Any Advise from Anyone

My daughter has the same problem. Her doctor gave her an OTC magnesium citrate to get things moving, and for a while we were giving her enima's as well, which was not fun for either of us.

But let me tell you this: aside from chronic constipation, the doctor used another term "encompresis". The best way I can explain it is like using perfume. When you put perfume on in the morning, within an hour or so you can no longer smell it. That is because you have become oversensetized to the smell. Chronic constipation causes the same thing; the older, harder poop pushes against the sphinctor until they loose the ability to feel that they have to go, in other words, they are oversensetized to the feeling. Then the newer, softer poop eeks out around the harder stuff and it ends up in their underware. The thing is, they cant even feel they are doing it, and they are so used to the smell that they cant smell it either. I know how frusterating this can be...we have been dealing with this in one way or another for my daughter's entire life.

The one thing that has been consistanly working well for my daugther is one cap full of miralax mixed with water once a day. It isnt a normal laxative; all it does is draw more water into the bowel to keep things moist, and it is safe enough to use every day.

I hope this helps you!
Heather

If you would like my phone number shoot me a message.

Hi A.,
There could be so many different reasons for the accidents, but one thing that can't hurt and would help everyone, is getting them on a natural, organic diet. I had one son who had similar problems. We were eating instant, processed foods at the time. We switched to eating more real fruits, vegetables and whole grains and it went away (as did my own digestive issues). Our bodies need the fiber from real foods to work right. The chemicals we are eating clog us up more than we realize.
I also put our family on flax seed (increase the water intake) and fish and flax oils. Not only did we feel better and digest better, we got along MUCH better! Most Americans are low on omega three oils, these oils help prevent anxiety, depression, cancer, you name it. I got so excited about how great we felt that I wrote a book about it called "Shopper's Guide to Healthy Living", available on Amazon.com. I also send out a "Healthy Hint of the Week" via email, if you would like me to add you to my dist list, just let me know. Good luck!
K. Loidolt (I am not a doctor and this is not meant to cure or diagnose disease)

My 10 year old had similar issues. He would go 9-11 DAYS between bowel movements and for the last 3 days of that cycle would constantly "streak" his underwear. It was gross. This went on from when he was 2 1/2 to about 6 months ago!! None of the many doctors, specialists, or psychiatrists we saw were able to help him...they all said "give him more fiber, give him more water, here's a prescription to help". Well, nothing helped. Then six months ago, we went to see a naturopath (Dr. Diana Alba of Pristine Health in the Tech Center). Through biofeedback, she was able to determine that he lacked magnesium (which is the mineral that helps the bowels move) and put him on magnesium citrate supplements. He was going EVERYDAY within about 3 days and continues to do so today. I was skeptical at first, but truly, she has been able to do for my son in about 1 week what no medical doctor was able to do for 7 1/2 years. My philosophy has changed to "if your leg is broken, see a medical doctor, but if you have aches, pains, gastrointestinal issues, chronic conditions, can't sleep, etc, go see a naturopath!" Good Luck!!

Hi I am dealing with the same problem only my son is 6. I recently took him to a Clinic at Primary Childrens Hospital. We met with a nutritionist a Doctor and a Psychiatrist. It was extremely helpful. The main thing they said is that this happens to kids all ages and it does come from holding stool which results in severe constipation. They told us that when the accidents are occurring it is because there is a blockage and what you are seeing as accidents is what is coming down from around the blockage, they also loose their sensation and bowel control because there is so much inside of them. our medical dr. was absolutely no help. PCH put him on a strict clean out using Adult doses of laxative Mirolax and mineral oil 3x a day for three days on the weekend and then we have to repeat this for three weeks. We also have to have him on mirolax and mineral oil every day for at least a year.He also has to have a certain amount a fiber per day. This is very stressful but they have huge success rates. I would contact them right away. They also told me that it is worse the older they get so don't wait. also, watch if they stop urinating its a dangerous sign.I hope this helps good luck.

I don't know what is going on, but here is what I do know...my daughter had a problem that our pediatrician for some reason couldn't just say he didn't know what was wrong. I got sick of his ego's inability to admit he didn't know what was wrong and sought help at a local children's hospital. The doctor there walked in, took one look and knew exactly what was up and what needed to happen. My suggestion is you might do something similar...take the effort and get a second opinion or even a first real diagnosis with actual help!

Does your son actually HOLD his poop for days and then wind up constipated or having an accident when he's trying to hold it and fails? I'm not clear on what the accident actually is. If he is trying to hold his poop and resists passing it, I would definitely say there is something psychological going on there. Holding or "sitting on" poop this way is actually quite common among toddlers. My almost 3-year-old daughter has been overcoming this tendancy lately, but she's been doing it for nearly a year... ugh! Talk about a HUGE stress on the entire family! Anyway, what has seemed to help her immensly with the psychological part of it has been using a custom blended Bach floral remedy -- vine, impatiens, mimulous, and aspen. We were lucky to have found a pediatric practice called Partners in Pediatrics (Denver and Lone Tree) -- traditional docs on staff all have additional training and affinity for using homeopathy and other natural remedies before jumping to write perscriptions. This Bach floral blend has been helping my dd overcome her fear-based mindset related to pooping. Just another avenue for you to consider. FYI: Partners in Peds just recently hired new docs and opened the practice to accept new patients. There had been a two-year-long wait list until very recently.

I know how upsetting it can be -- believe me, I know... My best advice is to resist the inclination to lash out at the child in anger... it never, ever helps them overcome fear-based thinking and could, in fact, just make things worse. Message me if you'd like to talk more. Good luck to you!