4 Year Old Son Refuses to Poop

[Hunters_mommy29]

I read some of the other questions, but think this is a little different.
After an incident at daycare that is still unclear, my son now refuses to poop after being fully potty trained for about 6 months.  We know that he went in his pants and some comments were made such as "That's icky.  That's gross."  He will let a little slip and then hold off--causing him to need multiple underwear changes throughout the day.  He has now started going in his sleep.  I have watched him and he is truly unconcsious while pooping.  He doesn't even wake up when his pants get changed.  To make matters worse, he is also refusing to eat anything but bread and butter, apple juice and milk.  We have tried suppositories, laxatives, bribery, and nothing seems to be working.  Please help.  He is not the same child.  All of his energy is spent on holding in his bowel movements, so he refuses to play.  He only takes part in sedentary activities so he can control himself.  When I ask him why he won't go, he has told me everything to that his tummy hurts to he is scared.
We have been encouraging him and asking him every day if "today is the day?".  He always says yes.  Lately, he has begun ignoring us any time we bring it up.  I have not made a big deal out of him going in his sleep.  I am just happy that he is going at all at this point.  What can we do to help get him back on track?  Thank you!!!

[cutemomof42003]

Hi Kate:

You dont say how old your son is ?

[KaitMood]

My son is 3 years old. I think we are working through this.  After posting my comment I read a lot of other forums and websites, I finally came to the conclusion that my husband and I were making the situation worse. In stead of insisting that he sit on the potty and try and stress him out. We turned it around and gave him the option. He went on his own yesterday (in his diaper), but at least he went. Then about an hour ago, he went on the toilet all by himself! I think our stress anc concern for the issue was weighting down on him, and once we let go and gave him time to take care of business he did. We made the whole thing positive and it really worked for us... Thanks to everyone who helped....

[KaitMood]

I am in a similar situation! My son will only poop with an enema an then seems regular for a few days, and then holds in for several more. He doesn't show any discomfort or pain (except sometimes whit the enema) but then he refuses to poop because he is afraid it will hurt. His doctor gave me a prescription for a laxative and he has not went since he started taking it. He also takes mineral oil to help soften it. Is there anything else I can do??? Help!!!!

[cutemomof42003]

My last post should have read 2 teaspoons of table salt to 1 quart of warm distilled water. Sorry I was tired when I wrote it.

[cutemomof42003]

I have 4 children. I have used a small 4 ounce bulb enema when mine get constipated or won't poop. It was suggested instead of using laxatives or supositories. It gets instant results each time.
The solution is just distilled water ( 2 teaspoons of table salt to 1 quart of warm distilled water ) Should be held for about 5 minutes to be real effective.

[cutemomof42003]

I am a mom of 4 and really suggest the use of a small bulb enema instead of suppositories or laxatives. I received good information from a web site called doctorscotts. This was a few years back as I had a son with encopresis ( which is a functional constipation problem ) where a constant soiling of his pants everyday was the issue.
The enema is effective and instant. You can make up the solution at home. 9 two twaspoons of table salt to 1 quart warkm distilled water. I found no problem with giving this enema at age 5. This is just my opinion and something that has worked well for us.