Comments on: Constipation in Down syndrome http://einstein-syndrome.com Down Syndrome with a Positive Attitude Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:48:04 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Jess http://einstein-syndrome.com/health_medical/constipation/#comment-2054 Jess Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:48:04 +0000 http://einsteinsyndrome.wordpress.com/?page_id=121#comment-2054 @ Sherry Thanks Sherry. It also always smells the same. No matter what she eats. I'm just worried there is more going on than just what we can see and fix with simple remedies. The lactulose has enabled more to slip out than before but she still wont relieve herself by pushing it out. She's associated it with pain so she'd just rather hold it all in than attempt to go herself. We have our regular GP she see's but I believe we need a specialist who deals with these issues in DS children. We're in NW indiana, I've searched online and cant find a listed doctor who deals with this. Any suggestions anyone? @ Sherry Thanks Sherry. It also always smells the same. No matter what she eats. I’m just worried there is more going on than just what we can see and fix with simple remedies. The lactulose has enabled more to slip out than before but she still wont relieve herself by pushing it out. She’s associated it with pain so she’d just rather hold it all in than attempt to go herself. We have our regular GP she see’s but I believe we need a specialist who deals with these issues in DS children. We’re in NW indiana, I’ve searched online and cant find a listed doctor who deals with this. Any suggestions anyone?

]]> By: sherry http://einstein-syndrome.com/health_medical/constipation/#comment-2053 sherry Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:04:55 +0000 http://einsteinsyndrome.wordpress.com/?page_id=121#comment-2053 I'm not a medical doctor just a mom of a 21 yo with DS, Autism and GI problems. In my opinion this child needs to see a gastroenterologist asap. The poop is having to travel around an impaction I would guess which is why laxatives are not working and why you are only seeing smudges. It's possible to eventually see actual diarrhea coming out around an impaction also. I’m not a medical doctor just a mom of a 21 yo with DS, Autism and GI problems. In my opinion this child needs to see a gastroenterologist asap. The poop is having to travel around an impaction I would guess which is why laxatives are not working and why you are only seeing smudges. It’s possible to eventually see actual diarrhea coming out around an impaction also.

]]> By: Jess http://einstein-syndrome.com/health_medical/constipation/#comment-2052 Jess Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:41:37 +0000 http://einsteinsyndrome.wordpress.com/?page_id=121#comment-2052 I have an almost 7 yr old step daughter. She is still in pull ups and I dont see potty training any where in the near future. She will go pee on the potty but that is it. He tummy is constantly hard and she's always sitting on her heal and rocking. She just will not go. We've done enema, supposidories, and now she's been on lactulose for almost 3 weeks. She will not push anything out. There is constantly poop in her pull up, she's so backed up I believe it just pushes itself out. But its always very little, more like just smudges. We are at our whits end. Any suggestions? I have an almost 7 yr old step daughter. She is still in pull ups and I dont see potty training any where in the near future. She will go pee on the potty but that is it. He tummy is constantly hard and she’s always sitting on her heal and rocking. She just will not go. We’ve done enema, supposidories, and now she’s been on lactulose for almost 3 weeks. She will not push anything out. There is constantly poop in her pull up, she’s so backed up I believe it just pushes itself out. But its always very little, more like just smudges. We are at our whits end. Any suggestions?

]]> By: Linda http://einstein-syndrome.com/health_medical/constipation/#comment-1537 Linda Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:40:12 +0000 http://einsteinsyndrome.wordpress.com/?page_id=121#comment-1537 I have a 4 yr old son with DS.he use to have a BM 2 to 3 times a day.Then out of nowhere he became consitpated I took him to the doctors she said give him miralax he also had a enama that worked.I give him the miralax everyday he eats fruits and veggies everyday yogurt he has had since he was a baby keifer since he was a baby and he did not have any trouble going.Now he has not gone for a week.I have also given him flax oil and also karo dark syrup nothing is working.Any suggestions. [Linda, how concerned you must be! All the suggestions and solutions that have been gathered from the Einstein-syndrome email list are posted above. I know, there is a lot, and its hard to know where to start. If you'd like to be talked through this process of getting him pooping, I suggest that you join the ES email list. The moms whose ideas are posted above are there, and they have lots more wisdom than I have. To join, send me an <a href="mailto:mailto:miriam@bethchokmah.com?subject=ES website" rel="nofollow">email</a> and give me your name, address and phone. (Why is explained <a href="http://einstein-syndrome.com/join/" rel="nofollow">here</a>, scroll to near the bottom. Once you get your son pooping again, <a href="http://einstein-syndrome.com/2009/05/13/10-focus-on-gut-health/" rel="nofollow">Focus on Gut Health</a> should help with ideas to keep him going. -Miriam] I have a 4 yr old son with DS.he use to have a BM 2 to 3 times a day.Then out of nowhere he became consitpated I took him to the doctors she said give him miralax he also had a enama that worked.I give him the miralax everyday he eats fruits and veggies everyday yogurt he has had since he was a baby keifer since he was a baby and he did not have any trouble going.Now he has not gone for a week.I have also given him flax oil and also karo dark syrup nothing is working.Any suggestions.

[Linda, how concerned you must be! All the suggestions and solutions that have been gathered from the Einstein-syndrome email list are posted above. I know, there is a lot, and its hard to know where to start. If you'd like to be talked through this process of getting him pooping, I suggest that you join the ES email list. The moms whose ideas are posted above are there, and they have lots more wisdom than I have. To join, send me an email and give me your name, address and phone. (Why is explained here, scroll to near the bottom.

Once you get your son pooping again, Focus on Gut Health should help with ideas to keep him going. -Miriam]

]]> By: Sharon http://einstein-syndrome.com/health_medical/constipation/#comment-1055 Sharon Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:27:39 +0000 http://einsteinsyndrome.wordpress.com/?page_id=121#comment-1055 I recently spoke to Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson and she said that often kids aren't actually chewing their food - which can lead to constipation. So, making sure your child is actually chewing (I thought mine was & he wasn't!) is a good place to start. If they aren't - start working on oral motor strength which will hopefully alleviate some of the constipation issues while also helping greatly with speech clarity. I recently spoke to Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson and she said that often kids aren’t actually chewing their food – which can lead to constipation. So, making sure your child is actually chewing (I thought mine was & he wasn’t!) is a good place to start. If they aren’t – start working on oral motor strength which will hopefully alleviate some of the constipation issues while also helping greatly with speech clarity.

]]> By: 10. Focus on Gut Health « Einstein Syndrome: Down Syndrome with a Positive Attitude http://einstein-syndrome.com/health_medical/constipation/#comment-759 10. Focus on Gut Health « Einstein Syndrome: Down Syndrome with a Positive Attitude Thu, 14 May 2009 01:07:58 +0000 http://einsteinsyndrome.wordpress.com/?page_id=121#comment-759 [...] Constipation in Down syndrome [...] [...] Constipation in Down syndrome [...]

]]> By: Michele http://einstein-syndrome.com/health_medical/constipation/#comment-614 Michele Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:07:01 +0000 http://einsteinsyndrome.wordpress.com/?page_id=121#comment-614 Nutrivene-D are nutritional supplements and digestive enzymes specially formulated to target the unique needs and metabolic differences of the DS population. It consists of a daily and night time supplement, and digestive enzymes. The enzymes help with the breakdown of foods eaten so that they can be better absorbed. While my son has used the daily product since it came to market with great results, the enzymes gave him runny stools and we don't use them. However, many families do with great success, even upping the usual dose of the enzymes when constipation is a major issue. The daily formula addresses the metabolic changes occuring in people with DS due to the extra genetic material and also subsequent nutrient deficiencies that may be present. Finally, the night formula is formulated primarily to help with growth. It does contain L-tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin which regulates movement in the gut. Some families use all three components, some only one or two. There are custom daily formulas also available for those who have a problem with some of the nutrients in the formula. For a young child, the supplements can be mixed in semi-solid foods or thick drinks. Some children take them without many problems, and some parents have had to come up with creative ways to get them in their child. For more specific information you can phone International Nutrition toll free at 1-800-899-3413. Nutrivene-D are nutritional supplements and digestive enzymes specially formulated to target the unique needs and metabolic differences of the DS population. It consists of a daily and night time supplement, and digestive enzymes. The enzymes help with the breakdown of foods eaten so that they can be better absorbed. While my son has used the daily product since it came to market with great results, the enzymes gave him runny stools and we don’t use them. However, many families do with great success, even upping the usual dose of the enzymes when constipation is a major issue. The daily formula addresses the metabolic changes occuring in people with DS due to the extra genetic material and also subsequent nutrient deficiencies that may be present. Finally, the night formula is formulated primarily to help with growth. It does contain L-tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin which regulates movement in the gut.

Some families use all three components, some only one or two. There are custom daily formulas also available for those who have a problem with some of the nutrients in the formula.

For a young child, the supplements can be mixed in semi-solid foods or thick drinks. Some children take them without many problems, and some parents have had to come up with creative ways to get them in their child.

For more specific information you can phone International Nutrition toll free at 1-800-899-3413.

]]> By: Paul Doney http://einstein-syndrome.com/health_medical/constipation/#comment-601 Paul Doney Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:33:28 +0000 http://einsteinsyndrome.wordpress.com/?page_id=121#comment-601 Dear Karen, Like the previous writer I would suggest that you find a wholistic MD but I would vary that to say find a Cranial Osteopath (I am assuming you live in the USA). You can find one at http://www.cranialacademy.com Gentle release of muscles and connective tissue of the spine and the peripheral nerves can do wonders for getting gut function working. On you question relating to seretonin and Prozac: serotonin is NOT Prozac. Prozac is an SSRI (Selective Seretonin Reuptake Inhibitor). Its action is to prolong the time that serotonin is in the area in which it has an effect and therefore it is like there is more seretonin. Regards Paul Doney Dear Karen,
Like the previous writer I would suggest that you find a wholistic MD but I would vary that to say find a Cranial Osteopath (I am assuming you live in the USA). You can find one at http://www.cranialacademy.com
Gentle release of muscles and connective tissue of the spine and the peripheral nerves can do wonders for getting gut function working.

On you question relating to seretonin and Prozac: serotonin is NOT Prozac. Prozac is an SSRI (Selective Seretonin Reuptake Inhibitor). Its action is to prolong the time that serotonin is in the area in which it has an effect and therefore it is like there is more seretonin.

Regards
Paul Doney

]]> By: Ali Haefke http://einstein-syndrome.com/health_medical/constipation/#comment-599 Ali Haefke Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:34:42 +0000 http://einsteinsyndrome.wordpress.com/?page_id=121#comment-599 Hi. I'm not very familiar with all of the ramifications of Hirshsprungs Disease. So I would recommend finding a holistic MD to help with that. Our experience with pooping problems started when Jack (has DS) was about 7 mos. old. He had been pooping great but after some vaccines he stopped pooping well on his own. It was terrible. We tried Fruit-Eze, prunes, senna tea (worked but we stopped it because we found out it can actually do damage in the long run), magnesium, bromelain, cranial sacral and more. For four years we had to stim to get him to poop. It was all very very stressful for the whole family. After researching yet again I found out that rhubarb can assist with peristalsis. I studied it on the web. Some info. recommends you don't give it to kids but I didn't find anything that would scare me off. I found a product called Cleansemore by Renew Life that contains rhubarb. It also contains some aloe which is not on the GAPS Diet I think FYI. Anyway... we still give Jack a good dose of vitamin C, bromelain, cod liver oil and ginger daily. And he gets a digestive aide called DIGEST by the co. Enzymedica. What we've found is that the combo of the DIGEST and the CLEANSEMORE work beautifully for Jack. He poops about two times a day and he has no discomfort and this has been working great for months. What a relief. If we remove one or the other of the Cleansemore or the Digest he slows and stops. This is our story. I hope it helps someone. :) Ali in IL goodplans4you@yahoo.com Hi. I’m not very familiar with all of the ramifications of Hirshsprungs Disease. So I would recommend finding a holistic MD to help with that.
Our experience with pooping problems started when Jack (has DS) was about 7 mos. old. He had been pooping great but after some vaccines he stopped pooping well on his own. It was terrible. We tried Fruit-Eze, prunes, senna tea (worked but we stopped it because we found out it can actually do damage in the long run), magnesium, bromelain, cranial sacral and more. For four years we had to stim to get him to poop. It was all very very stressful for the whole family. After researching yet again I found out that rhubarb can assist with peristalsis. I studied it on the web. Some info. recommends you don’t give it to kids but I didn’t find anything that would scare me off. I found a product called Cleansemore by Renew Life that contains rhubarb. It also contains some aloe which is not on the GAPS Diet I think FYI. Anyway… we still give Jack a good dose of vitamin C, bromelain, cod liver oil and ginger daily. And he gets a digestive aide called DIGEST by the co. Enzymedica. What we’ve found is that the combo of the DIGEST and the CLEANSEMORE work beautifully for Jack. He poops about two times a day and he has no discomfort and this has been working great for months. What a relief. If we remove one or the other of the Cleansemore or the Digest he slows and stops. This is our story. I hope it helps someone. :) Ali in IL goodplans4you@yahoo.com

]]> By: Karen http://einstein-syndrome.com/health_medical/constipation/#comment-598 Karen Tue, 07 Apr 2009 05:38:18 +0000 http://einsteinsyndrome.wordpress.com/?page_id=121#comment-598 Hi, I am the mom of a 22-month-old with DS. He has been diagnosed with Hirschsprung's Disease and had a pull-through procedure for that when he was a week and a half old. The pull-through is not working, despite normal biopsies showing good nerve cell, and for now, we are doing intestinal irrigations 2 x daily. Can anyone tell me basic information about the digestive enzymes, Nutrivene-D, and serotonin (do I understand correctly that the serotonin is Prozac?). Also the magnesium--can you use that on toddlers as well? I have not heard of any of these remedies before, and it has never been mentioned by any of his physicians. Thanks for your website. Hi, I am the mom of a 22-month-old with DS. He has been diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s Disease and had a pull-through procedure for that when he was a week and a half old. The pull-through is not working, despite normal biopsies showing good nerve cell, and for now, we are doing intestinal irrigations 2 x daily. Can anyone tell me basic information about the digestive enzymes, Nutrivene-D, and serotonin (do I understand correctly that the serotonin is Prozac?). Also the magnesium–can you use that on toddlers as well? I have not heard of any of these remedies before, and it has never been mentioned by any of his physicians. Thanks for your website.

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