large stool in a 12 yr old

[babygene]

My son is 12 turning 13 this April. He is 5 4" and 175lbs. He is a growing boy and large for his age. He eats normal and I don't have junk food in the house. I don't keep pop in the house either, I encourge my son to drink water, gatorade and juice. I also make him eat fruit, he eats bananas and apples. I noticed his stool is very large. They remind me of the size of a cucumber or summer sausage maybe bigger. He pluges up our toilet at home and other places. It disturbs me because he never complains and he doesn't like to talk about it. I have taken him to the doctor a year ago, she gave us a stool softner (I forgot the name). It worked for a little while but only gave him diarrah and gave him an upset stomach. He also doesn't go very often and I try to monitor his movements but it's hard. I'm afraid it maybe serious and it worries me? I hope it's not but if anyone can help me please let me know?


This discussion is related to large stools in nine year old.

[patient915]

Sorry, I had another thing to add.  Make sure he is eating enough fruits and vegetables, but cut out the fruit juice completely.

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  We have had parents come on the forum with the same concern as you.  My advice is always that if it is not bothering your son and he is not getting constipated, then you shouldn't worry about it and you should not subject him to stool softeners.  This is not dangerous or bad, it is just something that some people deal with.