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Original poster

Constipation- lactulose not doing anything

43 replies

orande · 01/10/2023 15:41

What's the next thing?

My 26m old had had constipation for months. Literally months and months.

Doctor prescribed lactulose and she has it everyday!

She goes for a poo every two days- she screams and screams. I have to 'help' her with it.

To the eye- it doesn't look hard. It is just HUGE.

She bleeds after too- always blood on the toilet tissue. So, I assume she has a fissure that is re opening?

Her diet is varied and drinks a lot too.

What else can a doctor do? Because senna etc isn't needed as she can 'go' it's just it hurts her!!

It's horrid watching her scream and cry.

Any advice would be great. Thank you.

OP posts:
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Baboutheocelot · 04/10/2023 14:06

I also found the poo nurses website very helpful when my son had constipation. It may be that your child needs a higher daily dose to get them going normally.

Original poster
orande · 04/10/2023 16:38

TheCurtainQueen · 04/10/2023 12:57

You need to see a paediatric gastroenterologist. You can’t let this carry on for months, your poor child is in pain. Of her bowel is constantly being stretched it will be doing long term damage.

I have been to the gp countless times. But I am going back in to say she needs a referral yes.

OP posts:
MellyMavis · 04/10/2023 16:42

You'll need to see a general paediatriancian before being referred to gastro, unfortunately. And trying various laxatives from GP. Best bet is to contact the continence team first/or ask the GP to refer you, good luck!

Lemonademoney · 04/10/2023 16:46

As pp have said cosmocol is good, my ds also finally has a diagnosis of CMPA but it sounds like her bowel has become really stretched and baggy. It will take time and probably an increase in laxatives over a long period to help it shrink back. Patience is key - it can take years to return to full strength

Original poster
orande · 04/10/2023 16:51

Managed to get an app with GP on Friday! Hopefully we can get somewhere?

OP posts:
Rainallnight · 04/10/2023 16:52

TheCurtainQueen · 04/10/2023 12:57

You need to see a paediatric gastroenterologist. You can’t let this carry on for months, your poor child is in pain. Of her bowel is constantly being stretched it will be doing long term damage.

Yeah you’re going to need a referral.

But in the meantime, keep it up with the macrogol, and lots of fluids. That’s key to making the macrogol ‘work’.

It sounds like you need to up the dose - really you’re trying to make it so soft that they can’t hold it in. And that’s why doctors prescribe senna or sodium picosulfate, to help give them the ‘urge’

Original poster
orande · 04/10/2023 16:52

Lemonademoney · 04/10/2023 16:46

As pp have said cosmocol is good, my ds also finally has a diagnosis of CMPA but it sounds like her bowel has become really stretched and baggy. It will take time and probably an increase in laxatives over a long period to help it shrink back. Patience is key - it can take years to return to full strength

Oh wow really. So sad! How horrid. Still no poo too.

OP posts:
endofthelinefinally · 04/10/2023 16:52

Definitely watch the poo nurses video. It is the best quick tutorial I have come across. When the bowel gets stretched the stools get too large to pass, so you need enough softener to get things moving quickly, before the stool gets too large and hard. It takes years, yes, years to retrain the bowel and it is really important to get everyone on board with the programme. Never stop the stool softener too soon. Some GPs are up to speed on this and some know absolutely nothing. The poo nurses are the experts and the ERIC help line is good for support.

Childhood constipation and soiling (thepoonurses.uk)

Childhood constipation and soiling

Tackle childhood constipation and soiling using a macrogol laxative with the Poo Nurses - the Childhood Constipation Service at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust.

https://www.thepoonurses.uk/

Rainallnight · 04/10/2023 16:52

My DD’s bowel is stretched too. It’s awful.

soberfabulous · 04/10/2023 16:57

Movicol all the way. My DD has been on it since she was 6 months, now aged 10.

On the prunes: we found the Ella's prune pouches really effective. Much better than trying to persuade my child to eat the real thing and just as helpful.

Squiblet · 04/10/2023 17:00

Important note: BRUSH YOUR CHILD'S TEETH more often than usual if you're doing prunes, apricots, squash and juice (mixed with Movicol), etc

We had the same problem as you OP, with similar solutions prescribed, and by the time my DD was about 8 her teeth were just wrecked. The dentist said prunes and raisins were as bad as chocolate.

(but also note that for constipation relief, organic prunes are more effective than non-organic)

Original poster
orande · 04/10/2023 17:22

endofthelinefinally · 04/10/2023 16:52

Definitely watch the poo nurses video. It is the best quick tutorial I have come across. When the bowel gets stretched the stools get too large to pass, so you need enough softener to get things moving quickly, before the stool gets too large and hard. It takes years, yes, years to retrain the bowel and it is really important to get everyone on board with the programme. Never stop the stool softener too soon. Some GPs are up to speed on this and some know absolutely nothing. The poo nurses are the experts and the ERIC help line is good for support.

Childhood constipation and soiling (thepoonurses.uk)

This was amazing- thank you so much. I just watched the video. I'm going to increase her dosage to two sachets a day and see if that helps and speak to GP Friday too

OP posts:
Original poster
orande · 04/10/2023 17:31

She's just gone. Lots of tears again- and a little blood on wiping but it was definitely more 'softer' looking. I have just made up another sachet so think we will do two a day and see how we get on.

OP posts:
TartanPaint24 · 03/02/2025 23:30

orande · 04/10/2023 17:31

She's just gone. Lots of tears again- and a little blood on wiping but it was definitely more 'softer' looking. I have just made up another sachet so think we will do two a day and see how we get on.

Hi OP sorry to jump on an old thread, but currently going through the same situation with my 21 month old! Did you ever find anything to resolve the issue?

Yellowcakestand · 04/02/2025 00:09

Ds was on 10x sachets movicol a day after a&e visit and stay. It then tapered down and he was on 1 a day for 6 months due to the nerve damage

Snorandrepeat · 04/02/2025 00:16

I have just seen this thread . My grandchild was finally diagnosed with Coeliac Disease after having constipation from weaning ,but it took 4 years for a HCP to work it out!

Staceyll · 01/03/2025 01:10

Snorandrepeat · 04/02/2025 00:16

I have just seen this thread . My grandchild was finally diagnosed with Coeliac Disease after having constipation from weaning ,but it took 4 years for a HCP to work it out!

Hi @Snorandrepeat , sorry to jump on but I'm going through the same issues with ny daughter she's 19 months and been constipated since 8 months been on laxido and lactalose since 11 months. Can I ask how you got your granddaughter got diagnosed please? We're under the peads but they just keep telling me to keep using the lactalose 😔 that isn't helping much we're currently on day 4 without her going to the toilet. Thank you

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