Preteen bowel problems?

[Slh0404]

My ds lately has to go to the loo in the middle if dinner, often disappearing for 15 mins at a time! He swears he feels fine but is this normal! He claims not to need to go before dinner though I ask him every time. It's getting v annoying, will he grow out of it or is something wrong? He won't want to go to the docs!

Is he vomiting when he's in the loo?

No, I don't think so, just takes a long time to poo I think

It's not normal and he needs to see the doctor

Don't be annoyed with him, whatever the problem is , it's something he can't help . He needs your support to get over his embarassment and get medical advice

I thought it was normal for people to need the loo during, or shortly after, a big meal. Isn't it a reflex action?

I am not sure anything's up in the absence of other signs (eg anything that might lead you to suspect bullimia).

Not normal to take 15 mins to poo I think and have a sense of urgency

Sense of urgency is normal surely but I see what you mean about it taking 15 minutes. Although... in our house this is common and usually indicates someone taking their time and reading a book or something, we call it a luxury poo rather than a physiological problem