My 14 year old is severly constipated.

Tiffany - posted on 02/12/2009

Quoting Tami:

can you pump her fullof bananas? what about warm baths apple juice? none of my kids have had this issue but several friend have the child would hold it too cuz they didnt like feeling ofit.

Actually  my sons pediatrician told us bananas are one of the things to limit him along with cheese,milk,and chocolate...they all can cause constipation.

Sarah - posted on 02/11/2009

don't know the answer but i feel her pain! i just switched my 4 mths old from formula to raw goat's milk (best milk after mother's milk) and she is quite constipated. i'm going to look into giving her some organic flax seed oil and also give her some warm water to drink few times during the day... i'll let you know if it works!

Avon - posted on 02/11/2009

First... take her off of cows milk -

Second... Make a mix of equal parts Apple Juice, Apricot Nectar, and Prune Juice.  Hot or cold. 

Third... Fruit smoothies:  This one is my favorite: (blender)

 Soy milk, Yogurt, 1/2 a frozen banana, handful of frozen Blueberries, Flax seed meal,  Whey powder, & 1 tsp Metimucil.  If you want it to be a protein meal you may want to add some Egg Beater. 

I also have a small bathroom cup full of raw Almonds or Walnuts along side of it when it is a meal.

Holly - posted on 02/11/2009

Stop milk try 2nd stage formula my daughter would throw up the milk. Milk is not as good as it once was believed to be she may not be digesting it well enough, My daughter did not drink milk till 20 mos and it still not a favorite, she has never drank it out of a bottle sippy only so if your little one is still bottle feeding, milk may not agree with her digestive system yet good luck

Jangeline - posted on 02/11/2009

My friend had a similar problem with their daughter. After going to several doctors and nothing helped, she eventually went to a chiropractor and it did wonders! Baby is not longer constipated or has any bleeding or discomfort whatsoever! Try it! Its natural and no medication is necessary! Good luck!

Priscilla - posted on 02/11/2009

i think you should try a laxative, i did this with my son when he was a bebe, and once it all came out, i put Vasaline on his anus and kept doing that to ease the pain..i also got a q-tip and put vasaline on it and stuck it a little up his anus to lubricate it...this helped him alot.

Cris - posted on 02/11/2009

Quoting Maggie:

Seems like she might be lactose-intolerant. Try switching her to rice or soy milk, or goat milk. Cow's milk, or any animal milk, really, is not necessary to a healthy diet. 

Maggie I just wanted to tell you that my sons, (who is allergic to dairy ( not intolerant which is different )  G.I. Dr said that goat milk is to close to cow's milk & that if someone is allergic to dairy that they can't have it either. And you are right about that they are not necessary, but if someone does chose to use an alternative they should use soy not rice milk. It contains no nutrients or vitamans  or fiber that you would get from soy. I give my son Silk brand milk because it has added fiber, brain health or bone health in it. And yes there are cheaper brands out there, but I think that Silk is worth the price.

    Please don't take offence to my post, I just wanted to let everyone know about goats milk and how it is to close to cow's milk.

Cris

Trista - posted on 02/11/2009

I know something that works really well and you can get it from your health foods store or call around to a chiropractor;s office and see if they sell a product that is called CALM. It's in a powder form and you mix it with water. I used and still use it for my two ten year olds and my 17 month old. It's a magnesium supplement, completely natural, I love it.

Shannon - posted on 02/11/2009

My daughter has had the same issue! I would ask your Pediatrician if it doesn't resolve itself within a few days there might be some other options like "lactaid" milk or even Soy.
My daughter has gone to the GI Dr. and they just told me to give her 2 teaspoons of Milk of Magnesia a day, it has helped to soften it. Good luck to you and your Baby!

Cris - posted on 02/11/2009

Did you try dark karo syrup and water? Plus when it looks like she has to go put her in a warm tub of water at a littler higher than you normally would  and let her play. My now 14 yr old had bad constipation when I started him on whole milk. So much so that I had to try out 2 percent then eventually put him on skim milk and limit his dairy intake. Does any dairy allergies or intolerance run in your family? How does she act between a half hour to an  hour and a half after eating any dairy? If you don't know for sure you should start keeping a food diary for her for at least a week.  Write down what she ate, how much she ate and how she reacted or didn't react to it. When the week is up carefully look it over to see if you can see any clue that she might have a food allergy. My youngest son has a dairy allergy and this is what the dr told me to do and if you notice a difference when she has any dairy I would bring your notes to the dr and make him sit down with you and make him listen. It is very important for you daughter to be able  to want to go with out the fear so that she doesn't have any lasting problems from this. I hope this helps you.

Cris

Kim - posted on 02/11/2009

Has she ever had a problem with milk based products before? My oldest son was allergic to milk products and he had a lot of bleeding from his intestine. The doctors did every test they could because they thought something was terribly wrong with his intestine, but it turned out that his colon was just so irritated from the milk that he was bleeding.

Nita - posted on 02/11/2009

My 12 month old boy had the same problem for almost a week,i was really worried and sad everytime he needs to go to the bathroom.But all i did was to change his food and offer him more liquids in the day time,it was really a struggle but finally all went well.

best of luck to the lil angel.

Lori - posted on 02/11/2009

The bleeding concerns me. Is it from the stool being too hard or is it actually in the stool? If it's in the stool and her doctor is blowing it off, I'd go to a different doctor. Did you switch her too fast? When I weened my son off formula, I did it slowly. I began with replacing 1 oz of formula with 1oz milk for 3-5 days depending on his reaction and so on until it was all milk. If your child is lactose intolerant, you may want to try almond milk. You can get it at the regular grocery store either in the milk isle or the health food isle. There is not much difference in the taste and almond milk is so much better for you in general than cow's milk anyway. I am lactose intolerant myself and almond milk is the only thing I can drink without cramping up, becoming gassy, or having screaming diarrhea. 

User - posted on 02/11/2009

My daughter went throught the same thing when my pediatrician told me to give her cows milk... The anitial constipation turns into with holding and can become a viscous cycle if you don't get it under control. You need to make sure she get 10grams of fiber a day along with lots of fluid. I have also heard from some profesionals that Milk is not totally necessary with a well balanced diet. I don't know how I feel about that but I am sure there is some truth? Be careful with stool softeners she can become dependant if taken to long. But I think they are wonderful for a little while to get her over her fear of going. Fluids was the key for us. And reminding her to go usually 30min after a meal. we would read a book to help her relax... I have sepnt many hours on the floor of the bathroom reading to my girl:)

Ranae - posted on 02/11/2009

I went through this with my first daughter.  My pediatrician tried Miralax (powder) in her drinks and at 12 and 14 months she'd see it in the drink and say "YUK".  Then they tried a oily liquid (Karo syrup and mineral oil) and she'd see the oily slick and say "YUK."  We finally started giving mini bulb enimas (sp) and it really didn't help either (she could hold an enima for days... the dr. couldn't believe it).  This went on for months.  She'd go 6, 8, 10 and 14 days with no bowel movement - all the while being miserable.  When she finally didn't have a choice and couldn't hold it any longer it would hurt her soooo bad.  My ped really put me off and didn't think it was a big deal (I no longer see him).  On the day it was 14 days and she was in screaming pain, I got her into a pediatric gastroenterologist.  They said it was good I got her in because her bowel was stretched so large that it could have ruptured and she would have had to wear a bag for the rest of her life.  She is 9 years old now and still tries to hold it.  However, we can tell when this is happening and can tell her what she needs to do.  I'm not writing this to scare you... if you're getting a med and it works, great.  If it continues, I'd see a ped. gastroenterologist.  She was on a perscription for almost 2 years to try to get her regular (this med. didn't let her have a choice).  Good luck!

Julia - posted on 02/11/2009

Hi Tina

I have a really good friend that experienced the same thing with her 2.5 year old. She would have to leave work and pick him up from daycare sometimes because he was so miserable. To make a long story short, we found a company called Melaleuca who makes toxin free products for your home as well as healthy snacks and foods. They make a cereal bar called fiber wise that he eats and it has completely cured all of his constipation problems. It has been a blessing for her little guy and herself. I would love to share with you about the company that we found and what it can do for your daughter. You can reach me at 303-408-0717 or email me at juliawest@me.com

Rhonda - posted on 02/11/2009

I would get a second opinion pronto, if not take her to the ER, sorry but this stuff scares me. Mine had some issues with this at this age because they do learn to hold it in especially when they are potty training. Then the pain compounds the holding in. Although I dont recommend this, I got some lubricant and digitally removed some with my finger. But if she is bleeding alot, I def wouldnt do what I just mentioned. I think they have pediatric enema kits in the stores, like CVS.

Tami - posted on 02/11/2009

can you pump her fullof bananas? what about warm baths apple juice? none of my kids have had this issue but several friend have the child would hold it too cuz they didnt like feeling ofit.

Amanda - posted on 02/11/2009

My son had the same problem at around the same age. My doctor alo recommended that we try miralax. We gave it to him once a day in his juice. It helped tremendously. It softened things up so that he wasn't in pain. He took it for about 3 months. Ask your doctor if it would help. Good Luck!

Kristine - posted on 02/11/2009

I had the same problem with my little girl! I was told per my Dr. that giving her a little bit of Miralax would help her. I did the pruce juice, karo syrup in the bottle, and stimulating the rectum ( my mom's a nurse). I did everything I could think of. She is 22 months old now and every time she has trouble the Miralax is the trick. You should call your Dr. and ask about it.

Anne - posted on 02/11/2009

My 3 yr. old has been on Miralax for a year now and it works wonders for her. Her dosage is a 1/2 capful once a day with at least 4 oz. liquid. Her cousin is also on it and he was 10 mo. when started. I believe his dosage is 1/4 capful. I was at the Dr. today and she said Miralax is safe to use for an extended period of time. What's also nice is it's over the counter. The bleeding is a concern I would think. I would probably get a second opinion on that. Maybe polyps, or just thin lining. Better safe than sorry. Good luck. It's a horrible thing to have to deal with and it's so hard to help them.

Laura - posted on 02/11/2009

Whether it's constipation or diarhea, my naturopaths answer is always, more fiber!   That along with lots of fluids.

Elizabeth - posted on 02/11/2009

Go back to the pediatrician if their advice didn't work. There could be an obstruction that has to be carefully and delicately removed manually by a trained professional. Then get her off whole milk and go back to the formula for a few more months.

Maggie - posted on 02/11/2009

Seems like she might be lactose-intolerant. Try switching her to rice or soy milk, or goat milk. Cow's milk, or any animal milk, really, is not necessary to a healthy diet. 

Jessica - posted on 02/11/2009

Try adding blue berries or raisins to her diet - makes mine go....also I tried Camomile tea and it seemed to relax her tummy so that it was easy for her to go. 

Good Luck!

Megan - posted on 02/11/2009

My 16-month-old has had constipation issues for about 10 months now. I totally relate to you in being concerned for your little girlie! My daughter would be straining to poop for a large portion of the day, and it would sometimes take almost a week for her to get her poop out! And her poop is so hard, you wonder what's causing the constipation, and how to help her!

I've taken her to a GI doctor and have discussed it with her pediatrician as well, as I'm sure you've already done. Here is what they suggested to me:
-Limit foods that are "binding" (carrots, bananas, etc)
-Stay away from soy. I've found this to be helpful!
-At health food stores, like Whole Foods, they sell whole milk that is "non-homogenized" which means that the fat of the milk settles on top. You'll have to shake the milk well yourself before giving it to your girlie, but it's a lot easier on the stomach. It is pricier than homogenized but MAN has it helped!
-Lastly, our doctor told us to go ahead and try "Mirilax". I hated the idea of this alternative because I didn't like the idea of giving her medicine, esp. one that's not directly recommended for babies, but her doctor did say that giving it to her was alright. THIS WORKED THE BEST. She now has very soft stools and isn't straining ALL day long to poop! I give this to her about once every 3 days in a cup of juice mixed with water, or in her milk. Works wonders!

I hope you can find a solution that works for you! Keep us posted if you do. :)

Becky - posted on 02/11/2009

When I started my little one on milk I had to go with 2% because whole hurt her stomach. I seen someone said something about tearing the anus. Those do hurt and will bleed. If that is the case you need to keep her stools soft for awhile for it to heal. If it was me i would take her back to the doc or at least call and get an okay to use Miralax. My oldest used that and it works great.

Rochelle - posted on 02/11/2009

Have you asked your doctor about mineral oil? Also, when our son was constipated as a toddler, our recommended prune juice mixed with lemon-lime soda (about half and half). It worked for us...

Andrea - posted on 02/11/2009

two of my three daughters had the same problem.  their dr. had me put them on Miralax which is a powder and tasteless laxative that can go in their milk.  It use to be prescription but is now sold OTC.  You may want to check with your pediatrician to see if this works.  I generally don't like to take medicine but prune juice didn't work for us either. 

Katrina - posted on 02/11/2009

When my children were babies, I used a table spoon of Karo syrup to one 8 oz. bottle of formula or milk. And would wait to see if that worked. Usually it did. If it didn't work, I would do another bottle the next day and by then it helped. If your child is severly constipated though, I think I would take the baby to the doctor.

Mary Catherine - posted on 02/11/2009

Is she bleeding from the anus because the stool is so hard and it slightly tears her anus coming out? Or is the blood from her intestine? (This could be an internal problem, such as a kinked colon.) She is possibly lactose intolerant, hence the constipation. Yogurt is good for colon health. I think she is too young to be "holding it". Another suggestion is to try soy milk.

Tiffany - posted on 02/11/2009

It could be that she is so severly constipated that not all the stool is able to get out and thats why it isnt hard because it is just the little bit that is able to get around the hardened stool that is backed up.I used infant supositories on my son when he was less then a month old because he had problems going and really wasnt able to until he was 2 months old.I think that had more to do with his sphynctir muscle not being able to work properly.But now he is 5 years old and still has some problems with constipation and uses Miralax...dont know the age requirements for it so I am not sure if your daughter would be able to use it...I would definately talk to her Dr. again and see what he says and if he says nothing different then see another doctor maybe.Dont know how much of this will be of any help but I hope you get things back to normal for her...oh..maybe you should consider another milk..maybe 2%..I know drs and such always say to give them whole milk but maybe thats just to much or something.Best of luck to you and your little girl!