Children's Fleet Enema

You need to add something to his diet that will help him. Sweet potatoes (without all the sugar and marshmallows!) is a great option as well as steamed broccoli crowns. Cut back on dairy products - dairy constipates. I get Bruce's Yams with lite syrup. These two are high in fiber and help the bowels move. Air popped popcorn is a great snack that also helps keep you regular. Whatever you choose should be high fiber and eaten daily, or every other day at the very least. It's easier and healthier for the child to change his diet than it is to use alternative methods such as fleet and laxatives.

We found a fiber drink for my 8 year old and it has been working miracles. It is Kellogg's Pink Lemonade (tastes great) and we always keep a bottle made in the frig. We dilute it in about 20 oz (althought the packet says 16). She doesn't have trouble with constipation any more except when she doesn't drink it.

I suggested this to another mom with a similar problem. Now that you are over the major issue, you may want to try this as a "maintenance" situation. I got this recipe from my Physical Therapist.

I know you have a lot of responses but this is a more natural way to keep him regular without the use of laxatives. Laxitives are not a good option as the can cause bowel muscle weekness as well as bladder over time if abused. I have recently gone to the physical therapist for a bladder issue and she included a special recipe for bowel regularity for adults with issues in this area. It goes as follows:
Mix together:
1 cup applesauce
1 cup oat bran or unprocessed wheat bran
3/4 cup prune juice
Begin with 1-2 T. each evening mixed with or followed by one 6-8 oz cup of water or juice. This helps soften the stool and regulate the bowel movements within 2 weeks. If no change occurs, slowly increase serving to 3-4 T. Make it a daily routine. You can store this in the fridge or freezer. One or two tablespoon servings may be frozen in sectioned ice cube trays or in foam plastic egg cartons and thawed as needed. Now this is a recipe for adults so you may want to decrease it for a child. But you get the idea of the recipe. Good luck!

Ellen,

Unfortunately I have 22 years experience with Fleets. I have an adult autistic child with a birth defect where she is constantly constipated.

So, allow me to share with you about the Fleets. They work! They work within minutes. Although the child will feel the need to "go" instantly, if you can delay them 30-60 seconds, the cleanse will go deeply.

In the meantime if this happens again I recommend Mira lax, it is gentle but works. Although I am not sure if it is Dr. recommended for little ones. They may have a children's formula.

To use make sure the child is on their side with knees drawn up in a fetal position. Use a lubricant on both the bottle and the bottom. Once inserted keep a stead flow, not to fast and whatever you do don't stop! It is uncomfortable and can even be considered painful. It is unfortunately it is a necessary evil at at times.

As for natural ways to go with this (that has worked in this house), is eating nuts, salads (not iceberg lettuce it does little), raisins, and high fiber meals.

There are some great books to research for getting that high fiber into those diets: The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids' Favorite Meals and Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food.

And, finally I use therapeutic essential oils (rubbing them on her belly), and the main one I use is called DiGize. You can goggle it, or contact me directly if you need more info.

Hope this helped

T. Michelle

Hi Ellen. My oldest daughter had terrible problems with this. She was on a daily medication for 18 months when she was a baby to keep her regular. 8 oz of prune juice did nothing for her.

When she was 5 years old we started to keep her on a really good water schedule. During 1st grade she started having problems all over again because at school they do not give them enough water, nor enough time to drink it. When we went in for a regular check up at the doctors I asked them to write my daughter a Rx for 8 oz of water at 10am, 12pm and 2pm and took this to the school nurse. Because it is a Rx they were required by LAW to give her the time to drink it and not give her grief for the bathroom. Within 1 week she no longer had a problem. We kept her on this schedule all through elementary school.

The doctor who we saw was so thrilled with the results that she wrote a Rx for 3 other patients who were having the same problems.

I'm SO grateful that the enema worked well for your boy-- poor lamb ( and poor MOM!!) The mom-manual I love best is Erma Bombeck ( she would be in her 70 s now ) --- get a book or so from the library. Have you raid anything about strong willed children?? ( I'm guessing that may be an issue with Nathan??/)

Many have walked this path- and we are waiting to help
Blessings,
Old Mom
aka--J.

I used Ovaltine for my daughter for years and it not only cleared up her constipation at the onset but it kept her regular forever after and eliminated the need for any other treatment. It was a Godsend for us. Don't think anyone has recommended it in reading through all your responses. Best of luck to you

Yes, I have done this but I like the pediatric suppositories better. They are less messy and yes they work. My son had chronic constipation as a baby and also suffered from gas because of it. He went to a specialist which put him on a high fiber diet. That did not work. The specialist said that he had "dry stools". He put my son on Milk of Magnesia which usually would give him diarrhea. But if he didn't take the MOM, he was constipated. I went to our local "The Vitamin Shoppe" and they turned me on to Prebiotics. With in a couple days, we noticed a difference. He hasn't had a problem since. Not all prebiotics are the same. We use "FloraZyme". Here is the website for your review: http://www.ultimatelife.com/CatFloraZyme.htm. You can find this at "The Vitamin Shoppe". They also have a website. I hope this helps.

45 years ago my first grader had this problem. He had let it go too long before he told me he had a problem and by then it was too late for enemas.

After our doc talked to him it was determined that my son was so busy in his new school, friends etc. schedule that he wasn't taking the time to defecate and was getting impacted. The doc told me to take a pencil with a good, soft eraser and smooth metal band, sterilize it and coat it with vaseline.

Then I bent my son over my lap and gently probed the hard waste that I could see trying to exit his rectum. A little bit of probing gets it started, but it is still painful. (For both of us) He had let it build up because it hurt to go, so it just got worse.

At any rate, after that he came in from school every day and sat on the toilet until he had a bowel movement. Didn't take long.

God bless you and your family. BTW I love your statement about the hospital sending home Manuals instead of diapers!

Why don't you try a tea spoon of brown sugar which work very well even better than and enena.when my baby was a few weeks old he was constipated for a few days i used brown suger in his milk or you can just mix it in a half oz of water to drink. And this should work good.
H.

We had to go that route when our now 8 yr old was about 6 months old. It's not as bad as it seems. We just put her on the bathroom counter and proceeded. It's amazing how quickly it works.

The nurse @ the peditrician told us that even something as simple as a rectal thermometer would do the trick. It stimulates the rectum and more often than not, will produce a BM. She also told us to try Karo syrup and of course, prune juice.

Good luck!!!

I had to use one on my son when he was 5, and as horrible as it seems to some people, it worked just as it was supposed to and he went to the bathroom within minutes. He was so miserable and crying in pain that I was desperate, but he immediately told me how much better his tummy felt and that he didn't 'feel sick' anymore. I put him on a towel on the bathroom floor with his rear in the air, and it was over in a matter of minutes. Several months ago I used a fleet glycerine suppository on him and it worked very well too and was slightly less 'invasive'. Good luck with your son and tell him lots of water and eating his fruits and veggies will keep it from happening again! A good book to show how the anatomy works is called 'Grossology'...my son loves it and it showed him how the tummy, intestines and poop works! Good Luck!

I have never had to use an enema, but have come close with my 4 yr old daughter, of which DOES have self-induced constipation problem. My suggestion and what we do, is use the smaller glycerin (sp) liquid suppositories. Fleet has a line of children's products with a little penguin on the box. Those things work in under 1 minute. My daughter has gone over 7 days without a bowel movement and THIS WORKS! Also, I keep her on Miralax as needed. If she hasn't gone on her own in 2 days I give her a 1/2 tsp in her juice and she's ready go. For awhile after he last, intensely dramatic constipation episode I gave her 1/4 tsp each day in her juice and think this is helping her get back in to the habit of going. She has no idea that she is being given the Miralax, no taste! But do know it works in under an hour for her. She is 4 yrs old and weighs about 30 lbs. Otherwise healthy except she doesn't like to go poop so she holds out. Mirlax has helped her to recognize and NOT be able to refuse her body's request to poop!
Using the suppositories are scary FOR EVERYONE in involved, but get your hubby to hold him down and you administer it. He will scream, kick, bite, whatever...BUT YOU ARE NOT HURTING HIM! A distended bowel will hurt him far worse. Once our daughter realized the immense relief she got after using one, she has no problem, has even asked for one when she tried her hardest to go. Do it, afterwards you will kick yourself for waiting so long!

Ellen, talk to the pharmacist on duty and they can help you decide or recommend if a glycerine suppository might be of more help.

The other thing is use foods rich in fiber to help keep those BM's moving along. Unless he has swallowed something... I think the 'natural' way will help him, maybe raisens, prunes (these come flavored these days) prune juice mixed in something.
Maybe too he isn't drinking enough water thus making him constipated and miserable. I mean, even if he has to hold his nose to drink the juice it should help.

Have you called the peditrician just to see what his thoughts and suggestions are?

Call the pharmacy as well.

Have you tried Mirilax first. It is not a laxative but a softener. It seems to make my little girl go. It takes a day or two, though.

My daughter is 2, almost three and in the last 9 months or so (since she was potty trained) she has had several bouts with constipation. When it comes I take her to a chiropractor/acupuncturist and she poops within a couple hours with no problems. She is a great eater so no matter what she ate it was a problem sometimes, but just a quick 10 minute visit to the chiro and she was cured. Just a thought for next time! She has probably gone to him 3-4 times in the past 9 months and it is wonderful-even for her sinuses!

.

I know this is an old request, but if he tends to be constipated, try giving him kefir. Lifeway or Nancy's brands will probably be tastiest for kids. It tastes much like yogurt, just not as sweet. He should try and drink it at the same time each day. It is very healthy and a good natural help for constipation.

I have the same problems with my daughter. We use Miralax and I get her apricot nectar. She loves it! It is usually located in the organic foods section and it is in a glass bottle. Hope this helps!!

Apple juice/cider. We had the opposite problem with my daughter. Her ped. asked about her apple juice intake and suggested we switch to grape juice. This confused me because apples/sauce (along with rice and bananas) are recommended for loose stools because they help bind. He said the sugar in the juice is different and contributes to loose stools.

Hi Ellen, my son was SEVERELY constipated when he was twenty months old. I ended up taking him to the hospital and they gave him an enema. He went to the bathroom immediately afterwards. He went right to sleep and slept quietly all night. Fleet enemas are excellent for constipation. They work immediately and do the job!

Hi Ellen,
I have not read many of the other responses, but my daughter is on a liquid Medical food diet (long story), but the kids on that are notoriously constipated, since there is nothing left to pass- they absorb almost all of it. Anyway, we do 1 tsp of Miralax daily, and it works for us. It is pretty trial and error to find the right amount of Miralax, you just have to adjust to what is right for your son. It is a great long term solution, and some of the sickest children do well on it. I have also used childrens glycerine suppositories in extreme situations, you can get them from the Target pharmacy.

Ellen,

I don't know if I can add any new information for you but I can tell you about my experience with my son who is now 16. His constipation issues ruled our household for several years. It started when he was a breast fed infant and was still an issue at the end of elementary school. He would go 7 days or more w/o a b/m. I started with his diet, whole wheat instead of white, increasing clear liquid intake, cutting down on dairy (he drank a huge amount of milk). Then I tried every traditional and herbal fiber-adding thing I could find--all were too gritty, not palatable in some way. My pediatrician (now former one) offered one solution: make him take 3 TBL mineral oil daily and have him eat lots of prunes. Actually tried that--produced gag and vomiting. There were a couple of e/r visits that turned out to be expensive enemas. We went to a pediatric GI specialist and all he offered was a sticker chart "incentive to poop" program--no actual medical help. There was quite a long time when the only thing that produced a bm was a fleet enema. We changed docs and the first thing she told us about was Miralax. At that time is was a presription. Regular doses for awhile then smaller doses less frequently. I would have preferred to handle it through dietary methods but at that point it was pretty desparate. This is probably way more than you want to know but your post hit a cord with me because I know how distressful it is to everyone involved. With my son, it started as a physical problem and before I knew it, it was compounded with a psychological/control/withholding issue and it was impossible to tell those factors apart to try to solve the problem. My advice is to keep all those dietary things going, use Miralax at very small doses and encourage activity. Good luck in getting a handle on it early.

Have you tried everything else first? Have you called the doc, and asked if a stool softener would be ok? I would think so. Have you tried the new prunes that are wrapped? That is what my daughter does with the grands.
Fleet enemas are extremely easy to do, but I am not a believer in sticking something in a child's rectum unless all other things have been exhausted. Good luck.

Hi Ellen
Why not try to get this thing resolved where it begins.
Kids Now will give him all the nutrition he needs in a great tasting shake. Keeps his
body functioning well-safe effective unique and no false stimulants.
Get it where it starts.
We are over medicating our children-so of course we become over medicated
adults. Start right so we grow right.
J. H

Miralax has been a miracle. I give Fibersure in my 2 and 5 year old's milk every day (they do not eat well or at all some days) and now I'm giving them 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of Miralax every other day. Working great. Good luck. I just went through a bout of this with my 2 year old. It was horrible to watch him cry and shake. L.

Hi Ellen,
I've been reading your request and all the responses. I'm glad that you were able to get the immediate problem handled. Many of the responses pointed to nutrition and I have to 'AMEN' them! As a health educator, I know from my own experience of chronic constipation and all the things I used to do, laxatives, fiber drink, sugar (sugar is a laxative which is why the karo syrup works and the over the counter sugar drink someone mentioned).

I don't recommend vitamins, we work with food and whole food concentrates. We have a nutritionist lecturing next week an evening event and a lunch event. Email me if you would like to attend or would like more information.

S. Fritz

I don't like enema's and wont use them even though constipation has been a battle with my 8 yr old since he was born.

You didn't explain why your son is constipated, but an enema is basically going to force him to go - that could be traumatic for a kid if he already has poop issues. My sister had them when she was little, and they are very messy!

Have you tried stool softeners, like Miralax (which is approved for kids and available over the counter)? It will make the stool soft so he can pass it without pain. It's different from a laxative, which will force him to go.

With my son, he really needed to be on a very high fiber diet. Fruit in particular seems to loosen him up. Fiber is not an immediate solution, but might be something to consider as a lifestyle change, if he won't go because it hurts to go or is too hard to pass.

If he has a regular problem with constipation, give him half a dose of Mirilax every other day. My 3y/o goes regularaly, but it's always hard so the Dr reccomended giving him that, and it helps... Best of Luck!

We used the BabyLax on our 4-year-old. It wasn't nearly as bad as it seems, and it made a world of difference. Good luck!

I know I am answering late but this info might help. My daughters both had trouble at potty training and again around school age with what one doctor termed "an efficient colon" (i.e. it could collect a lot - hers would clog the toilet when she finally went) and another called "voluntary fecal withholding". They were eating fruits and veggies and fiber, but still got constipated. He put them on Miralax (a powder you can mix with any fluid) which is now over-the-counter. The first few days the full dose (about a tablespoon, cap size) after that a maintenance dose of a teaspoon daily. It worked for them. After a few weeks of being regular I switched to Fibersure (also a powder t mix with a drink - no taste) and that worked for most days. We would switch back to a day or 2 of Miralax if they did not go daily. I had to keep track of their bowel movements but eventually they became regular. The older one still has big BM's but goes daily or every-other day. Drinking enough liquids was more an issue for my kids who could go a whole day at school with just one 6 oz. juicebox.

I know this is late, but it is overall advice for dealing with constipation. I have been battling this my whole life and 2 of my 3 kids suffer from it too.

First and most importantly make sure your child drinks plenty of water. It is unbeleivable how something so simple can be so important. They may be drinking a lot of milk or juice but really water is necessary for the bowels to run smoothly.

Second it is better to be proactive. My daughter who is now 7 must eat at least one stage 1 prunes baby food per day. She didn't like the juice or them in their natural state so this is our compromise. Sometimes she has it with yogurt for breakfast but sometimes at night before bed when I asked her if she's had it that day. I do not recommend stage 2 because it comes mixed with apples and/or pears (depending on the brand) and is not as effective.

I agree also with the mom who told you to remind him everyday and work it into his schedule. Some kids are embarassed to go at school others are having such a good time that they don't go. If it becomes a part of their daily routine they will notice earlier if they need a little extra something to help them go.

Hope this helps.

Hi, I don't know if anyone else told you about this but I just saw your note. I'm glad he was able to go as it is very painful and unhealthy for kids to have this issue. My son has a lot of problems due to his eating habits as he has autims. One thing that I have found for him is the glycerin suppositories. They are small and insert pretty easily and can help before the problem gets too bad. Fortunately we have not had to use them a while and of course he hates we we do have to, but I feel better knowing it's just glycerin and melts away or is eliminated with the bowel moment.

HI Ellen,

If this is a one-time deal, go ahead. My son had "issues" since he was a baby. He's now 13. I would try Baby-lax. It's a bulb seringe-type and has a little bit of a thick substance in there that you just "shoot it up there" and it will help him go to the bathroom. Enemas for children are a pretty big deal, unless the doctor recommends it. He's also old enough that it would be extremely embarassing. The baby-lax is small and quick. Once you give it to him, let him sit in the bathroom with a book. What has the doctor suggested? Castor Oil in applesauce or some other substance works pretty well. So does prune juice. Lots of fiber and water help, too. Good luck! L.

My son got extrememly constipated when I quit breastfeeding and gave him formula. I went to the dr and they gave him miralax to but I did not want him to become dependant on a chemical to have a bowel movement. I realized (with help from a nutritionist) that dairy made him constipated. Since then I limit his dairy intake (usually just a little cheese every now and then). I give him almond milk which is non-dairy to drink and with his cereal. My 8 yr.old enjoys it as well. I had tried everything including enemas and while they helped it was only a temporary fix.

They have glycerin suppositories for children that you can get at the drug store. I don't know if that would be easier or not. When my oldest was a baby they actually suggested giving him this, so I would think it would be safe for your child. I would go to the nearest drug store and ask the pharmacist.

Another late responder for you ... We used to have to use the Fleet glycerin suppositories on him and they worked within just a couple of minutes. Coat it with vaseline and it is quick,easy to use. It does sound strange because you associate something sugary making this problem worse, but the syrup (some say Karo, but they all work) works good to add to a breakfast biscuit. Something in the syrup will often make you need to go to the restroom easily. I was told this from a much older mom who didn't have all the OTC things when her children were little and they stayed healthy and well. ALL of her suggestions work like a charm and seem funny/strange to hear about.

have you tried Miralax or suppositories first? I would assume you did but not sure if you knew of Miralax.

My grandson and youngest daughter both had issues with constipation. Since this grandson is close in age to our baby I often used the same methods on both of them. The also both had fistulas ( small tears in the rectum onside or outside of the body) making it painful to poop. Often just 1/2 glass orange juice (with pulp) mixed with 1 tspn of sugar and 1/2 cup of very hot water (almost boiling) at bedtime would do the trick. I would use a lot of wheat germ - in meatloaf, meatballs, etc as well as fruit smoothies ( 2 frozen bananas -skinned 1 cup of milk or milk substitute, 1/2 cup other fresh or frozen fruit, 1/2 to 1 cup of water, 1 tspn either vanilla or rum extract, and 1-2 Tbspn wheat germ mixed in blender = 2 large glasses of smoothie) or in other recipies. When increased fiber in diet along with additional water didn't help, I woulld use the child's fleet enemas..which the kids called "getting the goose". I made sure that I used plenty of vasoline. Although the kids didn't like it so much, they had company in each other. I remember my daughter telling our grandson to watch out or Grammie will give you the goose! It did work like a charm and gave immediate relief. I had a rule in the house, if you didn't go regularly, by the 3rd day you would get the goose...this because of the hard dried pebbles that fecal matter becomes and is very painful to eliminate for them. They both were old enough (18-20 mon & 2-3 yrs of age) Good luck! PS I use the OJ method myself every now and then...it does work!)

well i have never used one on a child that old but i always used them on my babies b/c the formula they were on didnt agree with their tummys. they work wonders!!read the directions and follow them. you may want to call his doctor first since he has never used one... their maybe something else to try first. but if he is miserable they are the way to go. I used them when i was pregnant with my first daughter b.c i was vomiting so much i pretty much dried up... (gross i know but true) and i still suffer from constipation these things are life savers!

I read your "what happened" and I wanted to say tell him to not worry about being late for class. talk to his teachers tell them that if hes running a few mins late not to punish him. Within reason i mean you dont want him late every class...but if he keeps holding it in like this this problem will only get worse!

Bless your heart! Yes, I had to do it several times with my Nathan when he was only 3. Not fun. The directions are on the packaging - follow them precisely. You may need daddy to help because he will likely not let you do this willingly. My son refused to use the potty and was impacted for days so it took several rounds of it. You may want to start with a suppository first - not as harsh. Then, if that doesn't work, go to the enema. We literally had to pin our son done. It was traumatic and rightfully so, but I think having us do it as opposed to total strangers in a hospital was much better. You can love on him afterwards. Also, make sure you take everything out of his diet that could be causing it. Make it bland for several days and when he yells, just cover your ears. You know what is best for him. Don't wimp out or cave. You will all be better for it when it's over. Let us know how it turns out.

My son is 5 and suffers with bowel movements. When it comes to Enimas they say to give them two- 12 hours apart in order to clean out the whole back up. Don't know if you have heard that before or not.

Anouther note- is that they shouldn't go more then three days without a bowel movement-

Their little colons have become stretched out and can hold more then they should and it takes time to shrink them back down... We have been struggling with this for two years now. If it continues I would reccomend a doctors visit or a gastrointeralogist visit depending on what the doctor says and the consisitency in how often he has BM.

Good Luck

Good luck-

My son was also prescribed Miralax which is now over the counter. It is a tasteless powder. He is 15 and still takes it whenever he becomes unregular.

i know you already fixed your sons problem, but i figured i would write to you anyway. my daughter has issues with pooping too. mostly because she does not like to poop at pre school. i have had to use a ped enema also and i hated it. one thing i did was put on her favorite song and have her lay on her side and give it to her. i told her that before the song was over that she would poop and it worked and helped to keep her relaxed (she is 5). there are huge warning about mara lax (however ever you spell it). i put fiber sure in her food or drink when i notice she is having really hard poops and it helps to soften it. i also have her eat lots of fruit (she hates veggies), v8 fusion might work too! good luck

We gave our little girl the glycerin enema, I believe it was the Feel brand name. There real easy to use and they work FAST! We laid her down, put it in, squeeze the liquid, she did not like that, and quickly put her diaper back on. We first tried her on the potty but that upset her, so the next time we used it we put her diaper on and within minutes she was pooping and boy did she poop alot!! So they work. Talk to you dr about the situation and find out how often you should use them. They are safe to use and will help with any constipation issues you may have.
A.

When our son was much younger (6-8 years old?), we used a Fleet enema once or twice. It did the trick within minutes. I had him kneel down on a towel and I inserted it.

He was old enough for me to explain it to him. I believe it's important to warmly explain how this will help but also explain that it's important that he not let people put anything inside him without him understanding and his consent.

Our son is now 12 years old and still plugs the toilet too often. Recently, we are working on getting more natural fiber into his diet with fruits and vegetables again. But we did a week of Miralax to give him an idea of what his poops SHOULD be like. Prior to that, fruits and veggies were often a challenge. But after he got the picture, he's been much more receptive to eating them. Our goal is to not plug the toilet with the implementation of better nutrition. If we achieve that, we know we're on the right track. Ironically, that argument (not plugging) seems to be a bigger motivator to eat veggies and fruits than "you should eat more fruits and veggies".

Other tricks we have found to work are 100% juices, grapes, raisin bran (which he likes), and reminding him to drink LOTS of water. For me, I find cold prune juice to be nasty, but if you warm it up in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, it is much better. Try it!

P.S. Miralax is much more palatable if you mix it with bouillion.