4 Year Old Can't Get Dry After Going Potty

This is a pretty big symptom of strep. The strep infection doesn't necessarily have to be on the genitals- it can be anywhere, but it can affect the brain and cause some sensory malfunction. I know this sounds totally "out there" but I went through it (and a few other random, weird things) with my daughter before we figured out what was going on.

Basically what happens is the child gets a strep infection- sometimes they get a sore throat or tummy ache, and sometimes they just start having some behavior that is along the lines of aggression and/or OCD. Some start having bed-wetting or day-wetting issues, there can be handwriting changes, etc. in older children as well. It can be as simple as frequent or urgent urination, to that desire to keep wiping, or something like touching each rung of the banister while going up the stairs... to something really severe like suddenly becoming non-verbal or having tics/Tourette's.

The first thing to do is get her to a doctor for a strep test. Have them hold 2 swabs together and run one as a rapid test (you'll find out on the spot the result of that one) and send the other for a 72 hour culture (which is the gold standard.) Strep can hide anywhere in the body though, so even if she is negative, and you are still seeing this issue (and others) then I would get her to a PANDAS specialist. Here is the pediatrician we saw for my daughter: www.webpediatrics.com

My daughter never had a sore throat, and was never tested. I thought she might be having UTIs but they were always clear. With PANDAS, instead of the child's immune system attacking the strep (or sometimes even a virus, though strep/bacteria is more common,) the immune system attacks itself instead, causing the basal ganglia (brain stem) to gradually swell, thereby causing neurological issues. (I'm not saying your daughter is crazy- I know this can get sensitive!!)

Anyway, having said all that- I would definitely get the strep tests done and treat her with antibiotics and just know the symptoms of PANDAS so you can keep an eye out. They are all listed on the website above.

Here is my blog, if you're interested in reading our story too.
www.chickiepea.wordpress.com

I hope it's just a phase, but better safe than sorry. (((hugs)))
M.

PS- I just saw that you were in Winfield- I'm in Wheaton. Our dr is in St. Charles (family dr) and somewhat familiar w/PANDAS and would run a strep test for you. It's Dr. James Sanders at Valley Family Medicine if you're looking for someone with some knowledge of it who won't question you. I think most Walgreens run rapid tests for strep now too in their quick clinics.

Sounds like 4 year old girl pickyness to me. I don't have any advice - sorry as my daughter has similar issues with things. I am hoping she will grow out of them.

Is she actually emptying her bladder when she pees? Or is she holding on to a last little bit at the end there? You know, is she clenching when she's done or "thinks" she's done and therefore some pee is still leaking?

Or... has she ever had labial adhesions? If she has, and has it now, then the urine can pool a bit behind the fused skin and leak out a bit feeling as if she's "always wet."

Maybe she would be more comfortable if she used a small, thin panty liner.

My daughter did actually go through this, so I put a tiny bit of cornstarch powder on her panties and she said it made her dry ; ) She needed it about 6 weeks, as I gradually "forgot" to use it, and one day she never brought it up again. But do consider the other advice you've received as you do want to rule out any medical condition.

I'd try saying, really upbeat, "yep, that's how it's supposed to feel now that you're getting bigger. it feels a little strange at first, but you'll get used to it." If she continues to throw a fit, leave the bathroom.