constant trips to the loo

[nickik]

Hi
I am new here and told this is the place to come for advice
anyway I have a 3 1/2 yr old dd. she has been dry through day since 2 and no nappies at bedtime for around 2 months

for about the past 2 weeks she seems to be constantly going to the loo. She started a new school 4 weeks ago and they called me as they were concerned
Took her to the drs, they tested here gave her antibiotics but tests came back neg
for the past 4 nights we have no sleep as she is up and down tot he potty and nothing is coming out. So back to the drs we go today and after further tests he thinks that it could be behavioral (spl!)
I was thinking this as well and kind of hoping the tests would come back with something just so I had an answer
I am just wondering if anybody else has been in a similar situation as I really do not know what to do. I tried to ignore it and just let her go but bedtime this evening took an hour
I think that somehow she has got it into her head that she is going to wet the bed and therefore has almost got ocd about it
Sorry to waffle but I am at my wits end
Thanks for listening
Nicki

My ds did a similar thing - though not at night, thankfully, as he was still in nappies. He was about the same age too. He'd been dry for ages, then suddenly started 'needing' to go to the loo constantly. Like you, I had him checked out in case it was a urinary tract infection - it wasn't.

I tried not to make a big deal out of it because I felt it was psychological - and I always took him, no matter how inconvenient it was (and it was inconvenient - I learned the location of every single public toilet round here!) He'd quite often 'need' to go three times on one trip round the supermarket - and he did usually manage to squeeze a drop out each time.

It just stopped of its own accord - literally, I went to a Mums and Tots group one week and he went (no kidding) 11 times in an hour and a half and the next week, he went once. I didn't do anything: just let it run its course and he's been fine since.

Does that give you any hope? I know it's infuriating - but I think you just have to go with it and not let on it's getting to you (in the same way as you don't show you're fed up when they have accidents when potty training). Just be calm and patient and reassuring - and hopefully it will pass when she realises it's not an issue and you're not worried about it.

Hi Nickik, it must be very frustating for you. It sounds very much as if it's anxiety related, probably to do with starting school. The chances are it will pass. In the meantime I think you have to stay as calm as possible on the surface. Your dd will pick up on any anxities from you and that will make her more anxious.
I would play down any worries you have. Would she wear pull ups at night? It might help to get her over this difficult time.
Could you try and get her to focus on the positive things about school? I know this can be tricky. My dd1 has started reception this September and absolutely refuses to talk about ANYTHING to do with school!! You could also try and find out if they is anything worrying her that she can pin point. I'm sure when she has settled into school things will return to normal. Godd luck

marthamoo

Thank you
It def makes me feel that there is hope
During the day I am not to bad with it but we did have a similar situation in the supermarket last week
Toady I made her drink loads so when she did go it was because her bladder is full and hoping that this may kick start her into realising that she does not always need to go
I have even had her in our bed the past few nights for some reassurance for her as been thinking is it because I have sent her to school to soon, even though she asks to go even at the weekends and loves her teacher. Thanksfully her teacher has been fab with the whole thing which really helps
anyway
Thanks again

Good luck with it, nickik - you sound like you're handing it fine