A young child faced severe constipation leading to organ compression and intense pain. Elissa Novak, the mother, recounted her son Ivan’s distressing symptoms, including vomiting, weight loss, and constant agony. Medical data from the NHS revealed a significant increase in pediatric constipation cases, with over 44,000 child admissions to hospitals in England between 2023 and 2024.
Ivan, now five years old, endured a challenging period marked by frequent hospitalizations due to his condition. Elissa described the ordeal as harrowing, with Ivan exhibiting extreme weakness and persistent pain. The lack of local incontinence services forced them to visit the A&E department multiple times weekly.
After persistent efforts to find answers, Elissa finally identified constipation as the root cause of Ivan’s suffering, potentially saving his life. Medical professionals discovered extensive damage to his colon, with organs displaced and his stomach compressed, necessitating prolonged hospital stays and distressing enema treatments.
In addition to his physical struggles, Ivan’s cognitive challenges, stemming from a genetic condition, contributed to delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment. Elissa expressed frustration at the initial dismissal of Ivan’s pain signals due to his disability, highlighting a systemic failure in recognizing and addressing his distress.
Bladder and Bowel UK highlighted the widespread prevalence of childhood constipation in the UK, noting a surge in inquiries as students returned to school. Davina Richardson, a specialist nurse, emphasized the critical nature of the issue, underscoring the cultural reluctance to discuss bathroom-related problems openly.
The account of Ivan’s battle with constipation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of early detection and comprehensive care for pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.