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Ds aged 5 1/2 started pooing his pants at school, help me please

7 replies

EggheadHilary · 07/01/2009 17:22

A few weeks ago ds1 pooed his pants twice in one day, it was children in need day so it was felt that maybe with all the excitement he just didn't get there in time the first time but after the second time I was called in to take him home. This was all before lunch.

That was the friday, he was fine all weekend then he pooed his pants again on the monday, they waited until the end of the day to tell me and it was suggested that maybe he had a bug and so keep him off. I did, for 2 days. He was absolutely fine at home, I kept all activity to a minimum so he would be eager to go back.

Then he did it again about 4 days later. So this time I get called in for a chat with the teacher. I had spoken to ds but he couldn't (wouldn't) give me a reason. I thought maybe he assumed he could go home if he pooed his pants. Big chat followed and lots of promises from him.

Now it has started again, apparently this week on monday (wet pants) tuesday (dry because I probably put the fear of God into him) and today (pooed his pants again) he has gone to the toilet every 30 minutes sometimes twice in one lesson.

He wiggles around so WE think he needs to go but he often says he doesn't so by the time he admits he needs to go he is desperate. When we are about to go somewhere we often tell him to try to have a wee before we get in the car but he doesn't do a wee (surely there can be a tiny amount he needs to wee out???)

We know when he needs a poo as we can hear him tap dancing in the bathroom he is so desperate.

He is in yr1, last year (and in preschool) he had fab, experienced teachers. This year he has a very young teacher. He tells me that he likes her (I personally don't like her because I don't think she gets my highly sensitive, shy son) and he has friends to play with.

He was bullied previously but told me all about it and school acted immediately, this was in reception.

Please help me I am at my wits end. I don't know if he has a medical problem or psychological problem.

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Tidgypuds · 07/01/2009 17:40

Maybe he just doesnt like going at school. I know my brother at around this age would hold on to his until he got home as when he used to go at school some other boys used to bang on the door whilst he was in there.

Sorry no real advice but hopefully someone will be along soon who does.

EggheadHilary · 07/01/2009 19:09

They do leave the windows open in the toilets so here on Monday it was -5! Yesterday was a mild and barmy -2! I wouldn't want my arse freezed off.

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DesperateHousewifeToo · 07/01/2009 19:14

Any chance he is constipated?

Have a search for threads on soiling, encopresis. pooing.

See if any of these ring any bells.

Constipation can cause all the symptoms you describe i.e. soiling, weeing, not knowing recognising the 'need' to poo and not being able to control the soiling.

nannyL · 07/01/2009 20:26

i agree that constipation may be the problem...

my charge is 3.5, constipated and hs simialar symptoms... ok he is younger but is fully toilet trained (during the day)

he has a perfect diet, and drinks loads and loads of water anyway (eats typically 7 or 8 portions of fruit and veg a day!)

we have found giving him dried apricots helps him alot and is making a difference. (he has 6 each day with his breakfast)

also because in the past it has hurt having a poo he doenst like doing one so is trying to hold it in, so making the problem worse... and then when he needs to go he needs to go now

today for example he sat on the loo (quite happily) for nearly an hour trying to poo but couldnt... so eventually we gave up (I normally encourge him to keep trying but i think an hour is enough!)

anyway 3 hour later at bath time he had about 5 seconds notice (got there in time as already naked in bathroom)... and did a LOT (sorry if tmi).

EggheadHilary · 07/01/2009 21:35

Thank you all, this has really surprised me as he always gone to the toilet with no problems.

I think I will have to take him to the docs. I have looked up the threads on here as suggested and it all seems very similar.

Again MN comes up trumps

OP posts:
DesperateHousewifeToo · 07/01/2009 22:14

The biggest step we found was to completely take the pressure off and to make sure dc (and school) understand it is beyond their control and so not their fault that the soiling happens.

We still get episodes now, 18months on but it is much better. (Did you read Pecka's thread? That had loads of info on it)

Good luck

Friendlypizzaeater · 07/01/2009 22:19

My LO (just 6, YR 1) was pooing at school as well - finally got saw a specialist just B4 xmas and was diagonised with IBS brought on by tomatoes/onions so now on a restrictive diet, plan to test him the onions at Feb half term (at doctors request)

He is hoping because he was OK before with these foods his bowel will heal itself and he MAY be able to have them again ....

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