Replies to '07/11 What’s Up, Doc?'

It's not fair of you to compare these two children to children who have any type of  mental handicap.  It's like your saying that there  must be something horribly wrong with these kids because they are incapable of going to the bathroom or must have a lower IQ then those who may be mentally challenged(which people with mental handicaps come with all different kinds of strengths and weaknesses).  BE NICE!

Sorry, we have been living with this with my 11 yr old stepson and he is in gifted and talented classes. We have spent thousands of dollars between pediatricians and psychologists/psychiatrists. We have used the good behavior-reward system as well as the bad behavior-punishment system. Yes, we have tried taking everything (material things) away from him as punishment. Yes, we make him clean himself and his laundry. The kids tease him at school and at home. He has 4 siblings that do not have this problem. We cannot go anywhere with the kid, nor do people want to come here. Yes, we do find pieces of it around our house and are completely grossed out by it, kick, holler and scream...but it doesn't bother him. I think it's to the point where this is normal to him so he doesn't understand why we freak out about it. We have tried the laxative, fiber diet, enemas, exercise, plenty of water, going sit on the toilet at regular times each day...we don't know what else to do. It has even caused major marital problems between my hub and I because we have full custody of this child. Imagine having to deal with this everyday and everynight with a child that is not biologically yours. You should not judge these kids or the parents until you have lived through it. Do you really think these parents have not tried different things? Do you think they enjoy living this way?

Its very upsetting that someone such as yourself would comment in this way.  You are obviously not a parent or have never had difficulties in life.  I have two children, one 7 and one 5.  My five year old has no problems using the bathroom but unfortunatly my 7 year old has encopresis.  I know that it is a medical condition as I have potty trained both my children the same way.  Your comment is very bothersome because you have no clue what children such as my son has to go through on a daily basis.  For the last two years he has every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday has to drink two bottles of magnesium citrate, chew 80 milk of magnesium tablets and everyday of the week have to take two adult doses of Mirilax, yes my 7 year old son has to do this.  Til this day we still have not been able to get him completly cleaned out.  His potty muscle is still stretched out leaving him clueless to when his potty is coming out.  We see a Pediatrition Gastronoligist on a regular basis and he continues physical therapy to learn to use that muscle properly.  We have even had him see a pysciatrist that specializes in this situation. It is a struggle everyday not only for myself and my husband but I always think of what my child has to go through.  Having to keep my 7 year old who is starting 3rd grade in a pull up that barely fits him any more and picking him up from school, smelling what has happened and how it effects his life is such a challenge that maybe you should keep your negativity to yourself.  These children are not abused,  they have a challenging medical condition that I wouldn't wish on anyone and for your own good, I hope you never have to deal with this situation, because you will feel horrible for even making such a comment.

That is a hateful thing to say - especially when you don't even know what you're talking about.  My grandson is 9 and has had this problem ever since starting potty training.........he has been to 2 pediatric gastroenteroligist and to one of the best Childrens' Hospital in our state...........................he is an all "A" student and is in the accelerated learning program in school (a far cry from mentally challenged)................I hope you never have to go through this with a child, for the child's sake, because you would never be able to handle it.