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The pharmacist recommended prune juice, lots of plain water and fiber. He said that I needed to treat the problem, first, with a gentle laxative. He recommended Colace, which is a stool softener that doesn't cause stomach cramps or diarrhea. Walgreens offers several brands that are the same active ingredient as Colace.
He also recommended PediaLax suppository, which is actually a little liquid-filled bulb syringe that you administer to your child through their bottom. He said after we got my son's bowels moving, we needed to make sure that he was getting enough fiber and water, so he recommended a fiber supplement that he gives to his daughter, as well.
Why children won't go to the potty: I've read that it's common for children to resist the urge to make bowel movements--either because of embarrassment, fear or privacy--and holding your #2 can cause your body to stop giving you the urge to go every day, which needs to be corrected. It can also cause damage to your colon, so it's something that should be addressed quickly. Stool softeners work wonders for constipation or sluggish digestion; I've used them, myself, since I became pregnant with Noah. Higher doses of iron can cause constipation, as well.
Coupons in the Answers at Walgreens books:
While I was in the store, I looked through the Answers at Walgreens booklets and noticed that there's several coupons in each booklet. The cashier told me that Walgreens allows "coupon stacking," which is using a store coupon with a manufacture's coupon.
Probiotics (for your intestines):
The pharmacist recommended probiotics for both constipation and for diarrhea. He said that you should take probiotics every time that you take antibiotics to restore good flora in your digestive system. I found tons of probiotics at Walgreens--seriously, lots and lots of them. They're both in the digestive health area and the supplement area. You can also find some in the natural supplements (vegan supplements) area.
The pharmacist at Walgreens is a great resource, so be sure to ask questions if you're in there. He can show you where things are and make credible recommendations. The pharmacist can even help with dosage amounts of OTC medications for children.
Natural medicine/Vegan:
Walgreens offers many treatment options for digestive issues, including a very impressive amount of natural/vegan supplements, as well. I was in the store for over an hour just looking through all of the options and taking photos of things I wanted to research when I got home. The Answers at Walgreens booklets are very helpful.
The Nature's Bounty section contains products for cleansing, probiotics, yeast infections, stress, sleep, energy and many more troubles. There's many different formulations/strengthens to choose from in this area.
What' I'm Doing: I'm treating my little guy with a gentle laxative, fiber-rich diet, fresh water, exercise and prune juice. You can mix prune juice with other juices and even freeze it into icy-pops for kids/you to enjoy.
I will be giving both of us daily probiotics from now on and making sure we get more fiber. I believe I'll buy a juicer and make fresh fruit and veggie juices for us to drink. Uncooked fruits and veggies are packed with natural enzymes and offer a nutritional powerhouse of "good for you" vitamins and minerals. I may try making icy-pops with the juice or shaved ice with fresh fruit juice as the flavoring on top. I want him to feel better and have a more regular routine like he had before this happened.
What are your tips and tricks for treating tummy troubles?
*Always consult with your physician before treating medical conditions on your own. #WalgreensAnswers
I'm so glad this post was helpful/informative for you :) This is something that's a part of my life {like yours} and I'm always trying new ways to help Noah get on a better routine. Noah doesn't like those tablets, either (which is why I bought the liquid laxative as a Plan B to keep in the cabinet). The stool softener definitely helps with the existing problem and it doesn't have any bad side effects for him. Not all little ones love raw veggies/fruit--my Noah being one of them that doesn't--so, the freezer pop thing helps SO much with getting him to try things that he doesn't usually like. Prune juice tastes much better when it's mixed with something else--even as a smoothie with frozen strawberries/yogurt. It seems that some people may have more trouble digesting certain things than others, which is why the enzymes help (Noah's not big on pills, so I can't get him to take those regularly--maybe, one day). It was suggested to me to get him on a regular routine with going daily (using stool softner/Miralax) and he will get accustomed to it and/or it will get him through the constipation phases.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about how important the probiotics were until this year, too! I definitely would have been giving them to him when he was a baby (with those mean ear infections & antibiotics).
Toodie has the absolute WORST issue with constipation. We have had so
ReplyDeletemany issues in the past two years trying to solve the problem, but it's
continues to re-occur. I've tried just about everything including the
little laxative tablets, which she hates. I can't even get her to drink
Prune juice! I think I am going to have to try mixing it with another
juice and making a freezer pop. Then she may just take it in. I hate
constipation. It makes me feel terrible seeing my little one in
discomfort. By the way, I had no clue that you should be taking
probiotics every time you take an antibiotic. Even at 27, I don't think I
have ever even taken one myself! Your post was super informative and I
really enjoyed reading it! I can definitely relate to the constipation
blues :)
Toodie has the absolute WORST issue with constipation. We have had so many issues in the past two years trying to solve the problem, but it's continues to re-occur. I've tried just about everything including the little laxative tablets, which she hates. I can't even get her to drink Prune juice! I think I am going to have to try mixing it with another juice and making a freezer pop. Then she may just take it in. I hate constipation. It makes me feel terrible seeing my little one in discomfort. By the way, I had no clue that you should be taking probiotics every time you take an antibiotic. Even at 27, I don't think I have ever even taken one myself! Your post was super informative and I really enjoyed reading it! I can definitely relate to the constipation blues :)
ReplyDeleteToodie has the absolute WORST issue with constipation. We have had so
ReplyDeletemany issues in the past two years trying to solve the problem, but it's
continues to re-occur. I've tried just about everything including the
little laxative tablets, which she hates. I can't even get her to drink
Prune juice! I think I am going to have to try mixing it with another
juice and making a freezer pop. Then she may just take it in. I hate
constipation. It makes me feel terrible seeing my little one in
discomfort. By the way, I had no clue that you should be taking
probiotics every time you take an antibiotic. Even at 27, I don't think I
have ever even taken one myself! Your post was super informative and I
really enjoyed reading it! I can definitely relate to the constipation
blues :)
They really do have a little bit of everything! I'm completely delighted with the variety of products available at Walgreens. I had no idea enzymes were so important, either, until I started reading about digestive health. Now, I'm really inspired to add more probiotics and enzymes to our diets, due to the nutritional benefits.
ReplyDeleteThank you :) He's starting to feel better. I'm changing his diet and adding more water and natural fiber. The stool softeners worked really well/pain-free for his problem. I'm also getting advice from his doctor. xx
ReplyDeletePoor little guy, I hope he's feeling better!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that enzymes were so important! I give my girls probiotics whenever they've been prescribed antibiotics, but that's usually the only time. I'll have to check out all that Walgreens has - looks like they have a little bit of everything!
ReplyDelete