feel it’s constipation. There can sometimes be a substantial amount (though never loads)..soft, and not hard to pass as he will stealthily do it right under my nose and the smell is the giveaway! Reluctant to put him back in nappies as he is dry, even at night! Can’t seem to find any other posts with this particular concern- any words of wisdom?? 🙏

[Alicass]

I would take him to the GP to get it checked out or see a Practice Nurse. It could be overflow.

[Evala]

Hi, regular soiling is confusing but often is constipation. Soft poo works it say round blockages and 'overflows'. It can be difficult to control so your child may not yet much notice. Make a gp appointment. Unfortunately quality of advice seems to vary, but if they agree and recommend a laxative like movicol (softens the stools) you can get advice on the ERIC website about 'clearouts'. Better to be sure your child isn't blocked up as, speaking from experience, it takes a long time for blocked up stretched bowels to get back to normal. If there is any behavioural aspect, like witholding, then you can't really tackle that unless they are definitely not blocked up. There are other posts on here about soiling and constipation so see if you can find them and if they seem to fit your situation. But start with gp. And If you can, try to be patient as there is no instant fix, but this is so common. it can be all consuming for parents but you are not alone!

[Staceyronnie]

Hi Samk82.

Unfortunately it does sound very much like constipation and he is only passing the overflow. A trip to his gp and a course of movicol should get him regular again

[Samk82]

Thank you so much for these comments. Finally took him to gp yesterday and he is now on Movicol. Hoping that this helps him get a little more regular 🤞🤞🤞