Considering home schooling for a while to get on top of my son’s soiling...

[Limpho]

My son is 7 and has suffered from constipation and soiling since 4 years old. He is under a specialist where we live in Denmark and is on regular laxatives, toilet sits after meals and until recently enemas. His recent scans show his constipation is well managed but he no longer gets the signal he needs the toilet so soils regularly. At our last visit we were told to stop using the enemas as he had become too reliant on them, unless he is really in pain. I agree as we had got to the point were he was having them most days. However, since stopping them the soiling has increased. I know my son needs to relearn what it feels like to need the toilet and be able to take himself. I feel though that is it so difficult to stick to the regime he needs and get him to look out for the signals when he is at school. I am considering pulling him out of school for a while and homeschooling him for several months to give him the best chance for consistency and getting on top of the problem. Does anyone else have any thoughts on this or experience doing this?

[Skipcrb]

I'm having a meeting at school tomorrow to talk about part time schooling as my son spends hours some times on the toilet struggling with his problem which leads to anxiety and then do nothing in school he is 14

[Robinia]

My son is doing part time at the moment because of the pain associated with constipation and the meds. I do find it helps loads but it is a big commitment (as I work) and I don’t like the fact he’s missing some of his education.

I think you have to decide what will work best for your child.

Some people use micro enemas every day.

Have you looked at the mini system by Qufora? It’s designed for daily use. Worth a look- no issue with using it long term if it works - my son has been prescribed it but his issues need something more powerful!

[Limpho in reply to Robinia]

I’ve not heard of those. We were using Microlax enemas and it had got to the point he was needing them most days but the specialist doesn’t want him to become reliant on them so he can relearn the sensation. But it does mean he’s spiking a lot more.

[Robinia in reply to Limpho]

We have seen loads of doctors and specialist nurses now and the most useful thing I have heard is it’s about “getting clean and staying clean”. My son’s soiling is relentless so he’s having a manual evacuation next and then re-starting anal irrigation (the balloon system). If that doesn’t work, the surgeon, who is an expert will consider other options incld surgery. I don’t see an issue with reliance on meds or enemas or irrigation- it’s really about finding something that works on a daily basis and ideally prevents the soiling - emptying the rectum every day. My sons friend has had an ACE done and it’s changed his life- no more soiling, no more pain. If micro enemas work as part of the regime then reliance isn’t really an issue as with daily emptying and a reduction in soiling, over a long period of time the bowel will become less stretched and sensation will return. You can always get a second opinion or contact the Eric helpline. Eric have made a really good leaflet about kids who use things to help them go, like irrigation systems, it’s on their website