Help for my 3 year old

[protea]

I have a 3 year old son who has suffered from constipation since he was about 6 months old.That is when he had to go onto formula because I fell pregnant again.Anyway we tried using everything for him.Applesuace, juice's, water giving him lots of fibre and changing his diet.Eventually his ped recommended Miralalx at 1 year old.He was on that for 6 months and then was referred to a G.I. dr .He then put him on a strict diet and a maintenance of Miralax. He was slowly weened off that and was okay for a short while. He then started holding back his poop.It was so traumatic for him and us that we couldn't go anywhere. We then went back to the G.I. dr and he tested his thyroid and celiac which all came our negative.He was then put back on Miralax. I had heard negative things about it so I changed him to Magnesium Sterate.That was working very well until one day he decided to hold back again and really made things bad for himself.He was having severe stomach pains and his personality changed.he became really aggressive and mean towards everyone.He also wanted to sleep all the time to avoid pooping. We called the G.I. dr again and he put him back on the miralax. A whole cap full once a day.He has been on that since last wednesday.He has had 5 bowel movements since then. Does anyone else have any suggestions for me.He does eat a lot of fibre in his diet.We try give him at least 8grms a day.he also has very watered down juice. The Dr talked about a rectal test to measure the pressure in his rectal muscles and also doing a biopsy.Has anyone had this done to their child and do you know what  they are looking for?Any input would be appreciated. I am really concerned as we have been dealing with this for a long time. I must say that he holds back whether he is constipated or not.His poop has been really soft the times that he was holding back and he would tell me that it is not even hurting him. The only time that he doesn't complain is when he is having a cap full of Miralax and then it just pours out of him. I would like him to learn to have healthy normal bowel movements. Thanks again in advance.

[AmRode]

I know this was way back in 2010, but what happened with your child? My 5 year old son is in the same situation right now. What about the Miralax?  Did you ever get him off?  Did he poop in the potty?  

[protea]

Thanks so much his tests did come back negative for HD.which I am so thak ful for.We are still waiting for his biopsy results.He also tested him for lactose intolerant.He has been really sick this past week and I have given him no milk and it really seemed to make a difference in him and also giving him the fiber cereals too.I also think it is a mental thing.He still wont go on the toilet but at least he goes in the pull -up.I am happy that he is just going.Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement.We all need it.

[muni777]

my 3 and a half year old has been on Miralax off and on for over a year now. Miserable when he is off it - holds his poop to the point that his stomack becomes like a balloon and its hard. Pooping is a nightmare - he is in so much pain and i'm afraid he would damage/tear his anus. Last time it got real bad his ped told me to put him on a double doze of miralax 2 times a day for 2-3 days untils it all runs through him. All i gotta say there was poop everywhere.
He is back on miralax now and im planning to keep him on it for a while until he learns not to hold it.We keep up with fiber rich diet as well, my son loves fiber one bars in chocolate and shredded wheat cereal in honey nut flavor (and so do i!). For the past week he's done very well - pooped in the toilet 3 times without normal screaming and crying. He himself was surprised actually. So we keep encouraging him, reminding him how nice it is when he poops and it doesn't hurt. Have to remind/encourage several times a day and praise and be really excited every time after he goes. I even bought him a new over the toilet kids seat. I noticed its very psychological - much more improvement with attention and encouragement and lots of praise than with just medicine alone. And i have him sit on the toilet every day even if he doesn't go so he can get used to the idea (he wants to get up right away but i distract him with a book or toys or something that he really likes - like going through my make up bag). Also, i started giving him Mylecon (not sure of spelling) - it's infants anti-gas drops. It helped quite a bit too because they might have trapped gas and its painful when it passes, especially if on the toilet so they will be even more apprehensive about using it.
Good luck to you, i know it's tough and sometimes nerve wrecking, but when he can go on his own it's all gonna be worth it!

[protea]

Well we thought we were doing great.Then the dr slowy dropped his dosage until we reached 2/3 of cap full.We were fine for a week and then boom.He is back to holding again. I saw the consistency of his poop change from mush to a slight form and then he couldn't handle it.I am so frustrated.I am trying to not show my emotions cause I know how kids feed of their parents emotions.I called the GI dr and they said back to a full cap per day.We see the GI dr on the 17th March.I really hope he has some answers for me.He is doing so well with going potty to pee.I am keeping a pull-up on him so the dr cannot blame the potty training from holding him back.He was pooping fine in the pull-up and peeing on the potty.Will keep you all updated.Thanks for all your suggestions.

[protea]

Thanks I might just give that a try cause he really loves yoghurt. We had his tyroid tested but the dr said everything was fine on that end.

[mamiJ]

my 3 yr old daughter has the same problem, not as severe as your son though.
she too, takes miralax.she does have hypothyroid and takes synthroid....one thing that did actually help some was activia yougurt. if she eats it everyday, she poops better.
the ped says it is good stuff.
you may want to give that a try.

[protea]

thanks but I font think it will work,cause his miralax goes in his choc. milk in the morning and he doesn't even know its in there.he seems to be doing a little better he is on 3/4 cap full now and if he gets better then we can go down to 1/2 cap full.we see the GI in March.Thanks for your input.I have IBS too so I also thought it was that.

[tschock]

It sounds like irritable bowel syndrome to me. I suffer from that. It is so painful that you don't want to go.
They are probably going to check his rectal muscles to see if he actually has the strength to push it out.
It sounds too like he has it stuck in his head that he can ONLY poop if he has medicine first.
IF it were MY child, I would try giving him "fake" medicine.
Take an empty bottle and put something like juice in it. Tell him it's a new and better kind of medicine. If he goes then you'll need the help of a psychiatrist...or at least you'll be able to "wean" him easier...if he doesn't go...then it's something physical.
Just a thought anyway.