Here is a recent note I received from one of my wonderful patients, who suggested I post her experience as a blog. So here it is.
My daughter has been on medication for a year now to solve this problem, here is what our Dr. Deb recommended and for the most part, it works…
Karo syrup…1 tablespoon full a day. (the sugar pulls the water into the bowl so that the poop stays softer), you can add this to water.
Increase the fiber (2 reasons, 1 constipation and 2 diverticulitis a condition that happens in your bowls when you do not get enough fiber) So Metamucil will help out there or you can just increase the fruit and vegetables in his diet, also think about raisin bran crunch for breakfast.
Also most children are not drinking enough water especially the little ones, without water the stools become very acidic and will start rashing and sore little buns.
Dr. Deb gave us some Calendula cream that cleared up the sore buns as well.
If you are in the middle of a constipation episode, you could try a combination of equal parts prune juice and 7-up. The kids think it tastes like Dr. Pepper.
We started giving this to my little girl 2 months ago and we have not had to give her any more medications. With these tips you should be able to start tracking your child’s bowl movements. Keep track of them, and discuss them with your doctor. If things do not clear up with natural remedies, you may need some prescription. So keeping track is essential if further help is needed..
Dr. Deb also suggested of course watching the diet, try adding dried fruits like figs, apricots, and prunes for a snack, at her age they are really sweet and he may like them. They are full of fiber..Fiber is the biggest factor here. She needs plenty.
Thanks Dr. Deb, Allison and Miko