encopresis

My 9.5 year old son has been suffering with encopresis for over a year. We have made some progress, however he is now at the end of day 4 with no bowel movement. He feels miserable and is in great fear of the bowel movement. His diet is good with regular servings of fruit, veggies and protien. His beverage of choice is water so hydration is not an issue. He says he gets busy with his activities and does not want to interupt his fun when he gets the signal to have a bowel movement. As the days go by his fear builds and he can not have a bowel movement. He will sit on the toilet with not much problem, however at this point he is so constipated he is struggling to get some movement.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

He really must see the doctor and start on a regimen of laxative and stool softener. He'll have to undergo a cleanout of his bowels and then remain on the regimen for a while.