I realize that I haven't been keeping up with my updates on Klaire and her anal stenosis (one day I am sure she will be horrified that I wrote about her "poo poo problems"). After receiving a comment to the post on her anal stenosis I realized there was quite alot I should share for those parent's dealing with this issue.
Klaire was able to end her dilating around 1 1/2 years old. From time to time till she was 2 1/2, I did have to occasionally dilate her when she went for several days without a BM. I always could tell when it was coming. Caution- bathroom issues about to be discussed. The onset of constipation was easy to tell. She would have BM's but they would more like rabbit pellets. She would strain terribly and usually start to cry from the pain. This would go on for a few days to a week ( a few times 2 weeks) before it would "break through" as I call it, when a massive explosion would occur and she would be able to pass her BM, but this was also painful for her. The Cause: In short, it was either me forgetting to give her Calm or Myralax for a day. Sometimes it would be related to eating to many crackers or getting gummies. But it did seem that if I was consistant with her "poo poo juice" as we call it (Calm or Miralax) these episodes would be few and far between.
She would visit her pediatric sugreon once a year from 2 years on. We were told that surgery might still be an option depending on how and if she was able to potty train. Potty training came very quickly to her. She was able to have a better BM experience by using the potty, and I was very thankful that she didn't have to many problems- at first. We had many relaps where she would rather wear diapers so she could poop in them instead of using the toilet- this was mainly because it was easier for her to stand and get her BM out. So many thrown away panties and relying on pull ups at times was necessary. But the good news is today- at almost 5 years old- we have very few problems. She is completely potty trained- night time included. One thing I have been very cautious with is the time frame of giving her "poo poo juice". If I know we are going out- to the store, church, library, co-op, what ever- I wait to give her the juice till we get home. It works quickly and gives her little warning time to get to a bathroom, so I certainly don't want to embarrass her by having an accident.
As far as medicine and food goes.... She has been on Miralax- the generic form- for several years now. Natural Calm works when the Miralax doesn't. But I have found at times her body becomes immune to one of them, and then I have to switch. I am thankful that something does work for her though. She takes a more than adult dose everyday with juice- thus the name "poo poo juice". We have to be careful that she doesn't get to many foods that are gummy- like gummy bears or snacks, or twizzlers. She cannot take gummy vitamins, and we do not do chewing gum yet. She has gotten better at tolerating grains, but we still have to be careful with processed crackers like saltines, Ritz, or cheese its. Bran muffins are great and so is oatmeal. Both seem to really help in keeping her moving. My biggest issue right now is getting her to drink enough liquids during the day. We play a water race, to try and encourage the kids to drink their bottles of water, but she doesn't really care to win at this point. So I have to make her drink it by with holding computer, outside time, tv, etc. till she gets it down- and it works.
She will hopefully be released from her pediatric surgeon this next visit. Since we have had a good year with no major flare ups. One thing they said they could do if she had accidents, was to install a permantant place to give an enema in her belly button where she could flush out her bowels daily. Doesn't sound like a good thing to me, and thankfully at this point it is not even an option for us. I am thankful we homeschool. It would have been very difficult on her to have went to school of any kind with the issues that she has from time to time. They are not bad these days, but on occasion she has an accident, and this may go on for a few more years.
In summary....What helps
Natural Calm
Miralax
Probotics
Oatmeal- the slow cooking kind
Bran Muffin
Lots of water
Hope this helps! Please email me if you have further questions about what your child is dealing with. I will help any way I can. My email is shanamullis21@gmail.com
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