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Frustrated with 13yo constipation

7 replies

bathsh3ba · 03/02/2021 12:21

My DD13 has had constipation for nearly a week now. Bad enough that she is uncomfortable most of the time. As background she is extremely pain avoidant. I've always put off taking her to see someone about it but I'm starting to think I might have to.

I have encouraged her to drink more but she isn't really drinking much, she says she 'doesn't like drinking' because if she drinks too much in one go she feels sick. She won't swallow tablets. She's had a dose of Senosoft for 3 days but she still won't push it out because it hurts too much. I've given her painkillers, warm baths, everything I can think of to help but I honestly think she just isn't going to get it out herself. She doesn't have any abdo pain, it just stings/hurts when she tries to push it out and is sore after she tries, plus she has a feeling of pressure in her rectum, hardly surprisingly.

What can I do to help and at what stage do I have to really start to worry she might do herself some harm? She's already limiting her eating to avoid producing more poo, basically.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Buntysbosom · 03/02/2021 12:29

Ducolax. They even do chews but I think they are up to age 12. I can confirm that one tiny tablet of Ducolax, taken in the evening, worked very effectively in the morning!

www.dulcolax.com/

CorianderBee · 03/02/2021 13:14

Make her drink prune juice. It'll be out that day. You don't need much, maybe half a pint throughout the day.

mightymission · 03/02/2021 13:22

My DS1 suffers from constipation and I know how frustrating it can be (he's only 3 though) but I find rubbing some Vaseline around his bumhole helps the feeling of when it's coming out! But I don't know how viable this is for a 13 yo!
Wishing you luck with whatever you try!

PrincessandthePeach · 04/02/2021 17:14

Yes agree with PP who suggested Dulcolax! They are fantastic for constipation, however they can be harmful if used frequently so I would advise only using them to get over this bout of constipation then focus on improving bowel health with fluids,fibre and regular exercise etc. You could also introduce movical to keep the stool softer.

5lilducks · 04/02/2021 17:25

As pp, prune juice!

bathsh3ba · 05/02/2021 16:17

Typically, we went out and bought some Dulcolax syrup to use in the evening, and she managed to resolve the problem herself before bed! I have a much happier young lady now! Thanks for all the advice.

OP posts:
nocoolnamesleft · 05/02/2021 21:02

Probably still worth taking some, to get back into a good pattern. Don't want to be back in the same position 5 days down the line...

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