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Original poster

Toddler constipation/enema help

28 replies

indeepsht · 12/10/2026 09:13

My dc has always been a bit difficult with BM since potty training, could go 3-4 days without one. Lately it’s been getting worse had lactulose from GP but ended up she went 10 days without BM and couldn’t pass urine.

Ended up being sent to hospital and she had an enema, immediately passed urine too. There was a fair amount of BM that passed. Doctor in hospital prescribed movicol and says she needs to have a BM every day ideally.

We are already on day 4 without BM since enema, despite the movicol.

Seems fine in herself but this morning refused to wee, and had a bit of a tantrum (her mood seems to get progressively worse the more constipated she gets).

What do I do? The GP can’t do much more? Do I need to take her back to hospital or give the movicol more time?

OP posts:

endofthelinefinally · Yesterday 10:02

toomanycatsforsanity · Yesterday 07:14

Have you dealt with impaction and had it resolve following your advice?

Lactulose is generally less effective than movicol or osmolax. You don't want a high fibre diet until you are sure the impaction has passed.

It is an intensive problem and can get worse if it is not effectively treated. Things are very unlikely to happen. I don't understand what you think the 'pressure' is doing? The child is in pain and withholding and that's not going to resolve without intensive support.

Show quote history

This. Impaction is serious and needs intensive treatment. It is not just being a bit constipated.

endofthelinefinally · Yesterday 10:09

Canalb0at · Yesterday 09:09

I have been through this exact problem with my child and it started at the same age. Movicol was not the solution for us, after multiple GP visits we were referred to a consultant who prescribed sodium picosulfate (dulcolax). As far as I understand movicol draws water in to the stool but the sodium picosulfate is a stimulant to move the poo along so it becomes difficult to withhold. The GP was not able to prescribe this medication but a consultant can. We are now 2 years into this problem and whilst not perfect it is MUCH better than it was!

Edited

Disimpaction often needs a combination of both, depending on many factors, how long the problem has existed, how extensive the blockage, how stretched the bowel has become and whether there is a nerve/sensory problem. After a prolonged period of impaction the bowel can lose sensation and needs an extra stimulant to contract. That is why a supervised regimen is important. Some GPs are up to speed on this, but others are not and you need a referral to specialist nurses or a clinic.

endofthelinefinally · Yesterday 10:18

OP, if you haven't yet watched the poo nurses video please prioritise doing that. It is only about 30 minutes and it explains everything in clear and simple terms. You need that knowledge to find and navigate the correct treatment pathway.

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