Need Some Answers on Child Having No Control over Pooping

Has he been tested for Hirschprung's Disease?? That is what my daughter has. But hers caused constipation. We were told all the problems were in her head too. They were wrong. We found a new doctor and she was diagnosed with Hirschprung's Disease. She, at times still has difficulty controlling her bowel movements, but it has gotten much better. She is almost 11 now. We started dealing with this when she was 2. Do some reading on Hirschprung's Disease on the internet. Part of the reason HD kids have trouble controlling their bowels is because there are not ganglion cells in their rectum that send a message to the brain they need to poop. Therefore, when they do need to eliminate it starts to come out on it's own and they don't feel it until it is already on it's way. Let me know if you need any more info.

J.

I would be very worried about that as well. I would definitely get a second opinion because it is one thing for a child to have accidents but it sounds worse then that. He could get to the point of getting dehydrated with having so many lose bowels. I am suprised the are having you give him laxative with him having diarrea. You might want to check web md they might give some other ideas. I wish i could help you more. HUGS for you and your family! You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Nicky-
Get him to a Gastroenterologist! I realize he has seen the doctor, but he should probably see a specialist. I have Crohn's disease and was diagnosed with it 10 years ago at the age of 22. Crohn's disease can be a tricky one to diagnose, but you have to see a doctor who will catch it. It could also be Ulcerative Colitis.

Please don't freak out about it. Once you have it under control, you can live with it. I have very similar problems that your son has. I can't hold it and sometimes I have no idea I have to go until it suddenly hits me. When I was first diagnosed I also had a huge weight loss.

Crohn's and UC are known as young person’s disease. Although I was diagnosed at 22 yrs, it is usually diagnosed at much earlier ages.

Let me know if you have other questions.
~T.

I had a similar problem with my little girl not to long ago. But after all I went through, it was our water! Its a simple thing to get checked out, so its wrth a try if you are at the end of your rope!
I have some medical background, and with him having diarreah, a laxative/enema is the last thing you should give him. Make sure he gets lots of veggies, pasta, bread. These will make his stool "formed". Stay away form juice, pop, most fruits. (apples and pears are good) Before we found out our water was the problem, our daughter was on a diet of pedialyte, water, cereal, pasta and veggies.
I had to potty train her all over again too. What worked for me was to put regular underwear on her and to take her potty OFTEN!
I really hope you find out some answers quick and you lil man starts feeling better! Good Luck!

When your son is getting pale and "lazy" he's anemic. If he's losing weight at 5, take him to the hospital. Get him admitted. Yell, scream, throw a tantrum, if you have to. And then, when he's all better, or at least is receiving satisfactory care, call and report that doctor. I can't believe he didn't take you seriously and allowed your child to go on that way. UNACCEPTABLE!

On another note, try cutting sweets and sodas out of his diet. A lot of kids have trouble with refined sugar. Maybe stick with a natural diet. Meat, bread, vegetable/friut. Hopefully that'll help.

I agree with Tricia. It sounds like the symptoms of Crohn's disease with the constant stools and weight loss. A gastroenterologist would most likely be able to pinpoint the problem quickly. Leg cramps can be a sign of low potassium as well.

My mother's cousin died in her 20's due to Crohn's being diagnosed too late (and changing doctors too late!). She had gotten quite thin and I suspect was dehydrated and malnourished due to constant stools.

Do get him in to a gastroentrologist as soon as possible to see if they know what is going on. These symptoms are not something to just brush aside as "in his head."

M.

Nicky,

My kids had a bit of the same problem. We started giving them 1-2 Activia yogurts every day and that seemed to really help their poop habits. Please, if you dont agree with the doctors- keep pushing them or get another doc. Watery poop can not be in someone's head- it's a physical symptom. I hope this helps!

J.

Oh my!! If it was my child I would go to another Doctor, even try a holostic Doctor -- (a Dr. like Patch Adams) -- I don't know of one here, but something needs to be done for you child. I don't think it is in his head either, try some outside sources and do whatever you can to get him well. He needs and deserves to have regular poops.

Hi Nicky!
Listen to all these moms here!! Excellent advise from all of them! Another doctor is DEFINATELY the way to go!! Preferably a specialist! You're a good mom, it's not in his head, so go with your instinct and try these suggestions all these moms have told you about. That's what they're here for...

Just Me!
S.

P.S. You and your little one are in my prayers!

Wow, you have received alot of responses, and alot of diagnoses. I agree you need another opinion and you shouldn't waste any time. I would like to reccommend chiropractic. Many think chiropractic is about back/neck pain, but the nerves that carry messages to and from your brain travel through the spine/backbone. Every tissue in your body is controlled by the nerves transmitting messages from your brain, including stomach, bowels, rectum, etc. If there is any interference in the transmission of those messages the body doesn't function properly and can manifest in many different ways. I have talked to alot of parents whose children stopped wetting the bed or no longer got constipated or stopped throwing up after going to a chiropractor. Even if this is caused by any disease some of these moms listed, it is important to be sure that the brain is communicating effectively with the body to allow his body to reach it's full potential. It something to consider. Most people turn to chiropractic as a last resort, don't let it be too late.

Hey there!

Maybe he should try benefiber you can put it in anything even drinks and foods. Just nothing that is carbonated. I would also try a different doctor. Wish you luck!

C.

Along with finding a new doctor as the others have adviced, look up WEBMD.com and get as educated on his syntomes as possible, plus you might find some ideas to have the new doctor look at. If they tell you that its not possible or ignore your suggestions, find another doctor. Good Luck! (popcorn is a great fiber source to help with the really really bad pooping, and if you get the right kind, can help with some of the calories he needs until you can find out what is wrong.)