Re: ocd and BM trouble

[Guest guest]

Medications can affect the digestive system

one way or another. What came to mind is to address this as you would a diet

issue, increase fruits and fiber. Perhaps oatmeal in the morning and an apple

each day could make going to the bathroom much easier. If that doesn't work then

even more interventions. More water a day or increasing fiber more. You can cut

out

crackers or other white flour type foods if he eats a lot of them.

Your goal is to get going to the bathroom easier and quicker. You

need to supervise this. Look at it like potty training again.

Go back to sticker charts and going over step by step hygiene.

And even if he doesn't like sticker charts and so on. I would

do it anyway.

As far as smelling his hands, it is a habit perhaps more than

a ritual. It didn't sound like a ritual. The bathroom issue

affects the family and hygiene so much more I would not

focus on this. Although anytime he doesn't touch and smell I would praise that

behavior. And ignore it when he does for now.

To reduce tantrums I have found keeping to a set schedule helps

and reducing transitions and change. Keep bedtime the same everynight.

Keep a time for TV (short) and playing set. Leave lots of time to

get ready for bed. Keep dinner time the same.

Was there a major change in your child's behavior? Was

he a typical child at one point and then developed these

issues, or do you suspect he has developmental issues

in general. It makes a difference in treatment. Although

it is difficult to generalize.

I think the behaviors can be brought under control even if anxiety persists.

good luck,

Pam

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> Anyone have a child who struggled with going BM? My seven year old has even

been using his fingers to help it out. Then he wipes his hands and bottom on the

rugs and even on the floor register. Next he has to shower afterwards everytime.

All the lights have to be on in the bathroom. Before he was soiling his pants

now the smearing of BM. He also smells his fingers and hands after touching

objects. He has major tantrums when he doesn't get things he wants. He throws

things and screams and kicks. He is just miserable and our life has been a mess

for months now. He is on meds but I wonder if they could be making him worse?

What can we do? I think he has ASP with OCD and tics which came on after strep.

His behaviors just keep getting worse.

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