Re: large bowel movements

My son is 10 years old. Ever since he was two years old, he has had large bowel movements. Between us, his daycare providers, and his grandparents, we have expressed amazement of how much comes out at one time. He has a bowel movement every 2-3 days.

He has been stopping up toilets since he was two years old. Sometimes we have to take a knife and chop it up to get it to flush. His BMs are about 2-4 inches across, very wide, and at least 8-14 inches long. They definitely expand in the toilet bowl water.

My son is a vegetarian, almost vegan. He has never had any animal products, other than the rare (monthly) ice cream/cheese/yogurt, and eggs even less frequently. He has never eaten meat or gelatin.

He eats mostly raw fruits and vegetables, with cooked vegetables coming in a close second. The only bread he eats is 100% whole wheat bread.

He eats regularly: three meals a day with several snacks.

He takes vegetarian vitamins daily, with added B6 and B12. He also takes calcium supplements daily.

He drinks at least 6 cups of water a day, and drinks 1 cup of enriched soy milk, each day.

He is above average in height, with appropriate weight for his size, sort of on the lean side.

He is physically fit, and regularly swims, plays tennis, soccer, basketball, etc.

Could it be it's just the way he was made?

He has a seven year old sister, who eats almost the same vegetarian diet, and she has no problems with bowel movements. She has a BM at least once a day.

Help.

He is really getting embarassed at the number of toilets he has stopped up. He is scared that it will happen when he is at a playmate's house.