Re: constipation help again please!

[Guest guest]

I don't have any specific tips but you may look to the para/quadriplegic

community. This is also a problem for paralyzed people, they lose abdominal and

intestinal muscle tone ( = constipation). I know this may be yucky but many have

to use digital stimulation (think rectal thermometer for babies) to stimulate

the bowel. I have worked with several patients that had to use these measures to

keep things moving.

HTH

Martha

Amy <acdudick@...> wrote:

I was hoping someone could help. I have tried almost everything. My

apraxic 4 year 9 month old son is chronically constipated. I have him on POM

juice every day, pear juice, fruit, veges, etc. The doctor originally gave me a

prescription for a powder fiber. I really don't like to use it because his tummy

bloats way out when I give it to him. I have used the Milk of Mag. I've heard

others recommend on the list. I'm just at a loss. I took him to my doctor who is

more proactive than the peds office. He ran every test including food allergies

and came up with nothing. I don't give him milk. The doctor wants to send him to

a pediatric GI doctor. Has anyone had to do this?? Does anyone know why kids

with apraxia tend to be constipated??

Thanks for your help!

Amy D

[Guest guest]

Is he eating high-fiber foods and drinking plenty of water? So far,

these old standbys have worked great for us. When I do feel I have

to help things along, I give my son prunes, either cut up with

raisins or pureed and mixed with applesauce or pear sauce. You

could also blend the baby food prunes into a smoothie. Earth's Best

makes one mixed with oatmeal. I like to stick to healthy techniques

whenever possible, and this next thought kind of violates that, but

sometimes caffeine stimulates bowel movements. Maybe a cup of hot

chocolate or tea or even a very weak cafe au lait every once in a

while?

>

> I was hoping someone could help. I have tried almost everything.

My apraxic 4 year 9 month old son is chronically constipated. I

have him on POM juice every day, pear juice, fruit, veges, etc. The

doctor originally gave me a prescription for a powder fiber. I

really don't like to use it because his tummy bloats way out when I

give it to him. I have used the Milk of Mag. I've heard others

recommend on the list. I'm just at a loss. I took him to my doctor

who is more proactive than the peds office. He ran every test

including food allergies and came up with nothing. I don't give him

milk. The doctor wants to send him to a pediatric GI doctor. Has

anyone had to do this?? Does anyone know why kids with apraxia tend

to be constipated??

>

> Thanks for your help!

>

> Amy D

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Amy and Martha!

Amy not sure if you read the entire Dr. Adam's " prescription " for

constipation -but it's below in the archives. Let me know if you

tried all of what is below, and has your son seen a

gastroenterologist yet? If you have the money I'd even say it's

worth flying to West Palm Beach Florida (airport right there and

it's a nice one too) to see him -he is that awesome and helped my

son Tanner that much.

Tanner's pediatric gastroenterologist

Lawrence MD

5325 Greenwood Ave

West Palm Beach Florida

561 840 1960

Re: -constipation remedy besides POM?

Hi !

The MD I recommend is located in Palm Beach Florida -but what he

recommended is almost all in the archives below. Tanner has

had 'NO' issues at all with constipation for the past two years

other than when we flew into NY for the Holidays this year as I

posted and he didn't have his Pom juice for a few days. Then we

used the Milk of Magnesia once -got him back on POM -and once again

he's regular again. Next time I'm packing the Pom juice with us!

http://www.pomwonderful.com/

As far as what we did -that's all in the past too. Today other than

Pom juice every day (just a bit -he doesn't appear to need lots for

it to work) Tanner eats normally -other than of course he takes his

fish oil every day!

But we did what Dr. said to get him to where he is today.

(and thank goodness without any drugs other than MOM!)

Here's the archive on this -let me know if your friend has any

questions:

From: " kiddietalk " <kiddietalk@...>

Date: Mon Apr 26, 2004 10:52 pm

Subject: Re: constipation - what kind of nectar?

Hi Tricia -sorry I missed your call and not sure if it's too late to

call you now.

We mainly use pear nectar and fruit cups, and papaya nectar and Dole

Fruit 'n Gels®, Reduced Sugar, Papaya in Peach Gel

Problem is even though they are still in our stores here in Florida -

I don't see them on the Dole website which means they may be

discontinued and soon to be missing from store shelves? (NO!)

http://www.dole.com/foodservice/products/pack.fruitngel.jsp

I had asked Tanner's doctor, Dr. why more MDs don't recommend

nutritional

interventions to the constipation and he said " And how long did I

just spend with you? " Yes it took a few hours! Anyway -you guys can

know all I do in a few minutes -(the time it takes to write a

prescription)

and just in case you are interested -

I have Dr. contact information below. I highly recommend him.

Lawrence MD (pediatric gastroenterologist MD)

5325 Greenwood Ave

West Palm Beach Florida

561 840 1960

Here are a few archives with more information on this.

From: " kiddietalk " <kiddietalk@...>

Date: Sat Feb 7, 2004 7:19 pm

Subject: Re: high fiber regression/constipation

Hi Joanne,

I first thought of aloe too, and then found the senna tea to work

for Tanner, but when I posted it here was told how bad senna is for

children and especially with long term use. (thank you!!)

The advice I heard here was confirmed by Tanner's pediatric

gastroenterologist Dr. from West Palm Beach Florida.

Dr. who told me that senna, and harsh stimulants like it

(which include aloe) are harsh on the body, and that they may work

for a bit, but you will gradually need more and more for it to

work.

Dr. advised me that the gentlest laxative is the Milk

of Magnesia because it just draws moisture to the bowels and works

the most like mother nature. Tanner likes the cherry flavored Milk

of Magnesia. MOM is " stimulant free "

" ' Milk of Magnesia has provided effective, stimulant-free

relief of constipation for over 125 years. Unlike some other

laxatives, doctor recommended ' Milk of Magnesia does not

contain the harsh stimulants that can cause pain and cramping. When

taken at a lower dose, ' can also be used for fast-acting

relief of acid indigestion, sour stomach, and heartburn. Available

in Mint, Cherry, and Original formulas. "

http://www.bayercare.com/htm/philmom.htm

And what you need to read about aloe:

FDA Rules that Aloe & Cascara Are Not Safe as Stimulant Laxatives

Date

November 20, 2002

Details

The FDA issued a final ruling on Nov 5, 2002, stating that the

stimulant laxative ingredients aloe (including extract and flower

extract) and cascara sagrada (including all fluidextracts, bark and

casanthranol) in over-the-counter drug products are not generally

recognized as safe and effective or are misbranded. The FDA pointed

out that there is inadequate data on the toxicity of aloe and

cascara sagrada. These products have not been shown to be safe and

effective for their intended use. These ingredients should be

eliminated from general use within 180 days

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/12015.cfm

" herbal teas containing senna, aloe, buckthorn, and other plant-

derived laxatives that, when consumed in excessive amounts, can

cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, chronic

constipation, fainting, and perhaps death. "

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/teatime/597_tea.html

And again -an archive about what the traditional gastroenterologist

Dr. " prescribed " for Tanner which is working (just wish he

didn't have to drink nectar every day!):

" This also may have to do with some signaling problem or motor

planning aspect. Not sure -but who cares when anyone just about

anywhere can pick up pear nectar or Dole papaya fruit and gel

bowls! This works -and we love Dr. !!

> Today I took Tanner to see pediatric gastroenterologist Lawrence

> MD from Palm Beach Florida for Tanner's problem with

> constipation which we have been trying to help him with now for

the

> past 5 years or more with various MDs (Tanner is now 7) Up till

now

> nobody has wanted to put Tanner on medications -and since we've

> moved we haven't taken Tanner to see his NJ/NY MDs. I highly

> recommend Dr. if you are in Florida in that he took over an

> hour with us -was excellent with Tanner (very funny) and was very

> open to discussing off the wall theories on constipation in

apraxic

> children -a best kept secret even though it's known for autism.

Dr.

> has many patients with special needs -some with severe CP

> whose parents have to blend fruits for their constipation that

they

> can put through their feeding tube.

>

> Here is a brief summery from the prescription he gave me:

>

> Diet: Nectars (fruit juices) Papaya, pear, apricot (if he can

> stand it -can mix with others but try plain nectar first)

> * prune juice -can be mixed with orange juice (since most kids

don't

> like it)

>

> exotic fruits- figs, dates, apricot, papaya (papaya underlined

> twice) (if he can stand it -like the nectars -these work wonders

he

> said)

>

> limit -banana, apple, rice, dairy

>

> Milk of Magnesia 2-3 tablespoons with glass of water any time he

> skips 1 day. Works 4-8 hours.

>

> Behavior Modification -10 minutes daily -no distractions. Use

> calendar stickers -every week reward for amount of BMs

> 2/ week something small

> 3-4 medium

> 5-7 large reward

>

> Dr. said that there is a chance that the problem could be

> motor planning -but he can't fix that -his goal is to get Tanner

on

> a schedule for a long period of time so that he starts going

> automatically. He doesn't want me to use the Nature's Tea due to

> the senna in it -said it can cause dependence in long term use,

and

> said that due to what I reported with Tanner's regression with too

> much fiber not to use high fiber either. He said it is possible

> that the fiber is cutting short the fatty acids in the gut. "

From: " kiddietalk " <kiddietalk@...>

Date: Wed Dec 3, 2003 9:37 pm

Subject: Re: constipation/ new info on Probiotic -

Hi -lots more on this in the archives. Dr. is a

traditional pediatric gastroenterologist MD too -go figure!

Lawrence MD

5325 Greenwood Ave

West Palm Beach Florida

561 840 1960

Tanner is picky about which nectar he'll drink or it's " ewww " he

loves the pear nectar from a company from Belgium called Looza which

I'm dreading our local stores stop stocking and have already spoken

personally to about 4 store managers to beg them to keep carrying

it, and a papaya nectar from s " all natural " that looks like

someone bottles it in their garage and drives it to the store

themselves -not sure if it's distributed anywhere else:

s Tropical Plantation

6550 Okeechobee Blvd

West Palm Beach, FL 33411-2798

United States

Mr. Henry s

President

Tel: 561-683-4701

Fax: 561-683-4993

Hey just looked up Looza online and apparently it's owned by

Tropicana which is not far from me either!

http://www.copyshark.com/samples/TropWSamples2.html

I send Tanner to school with these little cans of Libby pear nectar

and a dole fruit and gel with papaya (that he actually likes but is

now getting sick of)

We give him some nectar for breakfast, some for lunch -at least

twice a day. Speaking of bananas which he used to love -I stopped

buying them all the time like I did before -we've cut down his rice

and milk -and that's about it. If he misses a day we give him 3

tablespoons of the strawberry Milk of Magnesia like Dr.

suggested, and it works -but that's not often he misses now.

Speaking of missing -you must have missed my answer to you!

" From: " kiddietalk " <kiddietalk@...>

Date: Sun Nov 16, 2003 2:15 am

Subject: Re: constipation

Wow thanks for this comprehensive lesson about the gut!

I just wanted to add that in a nutshell -out of our couple of hour

appointment with pediatric gastroenterologist Lawrence MD from

Palm Beach Florida, we covered much of what you talked about.

I just want to clarify that Dr. did not recommend juice, and

that I can tell you that for Tanner juice did not work. Dr.

recommended the nectars -specifically papaya, pear, apricot etc....

We use a mixture of pear, papaya and mango nectar -heavy on the

pear. Here is a bit about each:

" Fresh papaya is probably the finest healing food in the world. It

is anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, has enzymes which can decompose

toxic matter, and help digest foods eaten so as to get more

nutrients out of them for feeding the cells of the body. It is

literally the finest anti aging food known and can even help prevent

wrinkles...

Pear nectar flushes the liver gallbladder, removes gout and other

acid accumulation and prevents constipation. Two 6 oz glasses a day

between meals is the appropriate amount for most individuals. "

http://www.timeforhealth.com/foods.html ... "

There was much more on that one, and here is from another archived

message:

" Many of our kids (sorry all the potty training stage people to break

this to you) that potty trained as a group a bit later (around 4)

due to the muscle control weakness from the low tone(it's not in

their control) then have constipation problems for the same reason -

constipation.

Based on how well and quick this worked -I'm guessing that there may

be some psychological fear aspects that are at play in our kids

too. They have a painful experience (you know what I mean if you

know what I mean) and then they are afraid to go so they hold it in.

This also may have to do with some signaling problem or motor

planning aspect. Not sure -but who cares when anyone just about

anywhere can pick up pear nectar or Dole papaya fruit and gel

bowls! This works -and we love Dr. !!

> Today I took Tanner to see pediatric gastroenterologist Lawrence

> MD from Palm Beach Florida for Tanner's problem with

> constipation which we have been trying to help him with now for

the

> past 5 years or more with various MDs (Tanner is now 7) Up till

now

> nobody has wanted to put Tanner on medications -and since we've

> moved we haven't taken Tanner to see his NJ/NY MDs. I highly

> recommend Dr. if you are in Florida in that he took over an

> hour with us -was excellent with Tanner (very funny) and was very

> open to discussing off the wall theories on constipation in

apraxic

> children -a best kept secret even though it's known for autism.

Dr.

> has many patients with special needs -some with severe CP

> whose parents have to blend fruits for their constipation that

they

> can put through their feeding tube.

>

> Here is a brief summery from the prescription he gave me:

>

> Diet: Nectars (fruit juices) Papaya, pear, apricot (if he can

> stand it -can mix with others but try plain nectar first)

> * prune juice -can be mixed with orange juice (since most kids

don't

> like it)

>

> exotic fruits- figs, dates, apricot, papaya (papaya underlined

> twice) (if he can stand it -like the nectars -these work wonders

he

> said)

>

> limit -banana, apple, rice, dairy

>

> Milk of Magnesia 2-3 tablespoons with glass of water any time he

> skips 1 day. Works 4-8 hours.

>

> Behavior Modification -10 minutes daily -no distractions. Use

> calendar stickers -every week reward for amount of BMs

> 2/ week something small

> 3-4 medium

> 5-7 large reward

>

> Dr. said that there is a chance that the problem could be

> motor planning -but he can't fix that -his goal is to get Tanner

on

> a schedule for a long period of time so that he starts going

> automatically. He doesn't want me to use the Nature's Tea due to

> the senna in it -said it can cause dependence in long term use,

and

> said that due to what I reported with Tanner's regression with too

> much fiber not to use high fiber either. He said it is possible

> that the fiber is cutting short the fatty acids in the gut.

From: " kiddietalk " <kiddietalk@...>

Date: Sun Dec 14, 2003 11:32 am

Subject: Re: constipation

Hi !

Tanner is tired of the gels too. But I was told by Dr. that

we need to keep him on a daily regimen of going every day for at

least a few months to have the best possible chance of getting him

regular. Like Tanner -your children are old enough to have this

explained to them. So like it or not -Tanner is forced to drink the

nectars and eat the gel -and not just once a day either. He needs

nectar at least two to three times a day for it to work -and it's

working (so worth it).

Dr. told me " at some point you will get lax about it -and

he'll get constipated again -and once he does -it will start all

over. I'm just warning you because I see it happen. " I know why he

said this -most parents don't listen. Don't have to warn me twice -

there is no way in heck I want to be standing with a phone in my

hand wondering if I should call 911 while my son is crying and

screaming in extreme pain sitting on the toilet after I've tried all

I could think of to get it out and Glenn wasn't home. You don't

know until you know.

How do we keep him from getting bored? When you go to a restaurant -

ask them to make a fancy fruit mix drink for your child and put all

the fancy umbrellas and fruits in it like it's a mixed drink -they

don't use nectars -but they typically make them very sweet for the

kids. Then when you get home -buy a bunch of different nectars and

fruit juices and mix saying you will try to make the same thing for

them. This is what we did and it worked. Now I typically just give

Tanner the pear and papaya nectar mixed -heavy on the pear since he

likes the taste of that more (and it also works) Again -if Tanner

misses a day -he gets 3 tablespoons of Strawberry Flavored Milk of

Magnesia -like other kids he hated the mint -he loves the

strawberry -and I also saw they have chocolate -but didn't try it

since I know Tanner likes the one we have. Dr. told me " Don't

travel without the Milk of Magnesia, don't forget to bring it with

you if you are going on vacation " and we won't! Not every store

carries the Strawberry -the only flavor I know for sure Tanner likes.

For those of you that don't have pear or papaya nectar by you -I'd

call and see if you can order it online. I just checked net grocer

http://www.netgrocer.com and they carry pear and papaya nectar, but

not the brand we use -Looza. Tanner loves the Looza nectars -but we

also use the Kerns and Goya when we travel which they have. They

have the Dole fruit gels (I'd call and ask if they have papaya -

didn't see it but maybe they can get it? They also have the Milk of

Magnesia in chocolate and french vanilla -two flavors we haven't

tried - and they even had papaya babyfood! Hmm -I haven't tried

that one either -glad I looked for you guys!) Perhaps for variety?

Tanner too doesn't like fresh or dried papaya.

=====

[Guest guest]

Amy,

My daughter has spina bifida so she has a lot of bowel and bladder

issues. I have a few tips we've learned over the last 3 years. We

are able most of of the time to keep her going without needing to use

suppositories. We have used them some and if you go that route I

suggest using about 1/3 of and adult dulcolax used right after a meal.

I don't like having to use them, but it is bette than having to go to

the hospital for impacted stools.

Tips to avoid all of that though:

1. water, water, water I really make sure my daughter drinks water

regularly throughout the day and I've heard of some people who use a

glass of warm water first thing in the morning as a laxative. It

doesn't have that affect for us, but is definitely good.

2. WHOLE WHEAT PASTA. Unless you are on a glutein-free diet

obviously. At home we only use whole wheat or veggie pasta and let me

tell you if we have some whole wheat pasta for dinner my daughter is

usually going pretty quick after that. That stuff is fabulous for us.

Make sure it's not just the whole wheat added pasta; it needs to have

whole wheat listed as the first ingredient.

3. Omega oil. I currently use just an omega 3 oil I found at our

health food store, but have order the ProEFA. The oil helps to grease

the wheels so to speak I think.

4. Any fruits with P names (prunes, peaches, pears, pineapple) are

good for constipation although truthfully I rarely get them in my

daughter. I have made some prune - whole wheat flour muffins and she

will eat them sometimes.

5. High fiber diet in general

6. Just as important are things to avoid. Bananas, white breads and

pastas, white rice, applesauce and apple juice. That BRAT diet

basically that is prescribed often for diarrhea. Apples and apple

cider are ok as they enough fiber in them. Homemade applesauce is

often ok, but not the store-bought stuff.

7. We do use some manual stimulation for our daughter if she hasn't

gone in a couple of days. No, it's not the most pleasant thing, but

it needs done. We just use a pinky finger with toilet paper very very

very gently and just inserted not even a fingernail's length. Again

this works best after a meal when the digestive system is already

moving all of the muscles to push food and waste through.

The most important thing I think for constipation is to keep on top of

it. Don't let your son go for more than 48 hours without a bowel

movement. And if you find something the helps keep doing it. We used

to get lax and forget to do things thinking we had solved the problem

and then we'd realize she had gone several days without a bm and we'd

have to intervene more drastically. Now that we keep on top of it she

goes most of the time on her own. We even allow her bananas some

these days.

Good Luck,

Ann

>

> I was hoping someone could help. I have tried almost everything.

My apraxic 4 year 9 month old son is chronically constipated. I have

him on POM juice every day, pear juice, fruit, veges, etc. The doctor

originally gave me a prescription for a powder fiber. I really don't

like to use it because his tummy bloats way out when I give it to him.

I have used the Milk of Mag. I've heard others recommend on the list.

I'm just at a loss. I took him to my doctor who is more proactive

than the peds office. He ran every test including food allergies and

came up with nothing. I don't give him milk. The doctor wants to

send him to a pediatric GI doctor. Has anyone had to do this?? Does

anyone know why kids with apraxia tend to be constipated??

>

> Thanks for your help!

>

> Amy D

>

>

[Guest guest]

Amy D

Your ped is probably sending your child to a GI specialist b/c he is

unable to find a treatment. the specialist might want an xray to find

if there is any colon problems due to the constipation. I would not

worry, it is all precautionary testing. If anything, please remain

calm and don't let your child notice your anxiety. . . it will lead

your child to stress out.

My two cents: Your goal is to get soft BMs and only spend 10 minutes

on the toilet to do so. Once your child has met this goal, do not

stop the treatment. It may take well over 6 months to get regular,

but I would slowly wean off therapy treatment or you may have a

reoccurence. Another note is that not all children have bowel

movements everyday. Each one of my four children have a different

cycle, but to them that is normal.

all the best,

Joanne

[Guest guest]

Hi Ann!

More tips on this subject, great! Just one word of caution in

regards to fiber if you have a child that needs (and is responding

to) EFA supplementation. I have this in the constipation message

archive I just sent out but it may have been missed and it's that

important it's worth saying again.

Tanner regressed as if I took him off the oils whenever I gave him

one of those fiber type laxatives like Benefiber. To the point

where he was not able to say words he wanted to say anymore.

Because we didn't realize it was the fiber at first this happened

quite a few times and it was actually not me but my husband Glenn

who noticed the connection on this one. And he was right! Stop the

Benefiber and Tanner's speech came back like it was prior!

When I discussed that with Dr. he said that was interesting

and that perhaps the fiber is short chaining the long chain fatty

acids in the gut. At least we have lots of other methods outside of

fiber. And I'm not saying Tanner can't eat things with fiber -but

I'm talking about high fiber. Just something to keep in mind -or

should I say just one more thing to keep in mind!

=====

[Guest guest]

Amy-

gets constipated fairly often. Mostly, this is due to the fact

that she eats about 10 things (she is extremely picky, I believe, at

least in part due to the oral-motor sensory issues related to the

apraxia) and her diet is fairly heavy on dairy and bananas. Dairy is

the only way she gets protein, since she will not eat meat, tofu, beans

or peanut butter [except that within Ritz Bits PB crackers;-)]. She

eats cheese and yogurt a few times per day EVERY day and she is so

slight that I do not dare to limit these things. And heck, yogurt is

one way for me to give her EFA.

Shockingly, she will drink a little prune juice when mixed with apple

juice, so give her a little but every day to keep things moving. That

seems to help.

Warm regards,

******************

(Rochester, NY)

Mom to , 3.1 years, Verbal Apraxia

& , 11 months

________________________________

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Martha McCabe

Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2006 9:57 PM

Subject: Re: [ ] constipation help again please!

I don't have any specific tips but you may look to the para/quadriplegic

community. This is also a problem for paralyzed people, they lose

abdominal and intestinal muscle tone ( = constipation). I know this may

be yucky but many have to use digital stimulation (think rectal

thermometer for babies) to stimulate the bowel. I have worked with

several patients that had to use these measures to keep things moving.

HTH

Martha

Amy <acdudick@... <mailto:acdudick%40> > wrote:

I was hoping someone could help. I have tried almost everything. My

apraxic 4 year 9 month old son is chronically constipated. I have him on

POM juice every day, pear juice, fruit, veges, etc. The doctor

originally gave me a prescription for a powder fiber. I really don't

like to use it because his tummy bloats way out when I give it to him. I

have used the Milk of Mag. I've heard others recommend on the list. I'm

just at a loss. I took him to my doctor who is more proactive than the

peds office. He ran every test including food allergies and came up with

nothing. I don't give him milk. The doctor wants to send him to a

pediatric GI doctor. Has anyone had to do this?? Does anyone know why

kids with apraxia tend to be constipated??

Thanks for your help!

Amy D

[Guest guest]

We're in parallel worlds -- my son has been constipated since 7

weeks old (breast fed). Here are the things I have tried -- I'm

listing all -- whether they worked or not.

WATER

Added flax oil (applesauce or smoothie)

Eliminated dairy

reduced gluten

added other essential fatty acids (efa and dha)

added cod liver oil

added flax meal

added vit c

added magnesium oxide

added magnesium citrate

added cal/mag

added probiotics

prunes

prune juice

pomegranate juice

Lactolose

Miralax (this worked but I want him off of it!)

Magic brownies (puree honey, prunes and senna leaves and add it to

brownies)

Haven't tried digestive enzymes yet -- waiting to do a test before

we try it.

Lots of exercise too.

My conclusion is that there is WAY more to the digestive tract and

brain link than previously thought. I am scheduled to see a DAN

doctor in a few weeks. I'll post what I find out then -- or you can

email me and we can talk offline.

[Guest guest]

This is very interesting. I've never given my son a fiber pill, but

I do put oat bran and wheat germ in his oatmeal. He mostly eats

whole grains and veggies. I wonder if it is interfering with his

EFAs.

>

> Hi Ann!

>

> More tips on this subject, great! Just one word of caution in

> regards to fiber if you have a child that needs (and is responding

> to) EFA supplementation. I have this in the constipation message

> archive I just sent out but it may have been missed and it's that

> important it's worth saying again.

>

> Tanner regressed as if I took him off the oils whenever I gave him

> one of those fiber type laxatives like Benefiber. To the point

> where he was not able to say words he wanted to say anymore.

> Because we didn't realize it was the fiber at first this happened

> quite a few times and it was actually not me but my husband Glenn

> who noticed the connection on this one. And he was right! Stop

the

> Benefiber and Tanner's speech came back like it was prior!

>

> When I discussed that with Dr. he said that was interesting

> and that perhaps the fiber is short chaining the long chain fatty

> acids in the gut. At least we have lots of other methods outside

of

> fiber. And I'm not saying Tanner can't eat things with fiber -but

> I'm talking about high fiber. Just something to keep in mind -or

> should I say just one more thing to keep in mind!

>

> =====

>

[Guest guest]

Hi all!

WOW! Thanks for all the suggestions. I printed out every one! It's so nice to

see all of them because neither my doctor nor the peds office could get him into

a peds GI doctor for 4-5 months. I am concerned about it taking so long

because almost every day he poots and a little poo comes out into his underwear.

He ruined all his underwear so I've had to use a pull up. Plus I hear another

kid tell him he was stinky and at 4.9 yrs that's not a good thing at all. So

I'm going to get right on the suggestions.

Thanks for the warning about the fiber. I can't use it on him anyway because it

bloats him so bad his stomach is like a drum.

I wanted to share a recipe too. I used it when I did weight watchers and am

going to make them for my son. It may help for those who have kids with

constipation but no food allergies.

1 cup bran buds

1/3 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup chocolate chips

Melt the chocolate and peanut butter together. I do it in a big bowl in the

microwave. Add the bran buds. drop by the spoonful onto wax paper. Put in the

freezer for 1/2 hour or until hardened. My son loves them and doesn't even

realize there's bran in them, he can be picky also. I haven't made them in

awhile so I better get on it!=)

Thanks again,

Amy D

Amy

[ ] Re: constipation help again please!

We're in parallel worlds -- my son has been constipated since 7

weeks old (breast fed). Here are the things I have tried -- I'm

listing all -- whether they worked or not.

WATER

Added flax oil (applesauce or smoothie)

Eliminated dairy

reduced gluten

added other essential fatty acids (efa and dha)

added cod liver oil

added flax meal

added vit c

added magnesium oxide

added magnesium citrate

added cal/mag

added probiotics

prunes

prune juice

pomegranate juice

Lactolose

Miralax (this worked but I want him off of it!)

Magic brownies (puree honey, prunes and senna leaves and add it to

brownies)

Haven't tried digestive enzymes yet -- waiting to do a test before

we try it.

Lots of exercise too.

My conclusion is that there is WAY more to the digestive tract and

brain link than previously thought. I am scheduled to see a DAN

doctor in a few weeks. I'll post what I find out then -- or you can

email me and we can talk offline.

[Guest guest]

I don't know the logic behind it either actually -just reporting

what we saw in our son Tanner. Tanner appears to respond as the

typical apraxic child in this group. I suspect if some of you try

the high fiber, you'll see the same regression -that is if your

child is one of the children like mine that regresses off the oils.

I don't try to limit healthy amounts of fiber in Tanner's diet that

he may consume during the day, perhaps I should? But on the other

hand I know not to give him stuff like Benefiber.

http://www.benefiber.com/

(and thankfully no longer have to! yay!!)

=====

[Guest guest]

Amy, not to rain on the peanut-butter-cup parade...but bran is

fiber.

Probably cereal wouldn't have the same effect as benefiber but don't

know. I have kept Tanner away from anything that says " high fiber "

because of what we saw. According to the following link on bran

fiber, a little is good -but going too high does deplete other

nutrients.

http://dede.essortment.com/branfiber_rfon.htm

Moderation lesson I learned from my 3rd grade science teacher

" To much water you drown "

~Mr. Linz

=====

[Guest guest]

He sounds like he might be encopretic also. (basically blocked

stool with some leaking out around the blockage).

http://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/cdd/patients/encopresisguide.asp

I agree with the others on the high fiber. I find we do better with

high fiber fruits and vegetables and adding flax meal and oil to

things. I haven't had as much success with grain fibers such as

bran cereal. (possible gluton issue)

Just started him on Kirkman magnesium powder (800mg) seems to be

working better than MOM or Flora magnesium

>

> Hi all!

>

> WOW! Thanks for all the suggestions. I printed out every one!

It's so nice to see all of them because neither my doctor nor the

peds office could get him into a peds GI doctor for 4-5 months. I

am concerned about it taking so long because almost every day he

poots and a little poo comes out into his underwear. He ruined all

his underwear so I've had to use a pull up. Plus I hear another kid

tell him he was stinky and at 4.9 yrs that's not a good thing at

all. So I'm going to get right on the suggestions.

>

> Thanks for the warning about the fiber. I can't use it on him

anyway because it bloats him so bad his stomach is like a drum.

>

> I wanted to share a recipe too. I used it when I did weight

watchers and am going to make them for my son. It may help for

those who have kids with constipation but no food allergies.

>

> 1 cup bran buds

> 1/3 cup peanut butter

> 1/3 cup chocolate chips

>

> Melt the chocolate and peanut butter together. I do it in a big

bowl in the microwave. Add the bran buds. drop by the spoonful

onto wax paper. Put in the freezer for 1/2 hour or until hardened.

My son loves them and doesn't even realize there's bran in them, he

can be picky also. I haven't made them in awhile so I better get on

it!=)

>

> Thanks again,

> Amy D

>

> Amy

>

>

>

> [ ] Re: constipation help again please!

>

>

> We're in parallel worlds -- my son has been constipated since 7

> weeks old (breast fed). Here are the things I have tried -- I'm

> listing all -- whether they worked or not.

>

> WATER

> Added flax oil (applesauce or smoothie)

> Eliminated dairy

> reduced gluten

> added other essential fatty acids (efa and dha)

> added cod liver oil

> added flax meal

> added vit c

> added magnesium oxide

> added magnesium citrate

> added cal/mag

> added probiotics

> prunes

> prune juice

> pomegranate juice

> Lactolose

> Miralax (this worked but I want him off of it!)

> Magic brownies (puree honey, prunes and senna leaves and add it to

> brownies)

> Haven't tried digestive enzymes yet -- waiting to do a test before

> we try it.

> Lots of exercise too.

>

> My conclusion is that there is WAY more to the digestive tract and

> brain link than previously thought. I am scheduled to see a DAN

> doctor in a few weeks. I'll post what I find out then -- or you

can

> email me and we can talk offline.

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Don't know about everything else you have listed here, and don't

know if these are still on your " do " list...but stay away from

senna! It's a harsh laxative and adding those leaves to brownies

may even be as bad as the leaves they added to the magic brownies in

the 60's!

We used senna tea a few years ago and it worked for Tanner and I was

thrilled and wrote about it here. It was Marina from this group

that warned me about the dangers of senna and his doctor confirmed

that warning (as you'll read in the archive I just sent). You'd be

better off with Milk of Magnesia, and it comes in more than one

flavor. (not brownie flavored yet but still)

This is the warning that the FDA said must go on teas that

contains senna since 1995 (and senna is one of the herbs they

are " most concerned " about)

" " NOTICE (or WARNING): Contains herbs (insert name of herbs) that

can act as stimulant laxatives. Prolonged steeping time can increase

the risk of adverse laxative effects, including: nausea, vomiting,

abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Chronic use of laxatives can impair

colon function. Use of laxatives may be hazardous in the presence of

abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or rectal bleeding. Laxative-

induced diarrhea does not significantly reduce absorption of food

calories. Acute or chronic diarrhea may result in serious injury or

death. "

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1997/597_tea.html

Perhaps this is why the FDA is so concerned about senna:

" Why Are Some Laxatives Being Reevaluated?

For many years, pharmacists have recommended laxatives containing

phenolphthalein, senna, aloe, and cascara sagrada, assuming they

were safe. However, phenolphthalein was studied by the National

Toxicology Institute and found to be a possible carcinogen in

rodents. Senna may cause gene or chromosome abnormalities. The FDA's

Carcinogenicity Assessment Committee determined after meeting with

manufacturers that safety information was inadequate to settle the

question, reclassifying these laxatives to Category III (more data

needed).12 Phenolphthalein was removed from virtually all top-

selling laxatives shortly thereafter, but senna remains. Further,

since aloe and cascara sagrada are chemically related to senna,

these laxatives were also placed in Category III. Until the products

are definitively found safe, pharmacists may want to inform their

patients of the potential for adverse reactions that do not now

appear on the label.

http://www.uspharmacist.com/oldformat.asp?url=newlook/files/Cons/jun00cyp.cfm

=====

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks, good point. I was thinking the powder prescription was what I should be

staying away from not foods with fiber in it. I'll definitely use moderation

and look for changes/regression.

Amy D

[ ] Re: constipation help again please!

Amy, not to rain on the peanut-butter- cup parade...but bran is

fiber.

Probably cereal wouldn't have the same effect as benefiber but don't

know. I have kept Tanner away from anything that says " high fiber "

because of what we saw. According to the following link on bran

fiber, a little is good -but going too high does deplete other

nutrients.

http://dede. essortment. com/branfiber_ rfon.htm

Moderation lesson I learned from my 3rd grade science teacher

" To much water you drown "

~Mr. Linz

=====

[Guest guest]

Amy, what powder prescription medicine (laxative?) caused bloating? Was it

miralax? thanks, Carolyn

[Guest guest]

That's good to know about Tanner's regression associated with fiber.

As you said everything in moderation. I read the link you provided

here and I think it makes an important point - that the best thing is

to eat whole grains so you get nature's balance of things. We

certainly don't have the greatest diet about our house, but we try and

I think whole grains are an important part of that. We have to really

keep on top of constipation issues because of Charlotte's spina

bifida, but I haven't had to give her Miralax or any other fiber

supplement as of yet. In most cases I think it can be done largely

through nutrition and, as someone else noted, activity. Charlotte

started walking at 2 and that really made a big difference in how much

intervention we had to provide for her bowels. There was a time she

was really into dancing and we'd crank up the music and dance with her

and right after that have to change her diaper. It was rather magical.

>

> Amy, not to rain on the peanut-butter-cup parade...but bran is

> fiber.

>

> Probably cereal wouldn't have the same effect as benefiber but don't

> know. I have kept Tanner away from anything that says " high fiber "

> because of what we saw. According to the following link on bran

> fiber, a little is good -but going too high does deplete other

> nutrients.

> http://dede.essortment.com/branfiber_rfon.htm

>

> Moderation lesson I learned from my 3rd grade science teacher

> " To much water you drown "

> ~Mr. Linz

>

> =====

>

[Guest guest]

Well, I haven't noticed any regression--unless that's because the

EFAs aren't working as well as they would otherwise, and then I

guess, how would I ever know? Still, as long as he's improving I'd

hate to make my son's diet less healthy on purpose. Maybe it's just

the pills and fiber supplements that are the problem. Something to

keep an eye on though.

>

> I don't know the logic behind it either actually -just reporting

> what we saw in our son Tanner. Tanner appears to respond as the

> typical apraxic child in this group. I suspect if some of you try

> the high fiber, you'll see the same regression -that is if your

> child is one of the children like mine that regresses off the oils.

>

> I don't try to limit healthy amounts of fiber in Tanner's diet that

> he may consume during the day, perhaps I should? But on the other

> hand I know not to give him stuff like Benefiber.

> http://www.benefiber.com/

> (and thankfully no longer have to! yay!!)

>

> =====

>