To disimpact or not to disimpact

[limegreenscooter]

Our 6-year-old daughter did a disimpaction over the Christmas holidays, but she’s showing signs of constipation again. We would normally avoid doing a disimpaction during term time because we don’t want her to miss too much school, but it’s a long way off to the next school holidays. What should we do? Do another disimpaction and have her miss school for a few days? Or wait until the next school holidays and risk stretching her colon and setting her back several months?

[ERIC-Charity Partner]

Hi limegreen,

We speak to a lot of parents on the Helpline who have the same dilemma as you. Ideally, you disimpact as soon as the constipation is there but practically you have school and possibly time off work to worry about too. There isn't a right or wrong answer I think you just have to follow your gut (if you pardon the pun) and do what you think is right for your child.

Good luck with it, please call our Helpline if you have other questions about disimpaction.

@ERIC