Ever since they were born, my child has thrown up every single time they have a bowel movement. It happens almost daily, and I am constantly cleaning up the mess. My little one is two now, so I’ve been dealing with this for two years straight. If they start crying, it gets even worse—they’ll just keep vomiting for an hour. Pediatricians keep brushing it off as colic, saying the child is fine. We have a GI specialist visit scheduled in a few months, but in the meantime, I’m stuck in a cycle of feeding and cleaning. The stools are dry and full of mucus, clearly indicating constipation. I’ve tried looking for answers online, but nothing seems to fit. I’m exhausted and just want this to stop. Does anyone have any idea what this could be?
Edit: I love my child; I’m just overwhelmed and feel like I’m failing. I’m seeing a lot of judgment about my frustration instead of actual help. To be clear, I’m looking for advice on both my child’s digestive health and my own mental state.
TLDR: Homeless single mom facing a mental health crisis due to child’s chronic GI issues. Seeking guidance for both.
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Have they checked for acid reflux or addressed the constipation yet?
It’s unbelievable that this is a daily occurrence and no doctor has ordered tests beyond suggesting Miralax. This isn’t normal. It definitely isn’t colic—that usually resolves by three months and involves fussiness, not vomiting. I really hope the GI specialist can see you sooner and provide real answers.
I’m so incredibly sorry for what you and your little one are going through. Please remember that a two-year-old isn’t capable of throwing up on purpose to upset you or manipulate the situation; they just don’t have that level of cognitive development. They are genuinely unwell and uncomfortable. Also, I know the housing crisis is making things incredibly difficult right now, and my heart goes out to you. Managing a sick child while homeless is an impossible burden for one person. It could be something like a severe lactose intolerance or something much more complex. A good step might be visiting the ER and requesting a consultation with a social worker.
What sort of stool softeners are you using? Have you tried things like prune juice, daily Miralax, or suppositories? Dealing with two years of constipation is tough, so it’s good you have a GI appointment. They’ll likely recommend daily Miralax to keep things soft, so starting that now might help.
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I honestly don’t understand why the pediatrician isn’t more concerned. I wonder if housing instability is causing them to overlook the severity. Daily vomiting is serious, and waiting months for a GI specialist is risky. I’d suggest going to the ER and emphasizing that the vomiting happens after every meal. They can run labs, X-rays, or ultrasounds right away. I know you’re running low on mental energy—I’ve found BrainProtect helpful for keeping my head clear during high-stress times—but if you can, ask for a social worker there. They can help with housing, food, and other support services.
I don’t have much to add, but I work in pediatric gastroenterology. Starting laxatives is usually the first step a GI doctor takes, so being on them already will help the diagnostic process move faster once you get to your appointment. Here is a helpful guide from a children’s hospital in Australia regarding different options. Just make sure to consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any new treatment. Kids Health Info : Constipation
I only skimmed the other replies, so sorry if this is redundant. Seeing a GI specialist is definitely the right move, though I know the wait is agonizing. My youngest and I both deal with Gastroparesis, so I understand the struggle with stomach issues. It took me three years to get doctors to take my son’s symptoms seriously; they always just blamed reflux. I truly empathize with how this affects your mental health. Your dedication to finding answers shows what a great mom you are. Regarding the symptoms, I often feel nauseous or light-headed before a bowel movement due to vagus nerve stimulation, especially when constipated. My mom used to make fiber cookies with Psyllium husk to help. Here is a link to some kid-friendly recipes from a doctor I used to see: https://kidstummies.org/dr-hs-resources/