My son will be three in April. For about a year now he's had issues having bowel movements. A year ago, our pediatrician said that he would grow out of it in time. Now he says that it has grown in to a problem. We think he was constipated once or twice and it hurt to go, so now he holds it in.

We have tried EVERYTHING under the sun...prunes, apricots, apple juice, reading books, using the potty, talking about it, Miralax, rewards, candy and NOTHING works. Does anyone out there have any experience with this?

I'd like to start potty training soon, but I don't know if we'll be able to do it if he's unwilling to go. OR, is potty training the way to get him to be comfortable with going? I feel like this is a step in his life that could be very traumatic if we force him to do anything at all.

Please, any advice would be appreciated and welcomed!!!

Hi Liz,

I am going through the same issue with my daughter who just turned 3 in Feb. You are doing everything right. You may want to start giving him bran in his everyday meals, which works wonders as well. I myself use the flakes and hide it in her spaghetti, yogurt, stir fries etc. Also eliminate cheese and sugars as much as possible.

If your son shows interest in using the potty go for it, otherwise wait a little longer, say until nearing age 4.

This was advice given by my doctor, but when she goes in for her 3 year check-up there is going to a referral to see a specialist to see if there are internal problems which also might be a good idea for your son as well.

I hope your son gets better soon!! Good Luck to you and your family!!!

I'm sorry I'm no help, my son just confuses the feeling of a fart and poop so everytime he farts he thinks he just pooped(its actually pretty funny)

The only thing I coudl think of if none of that works is to try a enema so atleast he won't hurt.

Heres a bump and good luck

Hi Liz,

I agree with Virginia that you are doing everything right. my 4 yearold went through that for a while and he was scared to go not matter if it was in the potty or in a diaper. I just ave him grapefruit juice with a sweetener as well as bran and raisins. I tryed to dothat a few time a day and just let him wait until he was ready to

 g+ot to the

pott+y sorry my 2 year old is helping me type. My son was 3 and 2 months before he started to go potty but as soon as he was ready there were no more diapers not even to sleep the same goes for my 8 year except the was almost 4. They will let you know when they are ready just keep introducing the potty to them show them there is nothing to fear even if you have to take them with you when you go. I hope this eases your mind alittle.

hi liz. i have a three year old son, with problems with constipation as well, and his dr priscribed milk of magnesia (15ml twice a day), or mineral oil, (1 tbsp @ before bedtime.)  i am potty training too, but he hasnt gotten to the point yet of haveing a bm on the potty. check with your sons dr. to find out the proper dosage for him. good luck!

Thanks ladies. All this info and encouragement really help.

I LOVE having this site, so I don't have to bother people that don't know or care on FaceBook!

Thanks again Mamas!

Liz