I can completely relate! My son is now 5 ½ and was born with HD. He had surgery at 10 days old. Other than about 5-8 icky diapers a day we thought things were normal. Then just two months before his third birthday I was told by his Montessori that I would start potty training for my son. Well through many tears he was potty trained “enough” to move up to the next class. Our previous teachers had really helped me, but his new teacher was less than understanding. He was having streaking and would smell. I thought I would go of my mind. We visited a GI specialist and even went back to our surgeon. We were told everything was fine, he was just allergic to dairy protein. Removing the dairy helped somewhat, but over all he still had streaking and loose stools. Even my mother-in-law commented on his lack of control….I thought I would disown her forever. Once again came more tears.
Ok so here is what we did…We removed the dairy and tried to stay to a healthy diet (low sugar, low fat, high fiber). I have IBS, so I know what foods digest easier and we did those items.
Next we did planned BM’s. Every morning and every night he sits on the potty. We use to read books, because we would sometimes sit there for 45 minutes. For a good BM we would cheer and give a small prize. We use the kids wet wipes since he has loose stools. I also feel his tummy, if it’s distended he must go to the potty.
Now at 5 ½ he goes potty each night on his own and sometimes in the morning. Food is still a big trigger, so he must stay on a healthy diet. I allow him dairy (pizza or ice cream) but only on a limited basis. His stools are still loose and smelly, so we tend to buy a lot of toilet cleaner.
We have suffered through other upsets, but overall he knows no different and feels normal.
For other ideas or support feel free to email me. When I was going though a similar situation I emailed a lady in New Mexico, I just needed some support since his school and my MIL were awful!!!! By the way, we left the school, but still have the MIL. :)
T.