DS really struggling to go to the toilet - sorry if TMI.

[Voidka]

DS is 5 and for the last 3 months he has had real trouble pooing.

He has a really limited diet - lots of it is fruit so they were always quite loose before, and they are not hard now, but they are really massive. The size of a tennis ball so that he is really struggling to get it out, and there is (fresh) blood in it. Then he doesnt go for 3 or 4 days. In between these times he does very small amounts of loose stuff, but its almost like is only enough to leave a tint stain in his nappy, nothing else.

I am really worried as he is obviously in pain when he is struggling but he doesnt want any comfort and runs away to hide when he does it.

I am seeing his Paediatrician at the end of April. Should I leave it until then or should I try and take him to the GP first (which he absolutely hates).

This sounds similar to my Ds who suffers from chronic constipation. A GP visit shoun't be too traumatic, when I took DS I simply described the symptoms and was given medication to try which he takes mixed into his drinks.

I would reccomend not leaving it as long as till the end of April.

I would take him to the gp he might need some movicol or other medicine to help him go. Good luck op :)

My ds was similar and got lactulose from the dr. He's been on it ages now as we tried to take him off it but he struggled again. Dr says he can be on it a long time with no adverse effects though.
Best not to leave it as they can become stretched inside making the problem continue iyswim. Best to get something to get him moving

Take him now. We had some constipation issues here and the paediatrician said it was a minimum of 6 weeks on the laxatives in order to let the anal fissures heal. I was very I hadn't taken him earlier. As to what is causing the problem with your DS I don't know, but you don't want to let internal damage get worse

some kids just need to be helped along with some extra stuff... new (ish) guidelines suggest starting with something called movicol which is sachets that you mix into their drinks.

the last little girl i saw with this had been uncomfortable for probably a year or more. but her mum was stoically keeping going with the dietary stuff before 'bothering' with the GP. She was back to doing poos easily within 3 days.

Definitely no need to wait until april. this is everyday stuff for GPs- and actually quite a nice sort of patient to see, as you know you'll be making a difference quite quickly!!

and as someone else has said, some children need something to keep them regular for quite a few years- it'll just be a case of keeping a stock of the sachets and seeing what works for your DS.

Good luck!!

In the middle of similar but different problms with my 9 year old so have been googling like mad. She has so far been given lactulose, and now Movicol. This seems to be the standard way to proceed, surprised GP hasn't done this, and also surprised paediatrician is even willing to see you when GP hasn't even tried this. Just google constipation or Movicol and read up, you'll soon form the same opinion yourself. Good luck.