Constipation :-(

[tjtheminx]

Hi

I was wondering if you had any tips on resloving constipation in my 2 1/2 yo DS.

He's always been a twice a day man. After breakfast and again at abot 6pm. However in the lst few weeks he has really been straining to poo and it really seems to hurt him

He also gets very upset and cries. Up to the last few says he was managing to get at least one ( hard ) poo out once a day but he hasn't had a poo at all since Friday and it seems like every 5 minutes he goes into the corner and strains until he cries and he is also being much more clingy than usual.

I think that he is becoming more aware of his bowels and that is part of the problem but he is also a fussy eater -- impossible to get him to eat vegetables even if they are "cleverly " hidden. Although he did eat quite a few strawberries and some wholewheat bread this morning I don't think he ate enough to sort this problem out?

[TheArmadillo]

orange juice is good for constipation. As is frui especially prunes and dried fruit such as raisins.

Milk can make the problem worse - I wouldn't cut it out but would cut down on it for a while.

You need to make sure that he is drinking plenty and moving around a lot. You may find that his appetite decreases.

I would also advise getting some lactulose from the pharmacy. It;s a mild laxative with no side affects.

If it's not resolved itself within a couple of days go and see GP. If left it can lead to longer term issues.

[tjtheminx]

Thanks Armadillo,

He drinks a lot of milk and always has.. still drinks it for comfort and I have been giving him more to keep him hydrated.
Didn't realise I was probably making the problem worse.

[TheArmadillo]

don't beat yourself up about it - how were you supposed to know?

The only reason I know so much is because I've ahd to as my ds has huge problems with constipation (has been taking strong laxatives almost constantly since he was about 2.5 or so - he's now 5yo).

I used to give him milk so at least he was having something But due to the constipation he wasn't eating. It didn't help but you don't do it maliciously.

[rebl]

Would he drink diluted prune juice? You need to get as much fluid into him as you can manage. Also wheatabix?

[shinybaubles]

My ds had constipation and they need to be really well hydrated with water, and I second the suggestion for lactulose. But first maybe try a bit of prune juice hidden in something like yoghurt or juice.

[tjtheminx]

I think he would eat prunes actually.
Will really have to battle to get him to cut down on milk though.

He's not a juice drinker --- only milk and water.

Thanks