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Parenting

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Suppository Advice DD

33 replies

maisiethemumma · 20/05/2023 09:24

DD (3) has had troubles with constipation on and off for a while now. GP has recommended suppositories and enemas (Fleet, last resource). Any advice or tips for giving both to her, as I obviously don’t want to hurt her and her be put off if they are needed again in the future. Also I’m assuming best to wear gloves - are rubber marigolds alright or should I be purchasing some proper surgical medical gloves! Thanks x

OP posts:
SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 20/05/2023 10:41

No idea on this one sorry but when DDog has a finger up her bum at the vets they use a lot of lube.

ConstitutionHill · 20/05/2023 10:44

I use a diclofenac suppository when I have a vomiting migraine coming on. They are great as they work so fast and don't upset your stomach.

The drug is suspended in some hard fat medium so it's solid at room temperature but upon ahem "insertion" it melts and is self lubricating.

Apparently this mode of taking medication is the norm in Germany!

CurlewKate · 20/05/2023 19:12

Personally, I would ask the practice nurse to do this if at all possible. I know it used to be routine for a parent, but I think it's too intrusive,

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

prescribingmum · 20/05/2023 19:32

Any reason GP specified suppository and fleet over micralax? Suppository’s are not particularly traumatic to insert if she’s willing but it’s a foreign sensation and she will likely push it out before it’s absorbed. Fleet is a lot of liquid and very traumatic for a 3 year old, I would not recommend this unless specifically advised by paediatrician and administered by a nurse.

Micralax enemas are a very small amount of liquid, not so traumatic to insert and have a very quick action so are ideal for a rapid result.

As a secondary note, get the cause of constipation addressed if it’s an ongoing issue as none of these actually fix it. They will empty any poo sitting in the rectum but the problem in the colon needs to be addressed too

wibblewobbleball · 20/05/2023 19:36

This isn't an answer to your question but might help your DD. My DD has had constipation

wibblewobbleball · 20/05/2023 19:39

Sorry pressed post too soon! My DD has had constipation since a baby and she's now 3. I've tried every diet adjustment, more fluids, lactulose twice a day really expensive probiotics etc etc to no avail. On a whim I bought these and my DD has gone from having a poo once a week (!!!) which would really hurt her, to going every single day and it is a nice soft regular poo that she passes easily. Might be worth a try before you go down a more extreme medical route.

Suppository Advice DD
cestlavielife · 20/05/2023 19:56

Buy a box of medical gloves ftom pharmacy
Ask the pharmacist

User17865 · 20/05/2023 20:01

If you wet the suppository a bit under the tap it’ll go in easier. Then get her to lie on her side with her knees bent if you can and watch tv to distract her. They’ll only work if she can keep it in for 20 mins at least. That’s hard to do unless you’re lying on your side and distracted.
Is she having Movicol daily?

maisiethemumma · 24/05/2023 20:26

Thanks everyone. Yes we’ve already tried movicol, didn’t too a lot hence this next step of trying the suppositories. She did seem to improve without any help on Saturday (typical after writing this post…) but has once again been blocked up so I think I will have to try the suppository tomorrow morning if there’s no improvement. I’ve not had the time yet with working to get some medical gloves so it might just have to be some marigolds for now. Hopefully it won’t be too traumatic for either of us 🙈- and @prescribingmum the issue is most definitely being looked into don’t worry hun x

OP posts:
JennieTheZebra · 24/05/2023 20:35

Nurse here. Marigolds are way way too thick. You do need proper medical gloves. I would also make sure that your nails are very short/no false nails or anything like that. I would also suggest that you try at night when she’s asleep as her anus/rectal passage will be more relaxed then. Do not underestimate how much fear will cause everything to tense up, and the tenser she is the more everything will hurt.

hedgehoglurker · 24/05/2023 20:36

Marigolds are really not necessary, in my opinion. Just pop the suppository in, making sure it doesn't push straight back out, then wash your hands. If you glove up with Marigolds, it is more likely to be memorable and traumatic for her, plus the rubber will be too bulky against a very sensitive area.

I use suppositories frequently for myself and used them (paracetamol version) for my children when living overseas.

WhoHidTheCoffee · 24/05/2023 20:38

I’ve had this with mine. My personal view is an enema is best left to medical professionals - when I tried it on DC1 at 6, he was far too distressed to actually cooperate and let me do it.

Suppositories are easier. I’ve managed on both of mine awake in “nappy changing position” on their backs. You should wet the suppository first and Vaseline might be helpful as a lubricant.

Out of interest, does she have full fat milk? DC2’s constipation vanished when we moved him to semi-skimmed.

maisiethemumma · 24/05/2023 20:57

I’d rather not, not wear gloves - as much as I love DD, I don’t particularly want poo on my fingers if I can help it! However do see your point re the marigolds - would something like these be ok instead? Xx
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10 pairs Molnlycke Biogel Surgical Latex Sterile Gloves, Size 7 1/2 Exp 06-2025 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 10 pairs Molnlycke Biogel Surgical Latex Sterile Gloves, Size 7 1/2 Exp 06-2025 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

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OP posts:
maisiethemumma · 24/05/2023 20:59

WhoHidTheCoffee · 24/05/2023 20:38

I’ve had this with mine. My personal view is an enema is best left to medical professionals - when I tried it on DC1 at 6, he was far too distressed to actually cooperate and let me do it.

Suppositories are easier. I’ve managed on both of mine awake in “nappy changing position” on their backs. You should wet the suppository first and Vaseline might be helpful as a lubricant.

Out of interest, does she have full fat milk? DC2’s constipation vanished when we moved him to semi-skimmed.

Will Vaseline not be too thick for the suppository to be absorbed properly though? And yes she does but will also try some semi-skimmed milk and see if that works! Xx

OP posts:
TheShellBeach · 24/05/2023 21:00

If she's very constipated you won't get poo on your finger. It'll be hard as a rock.

FusRoDah · 24/05/2023 21:08

You won't get poo on your finger - the suppository will be between your finger and any poo. Plus you're not putting it very far in!

I wouldn't use gloves, will be harder to keep hold of the suppository. Plenty of water based lube (don't think you're meant to use vaseline) and be quick. I used to tell (admittedly younger) DC1 that I was just applying nappy cream

Wishiwasatailor · 24/05/2023 21:15

Paeds nurse here. You don’t need to wear gloves if you don’t have them but appreciate you might want to you won’t get poo on your fingers make sure nails are short and obvs wash hands before and after. Kids anal sphincters will “suck” it up. Bit of Vaseline or lube on the flat end not the pointy end put the legs up as of changing a nappy and then flat end goes in first as the pointy end creates a damn against the anal sphincter to stop it falling out.

maisiethemumma · 24/05/2023 21:17

Any way that I can easily explain it to her so she knows what to expect? Or should I just “sneak” it up there x

OP posts:
maisiethemumma · 24/05/2023 21:21

Also is there a position that is easiest for her to be in whilst doing it?

OP posts:
Wishiwasatailor · 24/05/2023 21:25

You could say it’s a Special medicine for your bottom to make it easier to go for a poo. And the legs up in the air as of changing nappy. Give a toy or distraction might help also

Cloudburstings · 24/05/2023 21:33

Don’t think sneaking it up there is wise.

Maybe When she’s asleep if she’s in a deep sleep, but I understood the point of suppositories for constipation is to stimulate the bowel and generally if it works they then poo shortly after.

what’s the GP advice? Have you spoke to ask Eric who give great advice?

both my kids had stuff like paracetamol as suppositories when babies / young toddlers. Much easier way to give them that if they need it Bs trying to get them to have calpol.

But were old enough to understand and object well before 3yrs.

one of ours had constipation issues at a similar age. Suppositories helped them go a few times but it’s really a short term fix.

hence asking what the GPs suggestion is.

if she’s accepting and easy going and you can explain to her what they are, why she’s having them, get her used to it, maybe they could help.

but that’s a lot of ifs….

have you really done the full movicol de-impaction program? Where whether dosage increases and increases over a short period until it’s cleared out all that’a in there and then you drop back to whatever lower maintenance does keeps them going regularly for the medium term?

eric will explain how long term constipated kids have a combination of

  • stretched bowel so even normal poo can build up. Need a maintenue dose of movicol for several months to a couple of years while that goes back to normal
  • loss of sensation and muscle tone around being able to go. Does recover but as above needs time.
  • Their own fears / resistance / habit of holding in rather than going.

all can change but need patience and time.

oirs was on and off movicol for about six years from age 3 - age 9 years.

also now we have another child with no issues I can confirm it matters A LOT how much they drink. Older child without encouragement would drink very little.

younger child easily drinks double in a day (if no prompting) and has no issues.

Won’t solve it on its own but worth doing all the tricks to increase the waters she drinks is a day. Aim for 1.5 litres.

sticker chart, chocolate button rewards, appealing drinking bottles, whatever it takes.

ours still needs ongoing support and encouragement on this (and to get stuff like dried fruit and pulses into diet regularly) to keep things regular.

Cloudburstings · 24/05/2023 21:35

https://eric.org.uk/

they have a helpline you can call that’s really good.

many GPS are not across the multiple factors and what’s needed to untangle them and improve things.

good luck!

Home - ERIC

With your help, we can keep offering free support to those who need us.

https://eric.org.uk/

CC4712 · 24/05/2023 21:49

However do see your point re the marigolds - would something like these be ok instead? Xx

You don't need to pay the extra for sterile gloves OP. The anus isn't sterile! FAR cheaper to buy a box of gloves, similar to these:
Site SDG130 Vinyl Powder-Free Disposable Gloves White Large 100 Pack - Screwfix

I've used them for chopping chillies, gardening, cleaning etc so always handy to have.

I would explain to DD that people can have medicine in many ways to make them feel better, sometimes in their ear, sometimes a liquid in the mouth and sometimes in their bottom.

For the suppositories, I'd use a dab of lube on the end to help. In really hot weather, keeping them in the fridge helps keep their shape.

For enemas, ideally administer at body temperature- so a few minutes kept under your arm/boob/in bra/top etc to warm it up. I realise this method might sound odd- but absolutely don't warm via microwave or hot water. There is FAR too much risk of scalding etc. Just to body temp is fine, but in no way mandatory. Just nicer than a really cold enema.

Site SDG130 Vinyl Powder-Free Disposable Gloves White Large 100 Pack - Screwfix

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maisiethemumma · 25/05/2023 07:34

Still blocked up this morning bless her. Managed to order some gloves and medical lube from Amazon last night, they’re getting delivered this morning. I’ve already popped the suppositories in the fridge as it’s v warm. Haven’t yet broken it to her, I’ll try and tell her later. Still trying to figure out the best position for both ease and comfort! Will update again later x @CC4712 I’ve PM’d you hun, hope you don’t mind!! xx

OP posts:
Regenbogen22 · 25/05/2023 07:35

Just wrap a bit of cling film over a finger if you want, OP. No need for an entire glove for a 2 second process.