how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

My 7 yr old has a hard poo in there and can't pass it because it hurts. We've gave him 3 Pedia-Lax chewable tablets (magnesium hydroxide) last night (saline laxative) that says it works in 1/2 to 6 hours. Nothing yet. 3 more this morning. He drinks at least 8 oz. of water with them. Yesterday earlier in the day I had given him natural calm (magnesium citrate) and also some Citrucel (fiber bulking agent). He has tried several times but it won't come out or hurts too much.
Suggestions? I've read that stimulant laxatives can cause cramping and force out a painful one (which can cause further fear, etc.). Is it time for an enema? He's even been to swimming lessons this morning and the cool water apparently didn't stimulate him.

Re: how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

Warm Epsom salt bath with lots of Epsom salt. Warm up the mag drinks and give warm tea. U can also use a stool softener, or do a large cap full of Miramax. Once he goes keep giving him mag for a few weeks to make sure everything gets out.

Re: how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

That happened before when one of mine was younger and ended up having to lie on side in warm tub and uh poop in there.Of course had to well shower him and scrub tub right after

Re: how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

a suppository will soften the stool to make it easier to pass, but that is up to you if you want to go that route.

Re: how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

is that the same as Miralax? dh at store now....

---------- Post added at 11:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:13 AM ----------

I explained suppositories and enemas to him and he seems open to the idea! :shrug3 Just think that will change once we're doing it! so want to try other routes first...

Re: how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

I would use suppositories with caution they really burn!

Re: how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

thanks! good to know. I wonder if the Pedia-Lax brand suppositories don't burn.?
do you mean the glycerin suppositories or are you referring to enemas that burn?

Re: how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

The glycerin suppositories

Re: how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

ack sorry, yes mira LAX not miramax. and yes sometimes telling them tojust poop in the tub is much easier on them.

Re: how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

I have given a plenty of suppositories and never have heard of them burning....hmmm

Re: how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

they can burn. i don't know if it is a certain type or what but it doesn't make the process eaiser for a child

Re: how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

I wonder if it just glycerin?? I have given dulcolaxx and other medicated types.....hmm new to me and been a RN for 23 years.....

Re: how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

so are you saying the don't typically burn? Maybe it's the insertion itself that is uncomfortable? I remember getting enemas as a kid and hating it but don't remember details...

Re: how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

No the glycerin burns like fire after it melts - this has been my own experience and when tried to use with kids

Re: how to help 7 yr pass hard BM
 

It may be the insertion itself that is the burning not the medication.....if you do go the enema or suppository route make sure you use something to lubricate the enema or supp.