POOP.
That's right. We finally had people who specialize in poop issues talk with us about the poop.
We found out some great things to pass along to those parents who are struggling with poop issues and toddlers.
Here are some of the things we found out:
1) If your toddler hides and yells at you while he is pooping, that is because he needs to focus on keeping it in and getting through the stomach cramping... leave him be...2) Most toddlers who have held in the poop since birth, do have hard dry poop as toddlers when they finally go (their rectum enlarges, so they don't get the normal " I have to poop" trigger like most of us, and the colon is doing its work... drying it out). OH FYI the rectum will shrink back to normal size on the inside after time...
3) In order to help your child you have to give them something to soften poop (almost to runny liquid) and build it back to a more toothpaste type consistency. The doctor told us to give Madelynn Miralax 2 times a day (starting with a larger dose the first three days, then reducing it every three days until her poop has the right consistency).
4) Solving a severe poop issue can take years and it definitely needs the assistance of a great pediatric gastro doctor.
5) Consistency with rewards and praise when your child goes!
6) Keep a schedule for your child so they try and sit on the potty three times a day just to try and poop... reward for sitting on potty for one minute, reward again for actually going... We have Madelynn sit on the potty first thing in the AM, after lunch, and before bed time.
7) Keep the child in school/ day care and have them stay on the routine all the time.
8) Enlist a great support network to help (Maddy has the most wonderful teachers at preschool that keep track of everything and are helping us while she is there).
9) Don't be afraid to have your child wear pull ups for a while while using something to soften the poop!
10) remember this too shall pass (lol, pun was SO intended)... Don't give up!
So far, Maddy is doing well with the schedule. Phillip went and bought her a potty time log book. If she sits on the potty she gets one sticker, if she goes poopy she gets a second sticker. She keeps the log in her back pack and she brings it back and forth between school and home. And we see the specialists again for the poop in three months. I am so happy we took her in, because now we can see the light at the end of the crap tunnel.
However....
The doctors did find that Madelynn's anemia is not connected to the constipation. So, they are running blood tests (6 to be very specific) to see what may be causing her anemia. They are checking her for everything under the sun... The waiting is KILLIN' ME. KILLIN' ME... I want answers NOW... but when I called yesterday (yes I am THAT mom) they told me they were waiting for a couple more tests to get back and I should call back on Friday. That is tomorrow, people! FOR CRY EYE! I WANT ANSWERS NOW!
Anyway, they are checking to see if she has celiac disease, kidney issues, her red blood count, production of red blood cells, plasma, and white cells and white cell production--- along with a few other things.
Thank you to everyone who has kept Madelynn in their thoughts and prayers! We definitely appreciate it.
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