Enema for children - anyone give me some advice?

[meltedmarsbars]

Please?

Chronic constipation, the drugs don't seem to be working so I think the next option is an enema.

Does anyone have any advice they can give me, or has your child been through this?

How bad is it really?

[foxytocin]

how old is your child and how severe is the constipation? Have you tried glycerin suppositories yet? I don't know much about the topic and have no experience with it but the questions would help others who see your post.

[cybilliberty]

We had to give my dd one when she was a toddler, it was fine putting it in, but didnt really help that much. You've tried syrup of figs and all that I take it? Lots of water?

[stillbobbysgirl]

Have you tried Movicol (lot of it), there is also Lactulose medicine and then the glycerin suppositories. Try them in this order and then all together if then don't work alone! They are all very natural/fibre/oil things which won't do any harm. You dont need prescription for the suppositories.

If all these fail, then get a prescription for the mini enemas and some KY.

[meltedmarsbars]

Thanks for the replies, ladies.

She has had constipation for years now, and is on Movicol, Lactulose and now suppositories, and today I have given her 3 suppositories but there still seems to be a large lump up there when I shove it in (tmi, sorry) and I'm still only getting runny bypass.

She is 8 btw.

I suppose I have to go back to the gp for more advice on monday.

[autodidact]

This looks like an excellent site. And the NICE guidelines for parents are here. Enemas aren't mentioned specifically as far as I can see.

[autodidact]

Perhaps worth asking GP for a referral to a specialist?

[meltedmarsbars]

Thanks, I'll have a look at those websites.


Are there such things as constipation specialists?

[meltedmarsbars]

Bumping for the later crowd?

[suiledonne]

I used Babylax for dd1 a few times and it really works. It is a short term solution though as it doesn't deal with the cause of the constipation but can really ease the discomfort when they just can't go. It doesn not cure constipation just relieves the blockage.

When I was pregnant with dd2 I suffered from constipation very badly for a couple of weeks due to dehydration and it was awful. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I used Microlax enemas a few times myself to get things moving and the relief was amazing.

It is all very well to try diet etc but sometimes instant relief is necessary.

My dd was on Movicol for about 18 months and we gradually weaned her off last year when she was 3.

Sorry if this is a bit of a ramble - tired tonight but ask questions and I will try to answer as have been through this with dd.

[meltedmarsbars]

Thanks Suiledonne, hope your dd is ok now, and you of course.

How many suppositories can a child have in a day?

What is an enema like?

[suiledonne]

We're both fine now thanks.

I only ever used the enema for dd once a day as it was always very effective.

It is a plastic tube with a nozzle and contains a clear liquid. DD was little when she needed them - about 20 months old to 2 yrs at the time and although it isn't a pleasant thing to have to do it takes only a couple of seconds.

Never used suppositories so not sure about those.

This link seems quite good.

hth

pediatrics.about.com/cs/conditions/l/aa081200.htm

[snowmash]

Definitely go to the GP - they may need to work out the best way to get the lump you feel to move.

FWIW I spent a lot of time on children's wards up to age 21, and saw a fair number of under 10's who came in for a quick assessment and clearance - might be TMI, but if the lump is high, they may need to put a tube up to get the enema high enough...or may just suggest stronger laxatives just to clear that, and a meds review.

Not suggesting they will in your DD's case, but with the meds she's taking already, it's worth getting medical advice

[meltedmarsbars]

Thanks snowmash.

I need to get the mental courage (and rubber gloves) and have another investigation, try to work out if the blockage is still there - gave her Dulcolax overnight but nothing came out this morning yet.

I hate this, and she does too.

[snowmash]

Really sorry to hear that, meltedmarsbars :(

I'm sure your DD hates it, it can get so uncomfortable :(

Good luck with the rubber gloves - hope you get a result...

[beammeupscotty]

There are constipation specialists and also specialist nurses who work well with mums and children, a little less threatening! Are you following the NICE guidelines set out by kind person above? These are the gold standard rules that should work with most children, and its basically upping the Movicol until the right dose is found.

suppositories and enemas are avoided in young children where possible as all that focus on the bottom area can set off a lot of anxieties in the child and make the problem worse, particularly if there is a stool holding scenario going on. v difficult to deal with as you know