Is there light at the end of the tunnel?

[Allyinoz]

I have a new baby (4 months) and a four year old. I am having probs with both...ho hum...

The four year old has chronic constipation issues. Doesn't eat much and has terrible hard poo. He has gone on laxatives from doctor, but basically refuses to eat and won't go, holding on despite medication. I have tried, many different rewards, consequences, talking with him, explaining, ignoring. But it is really getting to me, as he can hold on for 6 days, with little eating, and a lot of screaming in between. I recognise he is scared and and it is difficult for him. Any one gone through this? This has always been an issue for him, but has got worse lately.

Also the baby is wakeful and is adding to the general stress, not much sleep, crying, I feel I am sliding down into PND.

Don't really have any experience or wise words to give you on either of your points. Just wanted to send you on of these (((hugs))). I'd take him back to your doctor and insist on being referred to a paediatrician. I would think that the laxatives (assuming you can ever get them down him) treat the symptom but not the root of the issue. And I guess the baby is picking up on your stress. Really hope you get the help you need.

you poor thing! will he drink much, can you get prune juice into him?? or even a nice fruit smoothie, add a bit of milk and make it a 'milkshake treat', Asda's strawberry and banana smoothie is good for this, 2 big glasses of this a day could help movement... apparently I had this when I was little, terrible constipation, then was scared of going as well and used to go 10days or so at a time without going and they had a "whole year of screaming" if you ask either of my parents (!) . their GP gave me pessaries which apparently was a bit of a nightmare but sorted it out. No amount of cajoling would work if child is scared :( I would stop talking about it with him as it is probably stressing all of you out and try giving him the drinks I mentioned, and push for referral/stronger meds from GP. fingers crossed for you. + can anyone give you a night or 2 of babysitting, your other half or your mum? sounds like you could do with an uninterrupted nights sleep as well... hope you have a better day today

hi I feel for you - my friend has this with her 5 yr old. She swears by high fibre diet but a while ago she was referred to consultant in paeds hospital - also saw paediatric dietician - this was after several calls and chats with her health visitor.
She did get some meds etc too,
Sorry to be vague I dont know all the finder details but she s sorted now. Maybe worth a chat with HV?

No experience of this, as I only have one DS (11 months), but just wanted to say I have a friend whose DD used to be like your DS at the same age, terrible constipation and then afraid to go because it was painful. Could anything physchological cause the constipation? My friend's DD told her once that she hates to poo because "the poo looks horrible and smells awful". Linseeds are supposed to be very good for constipation, hidden in porridge or fruit juice or anything he would eat, really.

I also think you should push for a referral to a paediatrician. Un-MN hug for you, it must be very tough with a fretful baby too, and I'm sure you must also be sleep deprived. I hope things will improve soon.