Daughter needs laxido

[anon7683]

Hi,
my daughter is almost 5. She has never had any problems since birth with passing a stool however when she turned around 2 1/2 years she experienced constipation. I think this coincided with me giving her cow’s milk potentially around 400ml a day rather than formula made from water. I went to see a Gastro paediatrician and she was withholding and we were put on one of sachet of laxido a day which has generally worked. My daughter is nearly 5 and she is still needing this. In the summer holidays when I can monitor fluid, diet, fruits et cetera she generally can go on a daily basis since starting school it has been up-and-down. I guess my question is when will this ever end? I’ve seen top Gastro paediatricians I’ve spoken to dietitians in their private practice that Practice in GOSH. They are all saying withholding and it will be a matter of time-am I missing something? Please? Can I have some success stories or any practical advice it’s breaking my heart seeing my daughter like this

My eldest GC was on Movicol and picosulfate from 18 months. She started school in nappies. She came out of them at 6 1/2, when she was diagnosed with a milk protein allergy. She now only needs occasional laxido. Has she been allergy tested?

My son has been on 2 sachets for 3 years now after an episode of impactation. The consultant first said he should stay on it for a year. We tried to stop after a year and his symptoms came back so he is back on it now.

We have just accepted he will be on it long term to keep things moving and avoid any further episodes. I don't think it's uncommon for children to take a daily laxative, when my son went on his residential trip with school there were a few in the same boat.

My son was on it between the ages of 4 and 7… he eventually sorted himself out.

You just need to accept its long term. Sometimes it sorts itself out and other times it can take years upon years. Ds is 9 and still struggles sometimes and been having laxatives since he was a baby. Im on a group and theres teens still struggling sadly. I must admit since we swapped from laxido to pico sulphate ds goes a lot better!

Allergy?

It’s an incredibly common medicine for children to be on. My oldest came off it when she realised she could stop taking it if she drank more water. My 6 1/2 yr old is still on 1/2 a sachet a day.

Does she have a routine of sitting on the toilet after meals times to see if she needs a poo?

DS was on laxatives for a few years but eventually was able to come off them. Just a note please monitor their iron levels. I recently discovered DS had really low iron and it had been impacting his mood, behaviour and friendships for years before we guessed and had his levels checked. He is a different person now he is on iron supplements. Since finding out i have read that laxatives long term can deplete your iron.