5 year old with sudden onset of fecal incontinence

[DespicableBeans]

Looking for some advice please.


My 5 year old daughter has had 7 bouts of uncontrolled diaherrea in the last two weeks. One at school, one overnight and the rest different times during the day.

She's been fully potty trained since two and a half, I can count on one had the number of accidents she's had before this.


Have seen the doctor who thinks it may be IBS and has given mebeverine to see if it settles it.

She is totally unaware this is going to happen, although has complained of general stomach pains on 2 occasions.


Can anyone offer advice? I don't think she's constipated although we do have an issue with not drinking fluids. On an unrelated docs visit the doc mentioned her hands were hypermobile. Could this be related? Could it be some sort of parasite?

Any advice would be massively appreciated.

[Pancakeflipper]

Oh bless her (and you).
My first thought was constipation especially if not drinking much fluids. Some children appear to be pooing ok but there's a blockage and liquid poo comes out around the blockage.

You'd get tummy aches with constipation and IBS.

Have the meds made any difference?

I would ask for a referral (they can ensure there's no blockage then and do d out what the cause is) also look at the ERIC website who may be of help to you.

[gamerchick]

My first thought was constipation as well if she's not a good drinker.

[frick]

Not quite the same but DD - also 5 - started pooing the bed a few weeks back..turns out she had worms. It may be worth double checking for worms, as I believe they can cause unusual poo habits...could be a possibility maybe? Hope things settle for you guys soon. x

[helensburgh]

I'd guess she is constipated and its overflow incontinence. Perhaps.

Try something like movicol to see.

[howtodrainyourflagon]

My first thought was constipation and overflow. Being a bad drinker would contribute. Eric is a v usefil website. Agree with the other poster who mentioned movicol.

[hillyhilly]

I read another thread a couple of days ago linking continence issues with hypermobility - that might be worth investigating further?

[Pancakeflipper]

I missed the hypermobility bit - some types of hypermobility can cause bowel problems in needing urgent poos. I think you need to be referred. I hope you find out the cause soon.

[nocoolnamesleft]

If she doesn't know it's going to happen, constipation is the most likely. (If she knew it was about to happen, but couldn't get to the toilet in time, that would be more likely to be true diarrhoea)

[DespicableBeans]

Wow, thanks for all the replies. I fell asleep with her after she had another accident.

Will book another doctors appointment ASAP. We only saw the duty doctor last week as was an emergency appointment, that doctor is the worst at the practice (to say the least ).

Can I ask advice regarding the possible constipation? Would her stomach feel hard? Doctor felt last week and was soft.

Feeling pretty guilty as have no idea how often she goes to poo. She's very independent and mature, so takes herself and never mentions pain or difficulty. Will definitely be far more vigilant now.


Also wondering if this could be coinciding with her having school dinners? So I'm not in control of what she's eating during the day. Plus more supper than dinner, such as eggs on toast etc. Much less veg than normal I wonder.

Sorry for the essay! Just lots to consider.

[DespicableBeans]

Oh sorry in reply to the question regarding meds, seem to have made no difference at all Unfortunately.

[Pancakeflipper]

I have a little personal theory that there's going to be an increase in child constipation with these free school meals. Schools can offer a varied diet but it's very easy at many schools to just eat a load of carbs each day and miss the fruit/veg out even though it's there and available

[DespicableBeans]

Hmm that's exactly what I was thinking pancake. I know my daughters school offer a salad bar but all she's mentioned is the bread and potato salad!

Also veg offered with every meal but understandably no enough staff for them to check what each child is eating.

She had an inset day today and have made sure fluid levels have been high. Also had success with sitting her on the loo and just chatting for a while. She did manage 2 bowel movements even though she didn't mention needing to go.

Doctors appointment booked, so fingers crossed we can crack this quickly. Thanks to all those who offered advice.

[Pancakeflipper]

Lots of luck and hope the Dr's appt goes ok and you don't feel a brick wall is being put up in front of you.