Constipation 7 year old

[Sockmonster23]

Hiya
I have to my 7 year old a suppository. She has been struggling for over a week now. We have had problems before but she was fine for over a year and now it is back. I hate the thought of doing it and I am worried. She is out all day tomorrow with her dad so I don't want to give it to her tonight but I don't want to see her struggle anymore.

When's the best time and did anyone bsve to give if to their children with no effects?

Is it a good idea to give it at night ?

Have you tried other more gentler treatments first e.g an osmotic softener/laxative such as laxido or movicol perhaps alongside a small dose of dulcolax? They are very effective for impaction and a little gentler unless you are absolutely desperate.

My DS had a suppository under medical supervision at the hospital. The results were pretty immediate & explosive. I think it was all out within the hour!

Just to add that an apple a day is great for prevention (I know that's not what you're asking here but thought might be with a mention) because of the pectin they contain. Helped my daughter a lot as it was one of the things we could do which was actually enjoyable.

It should work almost right away so if she's really suffering I'd give it before tomorrow

Thanks she wants fruit and stuff morr oranges and blueberries, grape than Apple's but will tell her LOL. She isn't suffering as such I guess. Just struggles when on toilet saying it will not come out. We tried movicol all week. She hates it and no luck.

You need to persevere with the Movicol especially if she’s badly impacted. Mix with juice or strong squash to hide the taste. Add ice cubes and let her use a straw.

Also, if you’ve been advised to give a low dose (one sachet per day, for example) I’m not surprised you’ve had no luck. It’s better to give a large dose to tackle things aggressively if a child is badly constipated.

Use the suppository tonight. If she hasn’t had a bowel movement in nearly a week then she must feel terrible and won’t have a nice time with her dad. You need to insert it as far up as you can manage, and give it at least 15 minutes to melt. If she runs to the toilet too soon, she’ll only succeed in passing the suppository.

My DS had long term constipation the consultant we saw recommended movicol Paediatric in the morning & Picosulfate in the evening. It was a game changer for DS. Our consultant said for every year of constipation is a year of medication. If you stop it before that time, you will soon be back to an acute stage. It is a really common condition, no way could I have dealt with suppositories with my DS, it would have stressed both me & him, our previous consultant suggested that when DS was much younger, the first consultant was European, suppositories are quite the normal in Europe. The second consultant we saw (both privately) was amazing, got the problem instantly, just felt DS’s tummy, no internal exam. If you are based on the south coast I would happily recommend.

I am not near the South coast But thank you. Gave the suppository and it worked almost immediately maybe 30 mins. She said she felt better and didn't feel like she was constantly wanting to go.

I have spoken about drinking more water and eating more apples etc. Maybe increase fibre but my daughter can be a fussy eater well which doesn't help