9 year old daughter and constipation

[ttcoffin]

You guys have helped me so much with questions about my husband, so I wanted to run this past all of you. My husband has crohns amd all sorts of intestinal problems, well my 9 year old daughter has been having constipation problems for several years now. She has had the same pediatrician since she was 1, and I love him to death! He is an older man and very knowlegable, so I hate to not trust him but he has her on milk of magnesia and a stool softner, every night and he said from looking at an xrau he took of her tummy, she is so backed up, that she will need to keep taking these things through the school year! He has put her on this before but the minute she stops, she backs up again. It is very hard for her to go(when she can even go at all). I told him about my husband having crohns. My daughter only gets pain in her side , when she is very backed up, then she can hardly walk,because it hurts so bad. Does any of this sound like she needs a gastro doc? Or is her pediatrician right on his treatment? Tahnks for any advice...........Tanya

[Wilson]

It seems to me like your daughter should be seen by a pediatric gastroenterologist. If the Milk of Magnesia and stool softeners only provide temporary relief and she's never able to return to normal on her own, something's not right. Maybe some dietary and lifestyle changes would be all she'd need, but it seems like her IBS (for lack of another term) should be evaluated by a specialist.

[Concerned lady]

I agree 100% with Wilson! Your daughter needs to be seen by a good pediatric gastro-enterologist. This is important, in case she has some medical condition that needs to be treated.

Here are some more things you might want to consider, too:

1)Acidophilus & Bifidus are beneficial (edible) bacteria called "pro-biotics" that can help to normalize the large intestine (bowel), when antibiotics or other medications have destroyed the good bulk-producing bacteria. Health food stores sell these. Keep refrigerated. Take with water, between meals.

2)Dehydration can cause or worsen constipation. Does your daughter drink enough good quality water? Certain medical conditions require that patients shouldn't drink too much water (glaucoma, diabetics taking certain anti-diuretic hormones--just learned about this today from another forum--, etc.), but, many children are chronically dehydrated. Soda pop is dehydrating. Caffeine (found in colas) is dehydrating.

3)If your daughter's diet doesn't include enough "roughage" (can be from many different sources, but VEGETABLES are among the best sources, including pectin in carrots, etc.) then, the colon (gut/large intestine/bowel) can get sluggish.

Does your daughter eat a lot of "denatured" foods, like WHITE bread, WHITE crackers, WHITE rice, WHITE pastas (as opposed to WHOLE GRAIN pastas) etc.? These WHITE grain products don't have any fiber (roughage) at all, and this lack of fiber, makes them VERY CONSTIPATING.

What kind of food and beverages does your daughter eat? Start keeping a food diary, so that you can see which foods agree or don't agree with her. This can be tedious, but is often very helpful.

A good holistic nutritionist can be very helpful to you, once you get a diagnosis. If you can't get a diagnosis other than irritable bowel syndrome, a holistic nutritionist can help your daughter to greatly improve her diet, in ways that you and I might not think of (delicious & nutritious).

4)Perhaps your daughter has some food allergies &/or food sensitivities. Some of these can cause constipation. An allergist specialist doc can help with figuring this out.

a)Cow's milk can cause diarrhea or constipation. Does your daughter drink a lot of cow's milk products (can include cheese on pizza, etc.)?

b)Gluten sensitivity, like Celiac Disease, can cause diarrhea or constipation. Gluten is found in wheat (breads, crackers, etc.), rye, oats, barley, buckwheat. Spelt & kamut are ancient types of wheat, and these contain gluten. (Pizza crusts have gluten in them, when they are made from wheat.)

Going on a gluten-free diet can sometimes be tremendously helpful for mysterious cases. Avoid glutenous foods for about a month, to see if this helps. Grains that are gluten-free include brown rice & corn. But, many are allergic to corn, so avoid corn temporarily.

Health food stores sell brown rice cereals, brown rice pastas (delicious!), and plain organic brown rices.

Does your daughter eat a lot of "glutenous" foods? (&/or corn?)

5)Does your daughter get enough exercise? Being sedentary can cause or worsen constipation.

6)Once you have a diagnosis, ask the doctor if abdominal massage would be OK. This (if safe & if gently done) can stimulate a bowel movement.

7)Drinking a cup of warm water can stimulate the gastro-colic reflux, causing a bowel movement.

8)Some children don't always go to the bathroom when the urge hits. When they "hold it in", it can make them more constipated. If a child is under stress, this sometimes can be a factor, with constipation.

What your doctor has done, is to just treat your daughter's SYMPTOMS, but he hasn't done the tough "Sherlock Holmes" medical detective work, to find out what is actually CAUSING her constipation. There may be SEVERAL CAUSES of her constipation.

Once you know the CAUSES, you can try to get rid of the causes, or lessen the causes, or gently treat them.

Your daughter is lucky to have you as her mother, and I believe that because of your caring and questioning, she will get better.

I wish you and your daughter the best! Find a GOOD pediatric gastro-enterologist, and keep asking questions. :-)

Sincerely, Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

[GinaR]

I agree with Concerned lady's comments- totally.  
My son and I just saw the pediatrician yesterday for the EXACT problem.  My son has been suffering with this problem for years.. and as in your case, all docs have been 'treating' the symptoms..not the cause. This new ped. said that if the laxative doesnot work, then we will see a ped. gastroentologist .  This is a necessary step.
My son started showing signs of this at 9 months old - he is now 10 years. We have tried EVERYTHING...fiber supplements, fiber cereals, senakot (child's laxative - very good), milk of magnesia, etc.etc.  But as soon as he stopped taking the medicines - he's backed up and cranky! Even when we increase his fiber intake with food -- it's not enough.
Our pediatrician said that some kids are like this. Nothing to worry about. But my son's behavior turns sour with his abdominal pain.
I, too, have this problem (and Irritable Bowel Syndrome). So I do know what the kids are going through - it can be very painful and definitely annoying to feel full and sluggish constantly. But I can regulate my constipation with a high fiber cereal (Fiber One has 57% fiber).
For almost 2 years my son was 'symptom free'.  His stomach aches dissipated, his appetite increased, had normal BMs everyday.  The reason?  *OPTIMIZE high fiber drink*. We love this stuff.  He would drink it every morning and it kept him regulated - he would occasionally have gas -- but it's worth it.  
Problem is, I can no longer find it in our stores.  The Optimize Website lists stores that still carry it -- but I can not locate them here in Ohio.  It has been nearly 2 months since he's had this drink - and now - he's in pain, cranky and he's completely backed up from top to bottom.    
So, yes...take your daughter to the pediatric gastro. and find optimize. It comes in many different flavors that my son loved... it is somewhat expensive -- but your daughter won't need a stool softener or Milk Of Magnesia, etc.  

I truly hope you finally get some answers - and in a week, if I find out more from our ped. gastroentologist - I will let you know.

God Bless!!

[ttcoffin]

WOW, your post was awesome and I thank you very much. Her doc has said that she will probably always have this problem now, because her intestines are so stretched out. He told me he believed it was because so many kids hold it and don't go when they need to, and they get backed up. This could very well be true and I hate to not believe him because like I said, I love him and has been wonderful for 9 years! I trust him and I would like to believe that if he thought there was something wrong, he would know BUT, I can't get over the fact that it doesn't seem normal for her to have to be on meds, to have a BM.I have 4 kids and the other 3 never went throught his. My 11 year old son, got backed up once and had to be put on the milk of magnesia, but only for a couple of months and then he has been fine ever since.My daughter has no other symptoms or pain, except when she gets backed up for awhile, then her stomach hurts very bad, where she can't even walk. She eats good, gains weight fine, very active, she is my tomboy. She is also my water drinker, she loves water and drinks it alot, even at school. I send a big water bottle with her and she even finshes it and fills it up again. She also loves milk though too, but only has one glass a day, at dinner.WE eat veggies every night with dinner and she loves green beans. She never has stomach pain after eating and like I said, only feels pain when she is extremely backed up.My husband is going to the Mayo clinic in Arizona on MOnday and my daughters pediatrician knows the gastro doc back there and said he comes out here and lectures alot and he has learned alot from him, so I might bring it up to that gastro doc and see what he thinks.If not, when we get back, I might ask her doc for a referal to a gastro doc for her. I thank you for all of your advice, I think I will print your message, so I will have it all handy. Thanks again..........Tanya

[ttcoffin]

Well, I have never meet anyone else with a young child that gets constipated all the time like my daughter. My daughter was on senekot to. Her pediatrician told me that it might always be like this for her because now her intestines are so stretched out, they will never go back. Poor kid, she is so young to be having these problems. I wish you luck with your son and yes, please do pass on any information you find out, that would be great!! Thank you very much..........Tanya

[Concerned lady]

Dear ttcoffin and luvngmom,

You both are great parents! :-)

I must tell you both that when I was a child, I too was severely constipated. It was only as a young adult, that I finally listened to a wonderful person in a health food store who educated me as to the use of ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS "PROBIOTICS", and the use of digestive enzymes! The result, finally, was:

No more constipation!

I'm going to post some Gastric Reflux tips, in the next message. These "tips" are for more than just reflux. These tips usually will cure constipation.

BUT...I still think any child who has severe constipation needs to see a very good pediatric GI (Gastro-intestinal doc), for testing, to see if something serious is going on, that you and I haven't thought of. MAKE THE APPOINTMENT, for your peace of mind, and for your daughter's sake.

I agree with you both! It is not normal for a child to need laxatives, etc. in order to have a bowel movement! Any doctor who thinks this is normal, is in massive "denial".

Ttcoffin, I also don't agree with the doc who said that your daughter has to suffer with this, all her life. NOT IF YOU DO SOMETHING NOW, to find out what's causing her problems. Once you have causes, you can get rid of the causes, or lessen the causes, or gently treat the causes.

Good medicine looks for causes.

However, even if you can't find the real causes, right away, try all the "gastric reflux tips", and these may help you figure out some of your daughter's causes.

For example, let's say you try giving your daughter a milk-free, gluten-free diet, for a month, and you also give her ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS probiotics, for a month. Let's say that she improves dramatically.

Well, then you will know that your daughter needs to avoid milk products, avoid gluten, and she needed to re-populate her large intestine (bowel/colon) with the good bacteria!

This method of trial & error (experimenting) is called "empirical" medicine, and is used a lot by doctors, except usually they experiment with medicines. I prefer to use foods, nutritional supplements, and life-style changes, first, if safe, to avoid bad side effects of most medications.

Still, I believe it's important for a very constipated child to be seen by an excellent, kind, pediatric GI doc, just in case...

Start keeping a detailed food diary, so that when you go to the pediatric GI doc, you can share what you discover about which foods agree or don't agree with your daughter. This can also show what areas of her diet need improvements.

I also highly recommend looking for a "holistic nutritionist". They are wonderful, and can help you to greatly improve your daughter's diet, in a way that is safe for her, yet delicious & nutritious.

Good luck, and keep us posted. And, to both moms: Keep asking questions! Demand better medical care for your children. They deserve it. Accept nothing less than great improvement in your children's conditions. (Also, see next message, below.)

Sincerely, Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

[Concerned lady]

First, I want to thank the nice lady on this board, who, months ago(forgot her name), taught me about "cutting & pasting" info.

The "tips" below, can help with much more than just reflux. These tips can help with ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, etc.

No matter what, please see a good DOCTOR, in case something else serious is going on, that these tips don't address!

*********************************************

Some GASTRIC REFLUX TIPS (without acid blockers):

Please check with your doctor, first, before trying these tips to be sure they are safe, in your particular situation.

GER=Gastro-Esophageal Reflux. (Gastro=stomach. Esophagus=food tube.)

LPR= Laryngeal-Pharyngeal Reflux. (Larynx=voice box, containing the 2 vocal cords. Pharynx=throat, above the larynx. The larynx is above the trachea/windpipe.)

Reflux=acidic or alkaline stomach material that backs up into the esophagus (food tube), causing any of these problems (at least): VCD/Vocal Cord Dysfunction/Laryngospasm attacks, cough, voice problems, asthma, globus (feeling of lump in throat), constant need to clear throat, much extra throat mucus, worsening of sinus condition, sore throat, laryngitis, voice problems, pre-cancerous conditions of throat &/or esophagus, etc.

SOME GER/LPR CONTROL THINGS WE DO, that we learned from the excellent book: STOMACH AILMENTS AND DIGESTIVE DISTURBANCES, by Michael T. Murray, N.D. See page 9, References, in my website: http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com   and, also see GER/LPR info on page 5, and on LINKS page.

PLEASE READ THIS GREAT BOOK. It may possibly be bought on-line, from Michael T. Murray’s website.

Some of the following we learned from people &/or other books, &/or other good websites about voice, GER, etc.

(1) DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice) is one of our main methods of controlling the GER/LPR. We use Enzymatic Therapy brand DGL, shortly (about 20 minutes) before ALL meals (breakfast, lunch, supper, and snacks). The DGL does NOT cause high blood pressure, and does NOT cause fluid retention/edema, because a bad (steroidal) part of whole/crude licorice has been removed, leaving the DGL. Chewable DGL tablets are available at most health food stores, and at good pharmacies. DGL capsules are said to not be effective:
  
The DGL tablet(s) must be chewed, to mix with saliva, to be effective. If a DGL tablet is too dry (which could cause a cough), one could put a few drops of water on the tablet, and then chew it up. Chew DGL tablet(s) for a few seconds, to mix with saliva, shortly before (about 20 minutes before) EVERY meal, and if necessary, between meals (Read label directions). Chewing the DGL tablets for TOO long a time,  may cause a burning sensation on the tongue & in the mouth. (I do not know if this is from the DGL, or another ingredient).
  
The DGL seems to not only promote healing of throat, esophagus and stomach, but also seems to help prevent OUR reflux.(resulting in no more globus/lump in throat sensation, no more constant throat clearing, excess mucous, excess phlegm, no more NIGHT-TIME VCD/Vocal Cord Dysfunction/Laryngospams attacks, no more laryngitis, etc. for us)

We like the taste of the plain, fructose-free, DGL CHEWABLE tablets, but for those who hate the taste, try mixing a crushed DGL tablet with a tiny bit of mashed organic banana, and then chew, to mix with saliva. Avoid any DGL that contains mint. (Mint—in all forms, can cause gastric reflux episodes. AVOID MINT!!).

(2) We use Thayers brand of SLIPPERY ELM Throat Lozenges when we feel the need. (Soothing, coating, healing, nourishing). Slippery Elm (inner bark from a tree) also comes in teabag form, or in bulk, etc. as an herbal supplement.

(3) We drink the occasional small glass of CARROT JUICE (organic, fresh) which soothes, coats, heals the digestive tract, is nourishing, and stimulates the immune system, with beta-carotene, soothing and coating PECTIN (a type of fiber), and other good nutrients. Carrot soup, cooked carrots are also good. Beta-carotene is heat resistant. Beta-carotene later is turned into Vitamin A inside us. Do not overdo on carrot juice. If your skin turns orange, drink less carrot juice. Avoid beta-carotene pills -- too potent (can harm the liver, if one has liver problems).

(4) We tried elevating the head of the bed a few inches, by putting 6 inch to 8 inch BLOCKS, ON THE FLOOR, under the head end of the bed. This creates a slant (tilt), where the head is 6 to 8 inches higher than the feet. This helps some people, but not all people. (Check with a pediatric Gastro-enterologist, about raising the head end of a bed of a child, or a crib of an infant). Also, see (16) about a special GERD PILLOW, for adults.

(5) We try NOT TO BEND OVER too often, and we try to AVOID STRAINING (Valsalva maneuver). We AVOID LIFTING HEAVY objects. (No weight lifting!) (at least until after no more reflux symptoms for 3 months). Sit without any pressure on the abdomen or stomach (knees lower than hips). Avoid running (shakes up the stomach). Avoid gymnastics, etc. Walking is best, until fully recovered.

(a) If CONSTIPATION is causing any straining, see Ref.15,18,23,24,25 on page 9 for ideas about gently treating constipation, including eating whole grains, not white (de-natured ones), etc.  For us, exercise, increased water intake, acidophilus/bifidus, digestive enzymes, avoiding junk food, improved diet, chewing slowly (takes will power!), eating when not under stress or angry, etc., all are helpful.

(6) NO MORE TIGHT pants, belt, corset,--AVOID TIGHT CLOTHING, avoid tight elastic around waist, etc.

(7) We try to not eat too much junk food. Some people avoid acidic  food, while others need to eat acidic food, if their stomach is not producing any (or enough) acid. (It is good to avoid acid, if one has an ulcer.) These gastric reflux tips methods often can help to heal ulcers. Some people need betaine hydrochloride supplements, which becomes HCl/hydrochloric acid, or, some use vinegar (acetic acid) in salads, or mixed with water, while others need to avoid eating excess acid. Each person is unique. We avoid all artificial sweeteners. Anyone with diabetes can read the excellent book Reversing Diabetes, by Dr. Julian Whittaker, M.D..

Diet soda pop contains the harmful artificial sweetener Aspartame (Equal/Nutrasweet), which can cause WEIGHT GAIN, HEADACHES, UPSET STOMACH, BLURRED VISION, BLINDNESS, TWITCHING, SEIZURES, BRAIN TUMORS, HYPERACTIVITY, MOOD SWINGS, ETC. Also, soda pop often has strong acids, plus other harmful artificial ingredients. Plain water, gentle herb teas, certain fruit juices (diluted with water, to prevent dehydration), brown-rice-milk, etc. are healthier substitutes for soda pops.

We try to avoid artificial ingredients, including fake fats (like Olean, Olestra, etc.), because these can greatly hurt the digestive system, and prevent absorption of vital nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) from foods. These fake fats also prevent digestion and absorption of needed fats & oils, used to repair myelin nerve cell sheaths (made of fatty material, mostly cholesterol). Hormones are also made of mostly cholesterol.

Avoid no-fat, or extremely low fat diets. Fats & oils (organic olive oil, organic sesame oil, organic butter in small amounts, organic nuts, etc.) are needed to produce hormones, and to produce myelin sheaths for certain nerve cells. Diets too low in fats & oils, can cause neurological (nerve) damage, and hormonal imbalances.

(8)  We try to drink more water, to prevent chronic dehydration. We like hard (nicely mineralized) well or spring water.
We do not drink distilled water (soft water, no minerals), because it can leach minerals out of our bones, possibly contributing  to osteoporosis. (See Ref.18,23, on page 9.) We avoid water softeners (chemicals) because they can be toxic, and because good minerals help keep us healthy. People with KIDNEY PROBLEMS &/or GLAUCOMA, etc. should ask their docs how much water is safe to drink, since too much water can be dangerous for them! (But, dehydration can cause problems also.)

(9) We use ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS ( edible beneficial bacteria which keep bad YEASTS away, such as Candida Albicans, formerly called Monilia). ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS also can eat or control some bad bacteria, and some viruses. The acidophilus/bifidus are also called PRO-BIOTICS and are beneficial intestinal flora (mainly for the large intestine). We keep the jars refrigerated, but not too cold. These are available at health food stores & pharmacies. (See Ref.14,15,23,24,25, on page 9).

Acidophilus/bifidus can re-populate the large intestine, with good bacteria, after antibiotics &/or steroids, etc. have killed off these good bacteria! Some of us have to continue eating the acidophilus/bifidus (daily, or from time to time), but the results seem worth the effort to us.

Yogurt and buttermilk contain similar beneficial bacteria, but are milk products, so see (11) below about milk products.

(10) We use DIGESTIVE ENZYMES. My husband likes Acid-Ease by Prevail, which contains Slippery Elm (inner bark), Marshmallow Root, Gamma-Oryzanol (from Rice Bran Oil), and the plant enzymes Amylase (digests starch), Lipase II (digests fat), and Cellulase I (digests cellulose from plant cell walls). The Acid-Ease does not contain Protease, which can be very irritating to ulcer/GER folks.

The Acid-Ease is NOT an acid blocker. It is not an antacid. It soothes, coats, nourishes, and promotes healing. Its enzymes help with leaky gut syndrome.

   I use Total Enzymes (which does have Protease, a protein digesting enzyme) by Nutri-West, a company that sells only to health practitioners (Chiropracters, Physicians, and others), who can order, at cost, by calling 1-307-358-5066.

   Digestive enzymes are NOT FOR EVERYBODY, but are helpful for MANY people.

(11)  My husband has found that AVOIDING MILK PRODUCTS helps him feel less congested, with less mucus in throat. Milk and milk products can cause gastric reflux episodes. Brown-Rice Milk (look for gluten-free) can substitute for milk (but not for babies!).

Gluten is in wheat (includes spelt & kamut), rye, oats, barley, & buckwheat. Read labels to avoid hidden gluten, in some soy sauces, gravies, grain alcohols, beer (barley malt), etc. People with Celiac Disease need to avoid all foods containing gluten. BROWN RICE (organic) is gluten-free. Corn is gluten free, but is very allergenic (allergy causing), so avoid corn. Avoid millet, at first, because there is disagreement about whether millet is safe or not, for Celiac patients.

MILK MAY CAUSE MORE ACID to be produced, IN THE STOMACH!

I occasionally eat milk products, like yogurt, cheese, whipped cream, or my ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS, which is mixed with goat milk powder. So, at these times, I take LACTASE ENZYMES, to digest (break down into easily absorbed small molecules) the milk-sugar called LACTOSE. Many people (due to heredity &/or disease) have Lactose intolerance, where the small intestine does not secrete the lactase enzyme. Result is that the milk-sugar (lactose) travels further down the small intestine than it should. Then, bad bacteria eat the lactose, giving off lots of gas (the gases are by-products of the bad bacteria’s own digestion process), and this causes folks to get bloated, gassy, have diarrhea, and cramping. I use Lactaid brand lactase enzymes, and it works for me. Ordering direct from them can save money.

(12) Using the above methods has almost completely freed my husband of needing to use Tums, and seems to be nicely controlling his and my GER/LPR. We have never used acid blockers.

ACID BLOCKERS CAN HAVE DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS: Some examples are:

Acid must be present in the stomach, in order for the stomach to make a substance called Intrinsic Factor. Intrinsic factor must be present with Vitamin B 12, in the stomach, for absorption of Vitamin B 12 to happen, in the ileum (last part of the small intestine), I believe.

Acid blockers therefore prevent absorption of Vitamin B 12. Malabsorption (lack of absorption) of Vitamin B 12, causes NERVE DAMAGE (pain, numbness, pins & needles sensation, etc.) in the peripheral nerves (outside the brain & spinal cord). This is called PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY. For details about this problem, see the Peripheral Neuropathy forum at http://www.braintalk.org

If Vitamin B 12 continues to NOT be absorbed, eventually there can be NERVE DAMAGE to the Central nervous system (brain & spinal cord).

ALSO, the minerals calcium, iron, zinc, other minerals, and important trace minerals, etc. cannot be properly absorbed, when there is no acid in the stomach (due to acid blockers, etc.).

AND, protein does not start to get properly digested (broken down--eventually into amino acids), in the stomach, when there is no acid in the stomach.

Doctors and pharmacists can advise about VERY gradual(slow) tapering down (weaning) schedules (when and if safe) for the acid blockers. Some acid blockers, when stopped too quickly, can cause rebound acid secretion in the stomach, resulting in excess hydrochloric acid secretion. The REBOUND ACID SECRETION often causes worse GERD symptoms!

ALSO, SOME FORMS OF REFLUX ARE NOT ACID REFLUX, but are ALKALINE REFLUX, (bile is alkaline). Besides refluxed stomach acid (HCl/hydrochloric acid), Pepsin (an acidic proteolytic/protein digesting, enzyme) & bile (alkaline) can irritate & damage: the esophagus, throat, vocal cords, & lungs. Acid blockers do nothing to stop alkaline reflux!!

(13) Do not drink ICY COLD DRINKS, and AVOID VERY HOT DRINKS. Use room temperature drinks, or slightly cool, or warm, but not ultra-hot. Extremely cold or hot liquids can irritate the stomach, which is bad for ulcers &/or gastric reflux.

(14) Ask physical therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, etc. if they know any safe adjustments that might lessen GER/LPR, if you wish.

(15) Read (by Dr. James A. Koufman) PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET ON REFLUX by Center for Voice Disorders of Wake Forest University. Here’s a link:  http://www.bgsm.edu/voice/pt_info.html  Dr. Koufman was a pioneer in showing the connection between stomach reflux (can be acid reflux OR alkaline reflux) and breathing problems!

(16) Some have found a special (large) GERD pillow helpful for preventing GERD episodes while sleeping and while lying down. Here is a link to the Prop up pillow website:  http://www.propuppillow.com

(17) Avoid harmful chemical air pollution, which can aggravate gastric reflux. See page 5 of VCD website for more about this.

(18) Using the above methods, in addition to the SINUS SURVIVAL tips, has helped us to prevent VCD attacks, in us.

(19) Please check with your doctor, in advance, to be sure that it is OK for you to try these tips, in your particular case. Also, please get monitored by your doctor, to be sure that no more damage to the throat, esophagus, stomach, vocal cords, lungs, etc. is happening, from possible SILENT gastric reflux.

Pregnant or nursing ladies should check with their doctors, before trying any of these tips.

Avoid any herbs, foods, etc. that you may be allergic to.

Check with your doctor and pharmacist, to be sure that there would be no harmful interactions between any of your medications, diet that you may be on, and any herbs, foods, etc. mentioned in these tips.

Check with your doctor, to be sure that these tips would not interact badly with any medical condition you may have.

These tips help my husband and me (adults). Some of these tips may be OK for children, and others may not be OK for children. Check with your doctor! Babies with gastric reflux need DIFFERENT treatments, not these tips (except for raising the head end of the crib, if your doctor says it is OK to do this, etc.). Check with your doctor!

Hope this helps! Keep asking questions! :-)

Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

[Humor Me]

Childrens bowel habits always seem to be written off as something that can easily be cured with OTC treatments (m.o.m., enemas, other stool softners, etc.).  My advice...ask or research the possibility of a little talked about syndrome called HIRSCHSPRUGS DISEASE.  The ignorance of this disease among non-specialists almost killed my newborn son (he's 9 now).  Although this disease is usually diagnosed before a child turns 1, a small effected section of the bowel could present like just constant difficulty having a bowel movements and be written off or ignored.

Hirschsprungs Disease is the absence of Ganglion cells (nerve endings) at the lower end of the colon.  Children get "stopped up" because once the stool hits the affected area there are no nerve endings to tell the bowel to "move". Therefore it just stays there.  This causes the area the stool is in to just keep ballooning and stretching out until there is so much pain it's unbearable.  There is a simple test to see if there possibility of this syndrome.  A barium enema.  I think a great website on this and other motility disorders is www.theguardiansociety.com it's INCREDIBLE!

In addition, my son also has high pressures in his anal sphincter.  Another thing you might consider.  His symptoms were SO similar to everything you were describing. Ask your daughter if she ever has the FEELING like she has to have a bowel movement and if it's REALLY hard to push it out.  This could be an indication of the absence of the nerve endings.

I hope this helps and gives you some material to research to bring up to your pediatric GI doc when you see him/her.  Good luck! :)

[ttcoffin]

Thank you concerned lady for your very informative post, I wrote alot of things down. I will let you know if any of it helps.

Thanks to you humor me, your sons symptoms sound alot like things my daughter has told me! What did they do for your son? What kind of treatment? Iam going to go to that website you gave me and see what it says and I want to make an appointment with her pediatrician, to see if he will refer her to a GI doc. Thanks again to both of you..........Tanya

[Humor Me]

My pleasure to help ttcoffin!  Not too many people are aware of this disease and alot of doctors pretty much have just "heard" of it.  It's frustrating!!  But BE PERSISTENT!  It was my persistance that saved my sons life...

When he was 9 days old he almost died from NON diagnosis of Hirschsprungs.  Thank goodness it was caught in time!  He was immediately rushed in emergency surgery for a biopsy of the colon and was given a colostomy which he wore for 8 months.  Since then he has gone through countless surgeries including a Duhamul Pullthrough and closure of the colostomy.

Nowadays, they don't tend to do the colostomy and do a different procedure called a Suave Pullthrough. It's much more effective.  My son still has some problems but, again, his rectal sphincter has significant high pressures.

I have been following this disease closely for 9 years now.  If you have any specific questions please let me know!!

Hope everything turns out well!  Keep me updated! :)

[Humor Me]

I just visited the Guardian society's homepage and realized that the link to them is: http://www.fortunecity.com/millenium/ratty/136/gaurdianreal.htm

I'm sure you've already found it...but just in case! :)

Take Care!!!

[Concerned lady]

Thank you, ttcoffin! Keep us posted on what you find is wrong, and what you find helps!

Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com