Help! - La Salle,MI

I have a 10 yr old daughter that was having the same problem. Her pediatrician kept saying give her Miralax, but it didn't solve the problem. I started giving her a nutritional supplent called Vemma Next after speaking to a physician I work with. He stated most constipation in children is from not having the nutrition their bodies require and also drinking plenty of water. I also started giving her Kashi Bars (which she loves), the have plenty of fiber in them. For the past 6 months, not one episode of constipation, I noticed after giving her the Vemma Next, she had soft bowel movement daily. Hope this helps

Are you asking us this question because a doctor prescribed this for your child? If you want a second opinion, get a different doctor. For bowel problems, you need a ped gastroenterologist. That's how you get to the bottom of it - not a lot of moms who don't know and shouldn't give this kind of medical advice.

Dawn

Edit: With Elavil they start you on a low dose and then you slowly increase until you get results. At least that's how my mother and I had been prescribed. Not sure about friends.

My mom was also prescribed Elavil for her bowel issues. I had read prior to her prescription that it is commonly used for such. It is a strong drug. I used to take it myself for pain. At times I woke up feeling like a zombie. My mom never felt that. Other friends of mine who had taken it also said they woke up that way. I do think it's strange that the Dr prescribed it for pain associated with constipation since the drug itself can cause constipation, which is why the Dr prescribed it to my mother, she had diarrhea and it would make her more "regular" so to speak. Is there a reason they didn't prescribe Miralax?
But like another responder wrote, definitely getting the second opinion of a Dr is the best way to go. Responses like mine can seem scary, but I'm no Dr. I can only share my experience with the drug. They are the experts. And I know you wrote that you are in fact seeking a second opinion with a Dr.
Best of luck to you. Keep us posted on the outcome.

I'm sorry, are you treating pain or constipation or both? I'm confused, will you start over again?

So you are going to go and get a second opinion?
Wait and see what the second doctor says.

We are not qualified to be the second opinion..

I was on elavil 25 years ago, and I kind of remember it causing constipation. Beyond that, I had a lot of trouble understanding your question. Maybe I haven't had enough coffee yet...

Many drugs have numerous uses. I truly would tell you to ask a professional. A pharmacist is the professional when it comes to medication. He/she will know all their is to know about this drug. I think if they say it has multiple uses then you do need to give it and let your child stop hurting.

I googled it with use for pain and since it's been around since the 60's it pretty common knowledge that it works very well to stop pain. It is a pretty good medication when used with a good mom watching to make sure there are no side effects that need to be addressed.

I think if the doc prescribed this for my kids and the pharmacist said it was the right dose then I would have no problem trying it. I would keep a very close eye on the kiddo though.

It's pain relief properties are supposedly phenomenal due to it working on the nerve endings, sort of numbing them so the pain does not radiate and get felt.

Also it's not a narcotic so it can be used forever. I think after talking to the pharmacist you will feel better.

Hopefully you felt better after you googled it and found the results I did.

Fiber. Change his diet to a more fiber enhanced diet. If the Miralax is helping fine. But I'm confident there are better alternatives. Herbal, dietary, etc.

When poop comes out really large, not only can it be painful to the butthole, but it's also an indication that there's too much build up. And that stretches the intestinal lining. Therefore it not only needs to break down in the intestine, it may come out somewhat explosively. That is somewhat normal. We all have those days when we feel irregular, and I'm not trying to sound like a commercial. So if it comes out a little looser, let it. At least it's coming out and from there the lining can shrink and whatever changes are made can start from here to healthier choices.

If you want to get a second opinion, by all means do so! As you said, this is your child, and you really do want to get to the bottom of it. A second opinion might be a very good idea.

Keep in mind that most drugs have many uses. I can remember being prescribed a drug (can't remember why) and went to a different doctor the next time (clinic at college). He walked in and said, "So, I see you had a UTI. How are you feeling." Nope, didn't have a UTI! The doctor was embarrassed. He hadn't actually read my chart, just noticed the name of the drup. He apologized and told me that that particular drug was kind of the drug of choice UTI's but that it could be prescribed for a variety of things.

Ask lots of questions of all the doctors. The more you know, the better you'll feel.

Personally I would. I have had issues for years and recently was put on a low dose anti depressant. For the first time in years, I feel normal. I still have flare ups but nothing like before. It has been the only thing that works.

I think getting a second, and maybe even a third or fourth opinion is a great idea, until you find out the REAL cause.

In my experience, when doctors don't know what is causing pain they often label it as depression, especially in kids. They did the same thing to my kid once, and the only thing he was depressed about was the pain he was always in. So yeah, I think that's bull.

Good for you. Your son has a great advocate in you! Go mom!

Hi Sherri,

~I'm running late and I've to be brief and to the point.~
have you tried any natural methods? for example: chiropractor, no milk, chamomile tea ("herbs for kids" has a calming formula), more fiber, more water, no soda, check for gluten intolerance and other allergies that may be irritating his bowels. in other words, leave no stone unturned. go with your gut feeling. some of those antidepressents can cause suicidal thoughts and are not for kids! Good luck! ~C.~

Also,what doses did get prescribed to all of you that have taken it? He says start w/10mg then go to 15.im just literally freaked out about this.i will do the right thing if it is presented to me that it is safe ,i feel there are other options also. My mommy radar says hell no never.

More info please. I can't answer a question unless I have more info.

As far as I know, most of the anti-depressants have not been studied in kids as far as side effects and safety. Not sure about Elavil, but that would be a concern of mine if a doc prescribed it to my child. I would get a second opinion from a doc in a different practice. I would maybe consult with a pediatric nutritionist, as well, to see if dietary changes can help relieve either some symptoms or pain. Don't just give in and shut up. If your gut (no pun intended!) tells you this is not the solution, forge ahead and find something you and your son can live with.