Chronic constipation and 2 years of taking daily supositories.

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi, my 9 year old daughter seems to have been constipated most of her life! She also has learning difficulties and hates going to the toilet. She'd much rather mess herself. She also won't tell me when she's done it and sometimes she's not aware herself.
She has been on movicol since she was 3. She was put on daily suppositories 2 years ago. Before that, she was having accidents up to 8 times a day, just leakage really. Since being on medication, she only rarely messes herself. About once every 2 weeks.
I'm a bit concerned that she's been on this medication for so long. I recently tried to wean her off the medication. She did well for the fist week, but is now very constipated again.
She eats plenty of fruit and veg but doesn't drink enough. At school, she usually comes home with 3/4 of her water left in her bottle. She prefers milk but it's hard to keep it cool at school. She is also over weight, so I don't really want her drinking too much milk.
Every review we've had, they say "If the medication is working well, we'll keep her on it". I was told when she first started the suppositories 2 years ago that this could only be a short term solution to kick start her in to a regular pattern, as it can make her bowel lazy.
I'm really not sure what to do now. I've re-started the suppositories, as I have to try to get her over this constipation. Is there anything more natural I could try?
Thanks.

[cakeymccakington]

have you tried excluding anything from her diet? food intolerances can cause the symptoms you describe

[DikTrom]

Have you considered buying a Contigo West Loop Autoseal travel mug as they keep drinks cold for up to 12 hours. You can buy them on Amazon. They are expensive but very sturdy. Then you will be able to give her milk to school which would hopefully make her drink more. Maybe over time you could dilute the milk with a bit of water or put ice cubes in.

Some fruit and veg, like bananas and carrots can also cause constipation. Does she get enough exercise?

[mummyloveslucy]

Thank you both. I didn't know a food intolerance could cause this! I'll look in to that. I'll buy one of those mugs too. Thank you.

I had no idea that carrots could cause constipation! I knew about bananas. She probably doesn't get enough exercise to be honest. She runs about at school but apart from going on walks with us, she doesn't get much. She refuses to take part in anything after school. She does use her trampoline in the garden but she's quite limited to what she can do as she has very poor co-ordination and balance.

[mummyloveslucy]

I have just ordered her that travel mug.

Could I take her somewhere to be tested for intolerances?

[mummyloveslucy]

I am going to have my daughter and myself allergy/ intolerance tested. Is there anything else anyone can think of?

[Waltonswatcher]

Yes there is !
Keep a food diary for a two weeks . This may turn up a link between the food in and out .
Is there are food she craves ?

[cakeymccakington]

there isn't really a test for intolerances. they rely mainly on parental observation unfortunately. it isn't like an allergy where you're looking for an immune response.

common culprits though are dairy (could be linked to why she likes milk so much, children often crave the food they're intolerant to) or soya or wheat/gluten