Constipation 7 year old

[EFs-Mum]

Hi, I’m new here!

My 7 year old daughter is really struggling with constipation and fear of going to the toilet. That she puts it off for days and is irritable as she is not going. It was so bad tonight that she was hopping in and out of the bath and on and off the loo, very upset and distraught at times. It took a lot of encouragement and she was shaking. I will call the doctors tomorrow but it really is not nice. Her diet is very good, I think it’s maybe water that she’s not drinking enough, despite me constantly reminding her. Any tips gratefully received.

[Yaleamanda]

She needs a laxative to help her go, she needs both a stool softener such as movicol and a stimulant such a senna. Lots and lots of water too. She needs to be passing stools that don't hurt her hence the witholding.

[EFs-Mum in reply to Yaleamanda]

Thank you for replying, I have managed to get an appointment with the doctor this morning so fingers crossed they will help her.

[Yaleamanda in reply to EFs-Mum]

You need to be very clear with the Dr that you need not want both a softener and stimulant. Unfortunately drs are very poorly educated in this field and if they say only a paediatrician or consultant can only prescribe a stimulant that is completely untrue they can too. Be firm with them.

[EFs-Mum in reply to Yaleamanda]

Thank you, I would never have know! I’m so glad I found the Eric website and this forum!

[shicky4 in reply to Yaleamanda]

any tips on getting fluids up? Especially in much younger toddlers i.e. 2 years old? It's something we are constantly worried about and it seems to reduce when she's constipated/holding

[Yaleamanda in reply to shicky4]

Smoothies, ice lollies, a favourite cup, get imaginative.