Fecal incontinence

[Absentwomen]

Hi all,

A family member's 10 year old experiences fecal incontinence on a daily basis. We have a referral for a paediatrician and he has been assessed by an educational psychologist. The assessment report hasn't yet been returned to us. School have provided a placement at a PRU but even they're struggling to cope with the bouts of incontinence on a daily basis and we are running out of ideas to support our child in this.

There is no bladder incontinence. The psychologist told us that he struggles to process when his bowel is full. He will sit in class in his soiled clothing. This has now resulted in him being called names by other children and the PRU staff are at a loss.

He does have some behavioral problems. Regular shouting and does throw things at his mother. Yet, I have him on days out and with regular trips to the loos, we have not experienced accidents. Our family's home now smells quite badly with a lingering odour and she has had two washing machines in three years. Its becoming expensive and aside from the trauma of this for him, there are three other children in the home.

I'm looking at diet. Although mum tells me shes looked at this. When he's asked to have a 'try' by his mother he goes to the loo and then says he's been, but then he will appear with soiling and not be able to smell it himself.

At wits end. Any advice?

[BackforGood]

Have a look at the ERIC website

[FireUnicorn]

Have you read up about encopresis? My son is 5 but has this "problem" Since being diagnosed with encopresis things are getting a little better with he right help. The hardest thing we found was telling are self that he can't help it and he's not doing it on purpose (we thought it was and attention problem to start with)

[Absentwomen]

Hi,


Thanks for responses. Yes, we have had a look at encropsis. GP did indicate this and prescribed a laxative but we have seen this as making things worse.

We are still hoping the paediatrician will offer more information on this. Thank you though.

[FireUnicorn]

Things will get worse before they get better. I'm guessing he doesn't know when he's had a accident? You need to get rid off the old poo before you start to see any progress and stick with it.

Our routine is

• Sitting on the toilet after each meal (he doesn't need to go just to sit)
  
• Sitting on the toilet before bath time
  
• Sitting on the toilet before bed (If he hasn't gone)
  

Blowing bubble while sitting on the toilet as this uses the same muscle as pooping. My son won go without a pull on up but its just getting him used to sitting on the toilet and getting into a routine.

Good Luck

[Absentwomen]

Thanks so much for the website signposting. That's something we haven't seen before. We shall be looking at this in more detail. Appreciate it.

[uhoh2020]

My ds (10) has this it comes and goes if I'm honest I'm not sure what triggers it. We have been waiting for a referral to a paediatrician since last summer. I have put it down to all sorts such as laziness (cant be bothered to go toilet so holds onto it ends up leaking) not enough exercise at times - hes an avid gamer but over the past 12mth has played out more than ever , diet he likes limited fruit and veg as much as I try.
I think they become nose blind to the smell I often have to tell him to wash and change he says he hasnt realised. The smell is really bad and the leakages are like putty/tar consistency clearly been in there a while. He has movicol sachets prescribed from the GP, it's a delicate balance between giving it too often or not enough though.

[Mary8076]

It's not so uncommon and the cause usually is just constipation. Sometime it reaches a point where even laxative does nothing, although they are not pleasant, enemas could be necessary. This website //www.bedwettingandaccidents.com suggest daily enemas for a month, then every other day for another month and once a week for the third month. Maybe too much, but it gives the idea constipation is not something you can solve in few days.
Meantime please consider the huge emotional impact, if accidents happen so often just use nappies to contain the smell and the embarrassment, in addiction to decrease the stress (that causes even more accidents). Explain it's a temporary thing, not pleasant but much better for his emotional well-being.