I need help

[lostinnappies]

My 2.5 year old son is still in nappies and he seems to have developed a fear of the potty he sits on it for a few seconds then when he feels as though he is going to poo he panics and asks to get off, going almost hysterical.

I took this as a sign to put the potty away and leave it for a while

This was about 2 months ago ... and ever since he has not done a decent sized poo.

He will do about 4 or 5 very small poos throughout the day. I am constantly changing nappies and I am starting to worry that maybe there is a deeper issue.

I am sure it is not constipation as the poo is very soft.

any advice/ideas?

I think he might be trying to hold it in for as long as he can as he does not like the sensation of pooing and only letting tiny bits out at a time.

Is a visit to the GP/HV is order?

Hi Lost I haven't started potty training my DD yet but my friend had a similar problem with her daughter when she was about 2. She got constipated once and ever since then, she used to cry and scream when she had to do a poo, even when her poo was normal. Friend took her to the HV and GP who advised her to make potty time as fun as possible and not just have her DD sit on it when she needed it, IYSWIM. It took a couple of months but finally she started to sit on it when she needed to as well as just to read books or watch her mum play with puppets.

A visit to the GP/HV certainly couldn't hurt, just to put your mind to rest and to give you any hints/tips they can.

Good luck.

I've heard of a condition called encopresis. This is where the poo gets compacted and builds up, then frequently smaller bits of soft poo escape round the side.

If this was the case it would hurt to poo and you would get lots of little ones. It generally happend in slightly older children who can withhold their poo more but it may be your problem.

I'd take a trip to the doc to be on the safe side.

called the HV yesterday and she has asked me to keep an eye on him and his diet

apparently lack of certain fats can cause this condition.

if it has not improved in a couple of weeks then she has me to get back to her.

I wouldn't rule out constipation either, it is not unusual to have loose, small poos with constipation and would explain the reluctance etc if he has a build-up in the lower bowel.

The gp can check by feeling his tummy to see if it's that and they can give laxatives if required.

thanks zoe never knew that will get an appt with GP