To want to ignore this advice...

[stilltiredinthemorning]

Even though I know I probably shouldn't!

So, my daughter will be 4 in December. We didn't have the easiest ride with potty training and didn't start till quite late (just after 3rd birthday). She cracked peeing in the toilet/potty pretty quickly but pooed in her pants most days for at least a couple of months. The HV came to see my younger son one day and I had a massive teary rant about it... She was lovely and basically said I needed to relax, be neutral when it happened and she would get the hang of it in time. Like magic she pretty much nailed it from the following day... Since then we've had the odd wee accident, but she has been pretty much completely reliable with poo (so for around 6 months).

She started a new pre-school 6 weeks ago (2 days a week) and has had a few accidents including 2 poos there. I've tried to be super relaxed about it and just assumed it was the new setting (no problems in nursery or at home etc.)

Then on Saturday she wet herself 3 times and then 5 times yesterday plus a poo!

I can see from a photo on Tapestry that she had also been changed into her spare trousers at nursery by 09.30 this morning...

So, I rang the ERIC helpline to get advice because I was so anxious about it last time and I really just wanted to check the right things, to say etc. I thought they would say it's just a blip, nothing to worry about..., but the lady I spoke to advised my daughter probably has chronic constipation and will need treatment. This apparently means prescribed medication and a week off childcare during which time she is likely to have 'explosive diarrhoea' and need to poo several times a day...

This is my idea of a nightmare. My husband works in retail and can't take any time off work at this time of year. I've just started a new job and a week off would be a REALLY big deal. My daughter is also extremely active and there is literally no way we can stay in for a day, let alone a week.

I know this sounds horribly selfish and of course I'll do it if it's needed, but it will be no small task...

AIBU to think this seems quite extreme or ridiculous to doubt the advice if an expert? Has anyone had any experience of similar?

3 is perfectly normal.
Even If she required this, it wouldn't be the first thing given. It can be done in the school holidays.
The GP should feel her tummy and if constipation further tests are done, including referrals is needed.
The let's see how she is in 2 weeks can be reduced by starting a diary now.
If your child isn't constipated, you don't need a prescription. What do you think they went to medical school and examine people for? Even if the person you spoke to today has full medical experience, without physically looking at your child, they cannot tell for certain.

If constipated, a diet will be looked at as some foods can bung you up.

And if you have told us everything, I agree, it doesn't sound like constipation. The person has made a huge leap talking about this first when other, friendlier options are available. Including ways to increase her liquid intake, her diet and behaviour.

The New Year is too long it you think she is constipated. It will do more damage than good and will become very distressing if she is constipated.
Make the appointment for in 2 weeks.
Don't demand anything, let the GP do their job based on her.
Keep a diary to show her diet/fluid/behaviour etc. I am surprised that this wasn't suggested.
And don't forget, fruit can make you pooh more often. And some fruits are also suggested simply because of the laxative effect.
Fibre can also play a role.

Is she is constipated, it might be with a dietary alteration the issue is resolved and no meds required.

Tbf they did suggest a diary too, but this was a secondary thing to try whilst waiting for the GP appointment. She specifically said that even if the GP did a physical examination and couldn't find any signs of constipation that she would still suggest the disimpaction as wetting and soiling in themselves are sufficient diagnostic markers.

I wouldn't demand anything from the GP and never have, but in my experience they just seem to put the onus on me or otherwise take a 'wait and see' approach (which may well be appropriate in this case). I suppose now my dilemma is that if I mention the NICE guidelines/ERIC advisor I'm pretty sure the GP will just concur and if I don't I'll feel guilty that I haven't mentioned it because honestly I can't imagine much worse than a week at home with my very active child and explosive diarrhoea...

Having said all that I am grateful for everyone's advice and will see what the GP says. Like I said before, perhaps I should have more faith!

When I said after after Christmas I did actually mean in the school holidays. There aren't any more before that I don't think.

Nice guidelines state that if constipation a laxative should be offered. If the blockage is a result of a build-up (which the gp would feel), this needs to be cleared first. Which is the disimpaction and should be followed up with the gp in a weeks time.

The wait and see approach often works because its nothing serious and will clear up on its own, and further anything isn't required. With things that could be diet/fluid/behavioural many goes in ill-prepared and without keeping a track of things. This helps you both. So would send you home for 2 weeks to wait and see if nothing could be felt.

I like the wait and see, or get prepared and keep a diary leading up to appointments. Not only does it help me focus on all the issues, even if not obviously related, it gives my body time to deal with it as I don't want medication or invasive investigations that aren't needed.

Demand was in relation to the advice you were given from them today.

Of course if the GP can feel something and doesn't want to prescribe then mention Eric and the Nice guidelines. But also be aware that they are just guidelines.

Thank you ffs I really appreciate all your advice. I realise it's the most exciting of AIBU, but I really get quite stressed and anxious about these things and what to do for the best. I really appreciate you taking the time.