Toddler Poop Question (TMI!!) Time for a Visit to the Ped?
Updated on
March 10, 2012
J.G.
asks from
Minneapolis, MN
5
answers
My son is a few months shy of being 3 years old and he has been having the weirdest problem with his poop lately.
The best I can describe it is like this: he had this HUGE poop (circumference) several weeks ago, I ended up using a pediatric enema because be was shaking, crying and sweating trying to pass it and I thought he was just simply constipated. The enema helped and he was able to pass the stool but it was massive and moist/wet softish. It didn't look odd other than the size and perhaps a little wetter than normal. I was shocked, I kind of expected a dry hard stool but I chalked it up to a freak incident and the enema. So, things have been pretty normal.
He usually has a stool a day, and had been having regular stools and then 2 weeks ago, same thing, despite having normal bowel movements suddenly one morning he woke up and couldn't pass his stool. Shaking, crying, sweating. So I gave him a snack of apple juice and apples and that seemed to do the trick. He went in the other room, wouldn't let me come in. He CRIED loudly and passed the stool. When I changed him I was shocked at how much there was, another huge softish stool and just a LOT of it. Full diaper.
Then for days he was having poopie diapers every time I changed him. Sometimes a normal amount of stool was in the diaper, sometimes just a little bit.
Now, this week his stools have been kind of funky. He's been having poopie diapers almost diarrhea, and filling diapers throughout the day M & T, yesterday no poop and today he woke up...same story...shaking and crying he told me he can't poop because it's too big.
His tummy isn't tight and I listened to his belly and it sounds normal, (not exceptionally noisy, not quiet). So, I have NO idea what to make of this. He eats a balanced diet, has plenty of water, doesn't drink juice regularly only has milk in the morning and at night (and that hasn't changed). He eats plenty of fruit and whole grains and nothing has changed in his diet that I can think of since this began or even before.
Has anyone had experience with this? I'm thinking of taking him to the pediatrician now, since this is the third incident but I'm just curious to know if you've gone through this. I don't think he need more fiber, and I don't think he's "constipated" in the classic sense at least. I just want to be prepared with the right questions when I go. I've googled and it's been really unhelpful.
Thank you so much for your responses. I took him to the pediatrician and he is indeed constipated and she recommended miralax. I'm shocked both based on how much he's been going (there's MORE!?) and the fact that he has a very fiber rich diet. Despite that, he seems to be holding back perhaps psychologically? In any case. I bought some miralax, diaper cream, and a big box of diapers and I'm prepared for battle. Wish me luck.
More Answers
C.C.
answers from
Denver
on
I have unfortunately had a lot of experience with this with my son. He's been battling constipation since he was a toddler and the sooner you get a reign on it, the easier it will be. Once he makes an emotional connection between pain and poop . . . life gets tougher - a lot tougher - for mom. At least your son is still in a diaper and not underwear.
Definitely discuss with your doc. My son had persistent constipation probs and I took him to doc who referred to gastroenterologist. He prescribed daily Miralax and small dose of exlax for my then preschooler.
What happens is that the stool collects and compacts inside the bowel the walls of the bowel and colon get stretched. The muscles in the bowel that move the poop on their journey dont work well enough once the walls of the bowel are stretched - imagine a used balloon.
The miralax is a stool softener - the exlax is a stimulant to get the bowel to constrict and tone the muscles again. Also - it's very common that kids have daily BMs and are still constipated. The little poops in his diaper are common also - basically he's leaking. Daily Miralax (or generic) is perfectly safe. My son likes it best in something tart like OJ or lemonade. It can taste a little soapy in milk, gatorade, etc.
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R.D.
answers from
Richmond
on
Maybe add more fiber to his diet and make sure he's drinking plenty of fluids. If the problem persists, time for a trip to the pediatrician. I hope he feels better soon!
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R.R.
answers from
Madison
on
Glad to hear that you know what is going on.
I'd just like to add that you may consider trying some prune juice (occasionally) or prunes. We use both in order to keep our kids regular. I chop up the prunes into raisin-size bites and I often slip several of them into their morning oatmeal along with raisins.
We also make a big deal out of them getting "special juice" (diluted about 50/50 with water works for us) once or twice a week - unless we've been to grandma's house and then it is everyday since their diet changes so dramatically there. They need the daily dose to keep in all moving.
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K.M.
answers from
Oklahoma City
on
I have to give my 2 year old Miralax. He does the same thing- screams, shakes etc.... It's awful to see them like that. The Miralax really seems to work. I hope your littel guy feels better soon!!
My pediatrician is the one who told us to give him the Miralax.
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M.W.
answers from
Chicago
on
You could always mention it to your pediatrician. I took my son who just recently had a stomach virus with 6 days of diarrhea (watery) to the pediatrician. She said to try Florostor(a probiotic). They make it for kids and it is like a powder that you put in with applesauce(I found it at CVS). My younger son has always had hard stools and gets constipated because he dosen't eat enough fruits. I always have baby food pears on hand and give it to him on a regular basis. Target has a brand that comes in a round container like applesauce in the baby food section. Pears seem to do the trick for him. Applejuice sometimes can upset a tummy. I know little ones can get impacted which makes it hard to go. It just collects in the colon but does not pass. My sister had to use Miralax with her daughter...but she was constipated. Good Luck!!! Hope it gets easier for you and him.
