My 22 month old, Isaac, has suddenly started crying when we lift his legs to wipe his bottom during a diaper change. It's been happening for about a week, at home and daycare and with grandma too. We've all tried tried putting his legs to the side or kind of rolling his legs toward his chin to expose his bottom (not lifting them straight up) but he still cries out and stiffens his legs. Sometimes he really cries hard. Every time he seems to fight and fuss, even before that step when we are getting ready to change the diaper. I can't tell if he is resisting because he is afraid it might hurt, doesn't like the diaper change (as some have suggested), or if it really just hurts.
My husband has a slight spinal disformation from an acute case of spinal bifida and has had lower back broblems throughout his life, so I was wondering if Isaac may possibly be having back pain from a similar inherited problem? I was at the doctor for another issue (Isaac's doctor too) and asked about it, she didn't seem to concerned. She also thought he might just be resisting diaper changes, and said since he is not having these issues with any other activity that all she could do is perform some xrays to see if it's something internal with his bones, hips, legs. etc
So my question is, should I take him in to the doctor? I don't want to go through xrays if he's just 'faking' or not wanting to do a diaper change. And I noticed last night when taking his shirt off, he really freaks out and cries if you don't get the shirt over his face fast enough. So maybe with the diaper change he is doing the same thing, suddenly just doesn't like diaper changes? I hate for him to be in pain but I really can't tell.
Big question to you......Does he only act like this during diaper changes? At all other times is he running and jumping and rolling around? does he limp or go Ouey when he moves about? If not, I would say it is resisting being restrained to have a diaper changed.
I wouldn't do an x-ray unless the doctor orders it...but w/u it sounds like ur doc. was sugesting it to eas ur worries vs. thinking he "needed" x-rays.
If it doesn't "hurt" anyother time (ie. sitting, standing, walking ect) then it sounds more like his tummy is hurting from the lying/bending combanation.
He's allready 22 mos so you will have a little "catch-up" to do in potty-training...but that might help if it is a BM/tummy problem.
Keep us posted. Hope he feels beter.
We went through just what you are describing with my son. Our family chiropractor adjusted him and his reactions subsided. She also instructed us to lift only one leg during diaper changes, to prevent his back from going out again. Additionally, constipation can cause this pain, as well. Bread and cheese are what cause this issue with my kiddos. Lots of water and probiotics helps with tummy trouble. If truly constipated, here is a quick fix: mix a drink of water with a tsp of dark Karo syrup and serve to your child. Works wonderfully.
Please let us know what you find out.
This may be a long shot and you may have ruled it out already but look into the symptoms of ear infections. Sometimes laying down can cause the pain from an ear infection to increase. It could explain the sudden change in behavior with a diaper change.
I wish you the best!
Has he been having regular bowel movements? my daughter complains like that when she is severely constipated. as for the shirt, i think its an age thing. my daughter started freaking out at about his age. Good luck finding out what's wrong.
Is there a rash? Could it be from forceful diaper change from someone else that is causing him to be afraid. If you have the spinal history, I don't think it would hurt to just monitor it and then have the doctor do the xray. Better safe than sorry
