Faecal Impaction

[Mattiesmom]

My 4 yr old daughter was diagnosed with Faecal Impaction six weeks ago after suffering with constipation for 3 months. We are on 2 sachets of Movicol a day and 2.5ml of Senokot a day. Been to docs today and she has prescribed another month's worth of medication. She wouldn't confirm how long she has to take the meds for just said months rather than weeks. Do any other mums know how long kiddies have to take medication for?? Also my little girl won't go on the loo to do a poo, she was fully potty trained before the constipation started and she will happily use the loo for a wee. Any hints or tips of how I can get her back on the loo? She starts school in Sept and I don't want to send her off in pull up nappies. Thanks

my dd had mild constipation and was on lactulose for over a month (5 weeks I think) so that her system could settle down. Yours sounds a lot more serious so I'd expect it to be several months - I guess the Dr doesn't know yet and is waiting to see how she responds....

Has she started to get better after 6 weeks of the medication?

If she's improving physically then I'd probably try bribery to get her back on the toilet (sorry!)... have you talked to her about why she doesn't want to poo on the loo?

two of my children had this. I'm out at mo but will come back later. dd was on it permanently from aged 4 til 9. she is 13 now and still has to take it sometimes.

My son has been on medication for constipation for 4 years now.
He also went through a stage of total toilet refusal which is slowly getting better. We were given a book from our doctor called Sneaky Poo. It explains constipation and the fear of going in a very child friendly story. It may be worth trying to find the book if you can.

Thanks TeenageMutantNinjaTurtle, my little one is improving no more doubling over with stomach cramps and crying when she has a poo. But now going 2 or 3 times a day with chocolate porridge instead of a proper stool is another challenge :) I'm with you on the bribery I have a toilet reward chart with stickers for pee, poo on the loo, wash hands, flush etc which she seems quite excited by, no poo on the loo yet but fingers crossed.

Thanks Pollyliz I will definitely try and get a copy of that book.