Refusing to poop but in SO much pain - HELP!

acia · May 2011

We're going through a really difficult time over here.... DD is refusing to poop - she's only pooped 3 times in the last month! This all started about a month ago when she had a really bad stomach bug, and had diarrhea and an upset tummy. I think she started associating poop with pain, because now even though her tummy is fine, she won't go. She's not constipated (it's not hard) but is actually afraid to go - she won't even try to push. She just grabs her tummy a few times a day and wails "pooooooo" and starts crying - but won't go. Eventually after 5-7 days of no poop, her body will just take over and she'll go, but she screams and cries and tries to hold it in the whole time!

We've had her on a high-fiber diet, probiotics, she drinks lots of water, and we've tried all the tricks to keep her poop soft (and it works - it just hasn't helped her get over this issue). We've also tried glycerin suppositories, and again, they work, but she screams and fights it the entire time, and it ends up being a really traumatic experience for everyone.

Oh, and I should say that she had been pooping on the potty for a few weeks before this all started, but now won't even try to push on the potty (or in her diaper), even though she still pees on the potty just fine.

Does anyone have any advice? It's terrible watching her go through this, and it's starting to consume our whole lives... I'm at such a loss of what to do to help her!

dunvilles · May 2011

Get a book about going to the potty. Read it with enthusiasm about going "poo". Also, tell her if you or daddy have to go poo and be really enthusiastic about it.

You might try rubbing vaseline on her rectum to stimulate her to go. Could she have a hemmeroid? (sp?) massage her belly when she says "pooooooooooooo" and is in pain. Speak gently to her and tell her its ok.

Poor little girl and parents. I hope you all find something that works! GL!

StrawberryAlarmClock · May 2011

Poor sweetie. Has she been checked for a fissure or hemorrhoid? Does she have a rash on the inside? You know when you have particularly caustic diarrhea and it burns your skin? Could that have happened? If all is well, then it's a psychological issue and pushing it will only make it worse. I agree with PP who said to talk up your poo. Also, is there something special she can have while she's on the potty? Not necessarily a treat or reward for actually going but a favorite toy to distract her or look forward to? I'm sorry. Poor little angel. Best of luck!

Jake's Mom · May 2011

Honestly, I think you should just not worry about it to a degree or act like you aren't worried about it. Keep mental tabs or write down when she goes and how often, but don't talk to her about it. If it isn't so hard that it physically hurts her to go and stays or is soft when she goes I would just let it be.

Maybe talking about it is making her anxious.

**This comes from a mom of a baby with her anus in the wrong place when she was born, so I know about pooping and pain.

On the other hand if it continues and she is telling you she is in a lot of pain I would take her to the doctor if it persists, perhaps there is an intestinal issue going on.

dunvilles · May 2011

Jake's Mom:

Honestly, I think you should just not worry about it to a degree or act like you aren't worried about it. Keep mental tabs or write down when she goes and how often, but don't talk to her about it. If it isn't so hard that it physically hurts her to go and stays or is soft when she goes I would just let it be.

Maybe talking about it is making her anxious.

**This comes from a mom of a baby with her anus in the wrong place when she was born, so I know about pooping and pain.

On the other hand if it continues and she is telling you she is in a lot of pain I would take her to the doctor if it persists, perhaps there is an intestinal issue going on.

I understand what this person is saying to a degree... but not talking about it won't help the situation. From what OP said, her DD is scared now to poo because of a bad experience. Not talking about it won't make her less scared.

Kids love positive reinforcement. I'm sure she'd love reading a book with you about going potty and hearing praise from you when she does.

GL

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