Sodium Picosulfate

[Samnon]

my foster child has been on either Laxido or Movecol since he was 5years old, he is now 12. He had a brief time of no soiling during Covid and isolation, and another one a year ago where he didn’t soil. He has now been put on sodium Picosulfate, since November last year. He has a 5ml dose each evening. His soiling is getting worse! His faeces seems quite sticky, dark and runny.

He does withhold, he says he doesn’t feel it when he’s playing etc, and he doesn’t smell it, though he is beginning to. On top of that he refuses to drink water based drinks through the day. I insist he drinks with his meals. He also refuses to clean himself or the bathroom when he has soils. He understands the difference between not being responsible for the soiling itself and being responsible to clean things up after him.

I am at a loss, he simply doesn’t follow any of the advice.

Any advice?

[Petitou]

Does he have autism or could he have undiagnosed autism. Many autistic children have struggles in this area. An occupational therapist might be able to help with self management of toileting.

Wishing you all the best

[Samnon]

Hi Petitou, no he doesn’t have autism. He is emotionally and socially underdeveloped and obviously has childhood trauma (ACEs). But he’s high functioning so doesn’t come into any special or additional needs remit. I am sure he is in denial and has been for years. He’s done pretty well in having less soiling but it’s gotten worse again and I’m wondering if it’s the Sodium Picosulfate just doesn’t work for him. He’s a good boy.

[Petitou in reply to Samnon]

I hope someone else here might be able to advise about the Sodium Picosulfate. An occupational therapist might still be able to help with the routine of toileting. I think it might depend on the area but some you can self refer to if you search up occupational therapy and your borough together or go through the GP. He sounds like a great kid. Hope things get easier for him soon.

[Samnon in reply to Petitou]

thanks so much for your comments, I appreciate them. He is a great kid. I will definitely look into occupational therapy, I hadn’t thought of that, thank you.

[14crosstitch14 in reply to Samnon]

Go back to a toilet routine, i have had to with mine to get them better again for school. He may of lost the feeling of when he needs to go, with bwing on meds so long. His body needs retraining. Toilet routine, before and after meals, all i do is send my girls to wash their hands and they go toilet as well without being asked some of the time. Good luck won't be easy.

[Bmbm10]

I have no advice because I am in the same boat.i have 2 girls 4 and 9 and have been on movicol since they were two .it seems like it will never come to end my heart is breaking.i just wanted to send you a hug.