It's an a&e one

[KingOfWishfulThinkin]

My DD is just shy of 3, over the last 6 months or so has struggled with constipation. Usually sorts herself out over a couple of days but about 2 months ago she couldn't manage so we were prescribed cosmocol paediatric. Took a while to work but it did.

She hasn't done a proper poo for a good few days now, yesterday she pushed a bit out but there was clearly lots still left that I could visibly see and she couldn't get out.

Last night she woke at 11pm and has screamed ever since, telling me she's poorly and her tummy hurts. Her belly is rock hard. She is literally screaming constantly, if she stops it's only momentary.

Is this an A&E job? She's never like this, absolutely not herself and obviously backed up with poo. Fluid intake has reduced as has appetite. She's currently sat on my lap crying and holding her tummy, squirming around etc.

Yes, go to a&e - she might have a bowel obstruction.

(I work in a&e)

I would go tbh, it’s sounds to my not medically mind that she has an impaction. I think even if you phone 111 or get a gp appointment today they’ll say the same.

Always worth being cautious with little ones in my opinion.

I’d take her in, poor thing. I’d always err on the side of caution, especially when they are so little.

Hope she feels better soon!

Thank you all - will head in now. Fingers crossed it's nothing serious!

I would take her. Hope she’s ok soon

Poor wee dote.

Yes to A&E: could be [pseudo-]obstruction or intussusception so (as you updated while I was posting 🙂) I’m glad you’re going, though sorry you need to.

Hope that she’s better soon.

Poor wee soul. I hope they can see her quickly.

An A&E doctor once told me, that no good doctor will dismiss a parent worried about their child's health. This was a good 10 years ago, and I appreciate that the nhs has charged significantly since then, but I would hope the principle still stands.

Hope you get seen quickly.

Forgot to update!

No obstruction and her tummy softened during the morning which was good, we saw a paediatric dietician and he's diagnosed chronic constipation. We're now on cosmocol paediatric at least once a day for the next year or so, and up to 8 times a day when she's having an episode of constipation. We were given some really friendly and genuinely not patronising diet advice (she has a very balanced and varied diet but no themes) which was welcomed.

She has been absolutely fine since and the cosmocol is working, now just working on the diet advice given!