Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Fiber supplements and children

My 8 year old daughter has suffered from constipation forever. I do not know if she has IBS or not. She gets horrible belly aches when she hasn't had a BM in a few days and has even thrown up from the pain, but unlike me she does not get D following the C. Her gastroenterologist has of course recommended a high fiber diet, supplemented with Citrucel (one rounded scoop in 8 ounces of water) once a day. She doesn't really like the Citrucel (unless I make it with lemonade), plus it doesn't seem to soften her very large, hard stools. So my question is: Is it safe for children to try other fiber supps, like Benefiber? Also, does anyone know the appropriate dose for children?

I have asked the doctor these questions, but he doesn't really answer. He just starts talking about giving her Milk of Mag, or mineral oil. (She hates both - don't blame her, frankly!) We are in an HMO, so I can't really pick and choose a new doctor. Plus, he feels that at this point we have the "tools" necesary for handling her constipation on our own.

I feel that Heather's eating guidelines will certainly benefit my daughter's digestion as well as mine. I think the first place to start is adding the appropriate fiber supplements. Second, it seemed as if soluble fiber (potatoes, pasta, oatmeal, etc.) bound her up, so we had basically eliminated them from all of our diets. I have since introduced them again. I know now that it was not the soluble fiber, it was not drinking enough to let them work that was the problem!

So, anybody know what supps are okay for kids and how much children should take?

Gretchen

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