Preteen Constipation and Encopresis Guide
"I Poop at School."
Be fore we get to the guide, let's take a detour and interview a 10-year-old:
"I have constipation, and I poop at school."
Interview with a 10-year-old.
Introducing a remarkably talented preteen!
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The student we interviewed was laid-back and really fun to talk to.
We asked him what he thought of the article we were writing for our website.
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We showed him our draft version.
He basically said we have to call it what it is.
We asked him what bothered him about his constipation.
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He reported that he feels that he needs to go all the time.
According to him, toilet seats tend to be hard and leave body marks.
We asked him for his thoughts on our
Constipation Guide.
Preteen Constipation and Encopresis Guide
Parents may read this too:
A Constipation and Fecal Incontinence Guide
How to use this guide:
- Please read this guide from beginning to end, as every section is important.
- Please also share this guide with your parents.
- We color-coded the sections so that after you have read it through the first time, you can easily jump to the sections you want to read again.
- We recommend you read it through several times, because every time you read it, something else may jump out at you.
- We use the black and white skateboard whenever we provide suggestions.
- We use the sunset skateboard when we share important facts.
- When the picture moves as you scroll, then there is a slide deck:
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What is constipation?
Constipation is when you have difficulty pooping.
How do I know if I have constipation?
We have a checklist you can use to see if you have constipation. Sometimes it is difficult to know. You can also take this check list to your doctor.
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You have had difficulty having a bowel movement for as long as you can remember.
You cannot feel when you need to go.
What other symptoms can also be a sign of constipation?
You are frequently not hungry.
You are so tired of it, you feel like you want to hide your soiled clothes.
Kids dislike it. Constipation, they say, makes them:
Feel really stressed,
Some feels it is their fault.
Drop In Suggestions
When you feel really bad,
It also helps to go play with your favourite pet.
Trictionary Facts:
More on constipation
You are not the only one with constipation.
Did you know, constipation can be the cause of urine leakage too.
What causes constipation?
The number one contributing factor:
It's possible that you have a medical issue, so it is good to go see your doctor.
Trictionary Fact:
-The constipation is not your fault-
Anatomy: What happens in my body when I have constipation?
Remember, constipation is when you don't poop well.
When you don't poop well, poop starts building up in your large intestine.
The poop that piles up, makes your large intestine...
and this is why your problem don't seem to go away.
Anatomy: What will happen in my body when I get better?
After a while, when you have been able to keep the bottom part of your colon empty,
But it may take time.
Anatomy: What happens in my body when my bladder is also leaking?
The reason some kids have urine leakage too,
due to constipation.
Anatomy: What happens in my body to help me believe that the leakage is not my fault?
Why you can not stop the leakage, even if you try:
Your body can’t just stop the leaking. Just like when you have diarrhea.
It's like how ice cubes can't stop water from moving around them.
Why you can not feel the leakage:
The leakage is the same temperature as your skin, so you can't feel it. If it was cold, you would have felt it.
Just like your body has gotten used to the smell, and you don't smell yourself anymore.
Why you do not have the urge to go anymore:
Because your large intestine...
and now the nerves are having difficulty signaling an urge to you.
Trictionary Facts:
We have a constipation buster plan.
Before we start explaining the plan, we have to let you know:
You can retrain your body to make things better!
but it is better to treat it.
But the plan requires courage!
It is quite hard to treat it, we know,
but if you take one step at a time, you will get there.
Our Constipation Buster Plan.
But wait!!
Trictionary Facts:
Scientists have found the best way to improve bowel movements, and it all comes down to how you sit and push.
A: First, learn how to sit on the toilet correctly.
First, find a box to use as a footstool. Place it in front of your toilet.
Next, relax your whole body, even your face and jaw.
Second, learn how to do belly big, belly round.
While in that squatting position,
Before we go on, we need to teach you something cool.
Third, learn that it is all about using the right words!
When you push, you need to use the right words,
Practise that. It is better to say the words out loud, but saying it in your mind may also work.
Fourth, learn that the push should be short and slow.
Begin by doing a short "dragon poo" push. And then wait!
You want to avoid straining.
Fifth, understand that this may take time.
Remember, you are training your body.
Make sure you do not sit on the toilet for more than 5 - 10 minutes and remember, don't strain.
Drop In Suggestions
You need wiping tips!
First, you need supplies, so go get the help of a parent.
Remember, even if you wear pull-ups, wear clean clothes every day - including shirt and socks.
B. Find a bowel routine.
Our bowels works best when it has its own special time during each day.
Choose a time in the day after a meal that will work best for you.
C. If you can, do these exercises on your way to the restroom.
Walk - take the long way to the restroom and swing your arms.
Karate kicks
D. Focus on your stomach
Start with at least one portion of vegetables and fruits a day.
Aim to drink 7 - 8 cups of fluids each day, primarily water.
Looking after your stomach also includes:
Trying to feel when you need to go.
Your tummy loves it when you relax in nature.
More exercises to:
1. Make your intestines move.
2. Send blood flow to them so they work better.
3. Strengthen your core.
Run whenever you can.
Your constipation coaching team:
What happens when you see your doctor?
First, the doctor investigates.
First, the doctor will evaluate you,
Please feel free to ask your questions.
Trictionary Facts:
X-rays are not just for bones.
You can see constipation on an X-ray!
The doctor may send you for an X-ray of your belly.
Second, the doctor, you, and your parents will develop a plan for your constipation.
Your doctor may start with a clean-out:
Your doctor may suggest a clean-out to get rid of the constipation.
After the cleanout, your doctor may suggest a maintenance program:
The maintenance program may include a few more cleanouts.
to shrink your colon.
It can also help to see a pelvic floor therapist.
Let's look at what the first visit may look like.
First the therapist will evaluate you.
They may evaluate your stomach.
Later visits:
We will teach you anatomy in a fun way.
computer screen how you pelvic floor muscles work.
I do not feel comfortable seeing my doctor or a pelvic floor therapist. What do I do?
Ask your parents to find you a therapist who is comfortable working with kids,
Pelvic floor therapists like to play and working with kids, so that helps a lot.