My nephew

[gja1000]

I have heard of this sort of thing, but I don't know anything about it. I have heard of it but had to go to the internet and search. I looked for "fecal impaction" which is the closest thing to what I think he had. Here's what I found. It calls it constipation - but it is a severe form.

Constipation in childhood is usually caused by the child’s diet. Excessive milk ingestion, insufficient amount of fluids and inadequate intake of bulk-forming foods are common causes of constipation in children. (1) Other potential causes include poor bowel habits, laxative misuse or underlying medical conditions. (1)

Medical conditions that may cause constipation include; Hypothyroidism, Celiac Disease, Hirschsprung Disease, muscle disorders, endocrine disorders such as Hypothyroidism or Diabetes mellitus, and medication side effects. (2) Medications that are commonly associated with constipation include; analgesics, anticholinergics, calcium channel blockers and stomach preparations containing Aluminum.

In some cases a child can develop constipation due to an anatomical defect such as rectal stenosis. Rectal stenosis is a condition that occurs when a child’s rectal openining is too tight or too small. Because the opening is so small it is very difficult to pass stools and as a result the child becomes constipated. Rectal stenosis can be confirmed by digital examination by a health care professional. (1)

Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia is another potential cause of constipation in children. This occurs when a child fails to learn to properly coordinate the muscle contractions necessary to pass a stool. When a child experiences Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia, the anal sphincter does not contract properly or in some cases, involuntary spasms occur during a bowel movement. This abnormal contraction prevents the stool from being expelled from the body. Signs of Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia include hard stools, fecal impaction, feelings of anal blockage, severe straining, and the need for digital maneuvers. (3)

[judy]

I have heard of this, once in a friend with polio, and once on TLC I think, involving a child.

Have they figured out what caused this? I hope it's not anything too serious.

[paula1961]

That's what I've been wandering Judy. What caused it?

The dr told my sil to call this morning to make an appt to go over everything. I don't know when that will be yet.

Gayle thank you for posting all of that info. I'm going to do a little research on my own just out of curiosity.

Lucas called my parents this morning and said he was feeling much better. And btw my poor Dad is back in the hospital too. He has alot of fluid built up and can't seem to lose any of it. So please say a prayer for him too. He is just sooo weak. I'm going down there tomorrow. He's in Lexington at St Joesph hospital.

[DianaB]

I hope that the dr. finds something to help Lucas from having this happen again. I'm glad to hear that he's better.

I'm sorry to hear about your Dad. I'll be praying for him.

[paula1961]

Awww thanks so much Diana. You are so sweet!

They are giving my Dad something through his iv for the fluid. I can't remember the name of it. They had been giving him lasix (sp?) but it hasn't helped at all to get rid of any fluid. Normally that's what he takes for fluid buildup. They are going to leave the drip on for 8 hrs and after that every 12 hrs. I am worried about his kidneys. When he went in his creatnine count was 4.0 now it's like 3.8 but for him that isn't terribly bad. Will update later or tomorrow after I get back from the hospital.

[gja1000]

The main thing, Paula, is to determine what caused this and prevent it from happening again. I also read that seeds can cause this type of problem. Watermelon seeds, sunflower seeds, etc. Who knew!!!

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Congestive heart failure (at least I think that's what I remember he has) is very difficult to control as people get older. I hope they can get some fluid off because it is so hard on them to be in fluid overload.

[judy]

How wonderful that Lucas is feeling better! I hope it never comes back!

I'm sorry that your Dad is sick. I'll be praying that he gets back to normal fluid levels and stays well.

[JJJ]

What I'm curious about is what dangers is there with his colon being stretched. If that's more dangerous than a simple operation; I would just opt to repair his colon. I know his very young but a stretch colon might damage the little fellow. I hope the doctor gave him a big percent of returning back to normal.

[Lindsey]

Originally Posted by gja1000

The main thing, Paula, is to determine what caused this and prevent it from happening again. I also read that seeds can cause this type of problem. Watermelon seeds, sunflower seeds, etc. Who knew!!!

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Congestive heart failure (at least I think that's what I remember he has) is very difficult to control as people get older. I hope they can get some fluid off because it is so hard on them to be in fluid overload.

Gayle, that reminds me, my uncle can not eat seeds and I think it's for this same reason. He can't eat buns with sesame seeds, any fruit with seeds, even small seeds like on strawberries.

[gja1000]

The no seeds for your uncle is probably due to diverticulitis - and I don't think that's what Lucas has. As I was reading about extreme constipation in kids, it seems that seeds can cause it, whereas seeds will cause a flare up or infection in diverticulities in adults.