Excessive wiping after urination claims she cannot get dry enough...

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Excessive wiping after urination claims she cannot get dry enough...

My daughter has issues with tags, socks her shoes need to be a certain way, etc. Now for 6 months after she goes to the bathroom she claims she cannot get dry enough. She had been tested numerous times for urinary and bladder infection, there is none.

She can be in the bathroom for 10 minutes wiping and trust me she is dry but says she still feels wet. The urologist sees nothing urological wrong with her and I am at my wits end!! Does anyone else deal with this?

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Excessive wiping after urination claims she cannot get dry enough...

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Mar 01, 2010
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Been going through "retun wiping" for years
by: Kim

I honestly don't know what to do. My daughter is 8 now but has had this excessive wiping problem for about 2 years now. We did the urine tests and with normal results, hoped it was just a phase. She returns to the bathroom 5-6 times to re-wipe saying she feels drips. If I don't let her return to wipe again, she jukes and jives and pulls trying to make it right.

She has never been difficult with any other issues. No other OCD behavior exists. In fact, she is pretty easy going except for this problem. If we go out somewhere, she immediately asks to use the bathroom and even then she wants to return to wipe some more. Sometimes before bed, she will go through tons of toilet paper and actually sneaks out of bed to wipe.

Since she doesn't have any other OCD behavior, I don't know where to start with treatment.

Feb 23, 2010
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Sexual Trauma
by: Princess & Pea

I remember a few weeks ago there was another concern about possible relationship b/t sexual trauma and excessive wiping/feeling of wetness. I wanted to write back at that time b/c the author seemed to need some support. And I thought she might be feeling guilty unnecessarily. But who's to say her concern wasn't valid??

This latest post reminded me, I just wanted to let her (and anyone else who was wondering) know that we appear to have a case in which "phantom wetness" arose without any apparent sexual trauma. In our case it was not associated with any negative feelings about sexual development or exploration. Our daughter started wiping excessively after a garden-variety upsetting event. I also note that changes in routine seem to bring it out.

I'm a stay-at-home mom with only one child. My daughter had not been out of my sight for the first 4 years of her life. She started the wiping thing at 4 years three months. It was after an upsetting event. She had just started a gymnastics class--the first class or "school" she had ever attended. On the first day the teacher completely forgot her in a corner and moved on with the rest of the class. I watched the whole thing. A day after-wards, my daughter told me she wet herself. When I changed her clothes, there was not a drop in her panties. It was a few days after that that she started wiping excessively.

It seems to me that any traumatic event could trigger this sort of reaction. Even an innocuous change in routine. We've been dealing with this for about a year. It has ebbed and flowed. Changes in routine and mood bring out the "wipies," if you will.

Looking back on it,I think she showed a predisposition toward this sort of thing. She was always fussy about toileting (as well as getting dressed and eating.)For example, she had to have her undies pulled up first and then her pants. If they were pulled up together, she'd throw a fit.

I think the "wipies" are not so uncommon, at least in a less severe form. I've talked to two other moms in my community within the last month who have been dealing with the same thing. I was comforted to hear their stories. One friend has noted the problem but is not tearing her hair out. Lucky her. The other has more concerns, noting some defining OCD behaviors.

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Feb 23, 2010
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Submitted by: Princess & Pea

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I remember a few weeks ago there was another concern about possible relationship b/t sexual trauma and excessive wiping/feeling of wetness. I wanted to write back at that time b/c the author seemed to need some support. And I thought she might be feeling guilty unnecessarily. But who's to say her concern wasn't valid?? This latest post reminded me, I just wanted to let her (and anyone else who was wondering) know that we appear to have a case in which "phantom wetness" arose without any apparent sexual trauma. In our case it was not associated with any negative feelings about sexual development or exploration. Our daughter started wiping excessively after a garden-variety upsetting event. I also note that changes in routine seem to bring it out. I'm a stay-at-home mom with only one child. My daughter had not been out of my sight for the first 4 years of her life. She started the wiping thing at 4 years three months. It was after an upsetting event. She had just started a gymnastics class--the first class or "school" she had ever attended. On the first day the teacher completely forgot her in a corner and moved on with the rest of the class. I watched the whole thing. A day after-wards, my daughter told me she wet herself. When I changed her clothes, there was not a drop in her panties. It was a few days after that that she started wiping excessively. It seems to me that any traumatic event could trigger this sort of reaction. Even an innocuous change in routine. We've been dealing with this for about a year. It has ebbed and flowed. Changes in routine and mood bring out the "wipies," if you will. Looking back on it,I think she showed a predisposition toward this sort of thing. She was always fussy about toileting (as well as getting dressed and eating.)For example, she had to have her undies pulled up first and then her pants. If they were pulled up together, she'd throw a fit. I think the "wipies" are not so uncommon, at least in a less severe form. I've talked to two other moms in my community within the last month who have been dealing with the same thing. I was comforted to hear their stories. One friend has noted the problem but is not tearing her hair out. Lucky her. The other has more concerns, noting some defining OCD behaviors.

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Feb 22, 2010
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2nd post
by: Robbie

Well, the plot thickens in our case. I was reluctant to assume my daughter actually has SPD as she doesn't have any other symptoms save the socks issue. Since I recently bought seamless socks she no longer has any probs with socks just the complaining (crying and anxiety that her vagina is "wet."). After discussing the issues with her at length (though admittedly hard with a 4 1/2 year) she told us that he wet vagina only started after her childhood friend a boy she's been close to since infancy recent stuck his finger in her vag and "played with it" that it got wet and now its it a source of great embarrassment to her. She even told me that she had a bad dream where her vag was leaking and that her friends at school were making fun of her. All of this she told me tearfully and is truly greatly bothered by the incident. Her candor and ability to really feel this shame is of obvious concern to us. We played the whole thing down with her, that it is normal for a vag to get a little wet when played with and that is okay. We told her that we weren't mad with her at all and that is okay to be curious but that she should never let anyone touch her there if she doesn't want them too.

So what to do now? I tried everything from letting her go without underwear when wearing pants or see can wear pull ups to school if she is more comfortable, since nothing to seems to abate her fear that her vag is going to drip and that everyone will see it. She seemed ok over the weekend but today I found out that during the day she simply took off her underwear and went commando with her skirt!!! She again stated that she took her undies off b/c they were "wet." Ugh.

I guess i'm going to need to consult a child psychologist? Or if anyone out there has any experience with her growing out of this issue. In the meantime, I created what I call a mini diaper in which i cut a thin maxi pad in half and put that in her underwear. She seems ok with this for now.

I just don't know what to do. This excessive talk of her wet vag. with her obsession with playing with herself to see if she is wet or not is just too much. I'm really worried about the whole thing since she now takes over an hour to get dressed in the morning cuz she is anxious that her vag. is going to somehow drip out water.

Your feedback is appreciated.

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Feb 22, 2010
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Submitted by: Robbie

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Well, the plot thickens in our case. I was reluctant to assume my daughter actually has SPD as she doesn't have any other symptoms save the socks issue. Since I recently bought seamless socks she no longer has any probs with socks just the complaining (crying and anxiety that her vagina is "wet."). After discussing the issues with her at length (though admittedly hard with a 4 1/2 year) she told us that he wet vagina only started after her childhood friend a boy she's been close to since infancy recent stuck his finger in her vag and "played with it" that it got wet and now its it a source of great embarrassment to her. She even told me that she had a bad dream where her vag was leaking and that her friends at school were making fun of her. All of this she told me tearfully and is truly greatly bothered by the incident. Her candor and ability to really feel this shame is of obvious concern to us. We played the whole thing down with her, that it is normal for a vag to get a little wet when played with and that is okay. We told her that we weren't mad with her at all and that is okay to be curious but that she should never let anyone touch her there if she doesn't want them too. So what to do now? I tried everything from letting her go without underwear when wearing pants or see can wear pull ups to school if she is more comfortable, since nothing to seems to abate her fear that her vag is going to drip and that everyone will see it. She seemed ok over the weekend but today I found out that during the day she simply took off her underwear and went commando with her skirt!!! She again stated that she took her undies off b/c they were "wet." Ugh. I guess i'm going to need to consult a child psychologist? Or if anyone out there has any experience with her growing out of this issue. In the meantime, I created what I call a mini diaper in which i cut a thin maxi pad in half and put that in her underwear. She seems ok with this for now. I just don't know what to do. This excessive talk of her wet vag. with her obsession with playing with herself to see if she is wet or not is just too much. I'm really worried about the whole thing since she now takes over an hour to get dressed in the morning cuz she is anxious that her vag. is going to somehow drip out water. Your feedback is appreciated.

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Feb 19, 2010
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had our urologist appt
by: original poster

We had our urology appt at Johns Hopkins and the Dr. was very responsive. She said that this could be a constipation issue or that my daughter is not relaxing her muscles enough to fully empty her bladder. We had a ultrasound of her kidneys and bladder done two years ago and it showed she was not completely draining her bladder. Over the past two years I was told by another urologist that the amount she kept in her bladder was acceptable. This new urologist did not think so and either did the radiologist who initially took the sonogram 2 years ago. Therefore, we are now getting an updated ultrasound to see if she is still holding urine after voiding and also an xray of her kidneys and intestines to see if constipation is an issue. I am continuing with OT as this seems to help my daughter handle this sensory issue she is having.

In the meantime, my daughter has been diagnosed with Lyme Disease which also apparently can cause OCD like behaviors. (When I was having her tested for PANDAS they also tested for Lyme since it can mimic PANDAS symptoms.) My daughter had no other Lyme symptoms it was just a fluke that we discovered this. She is on 30 days of antibiotics and although I do not know if any of this is related, I am hopeful that we are on the right track to some resolution with the help of this Urologist and treating the Lyme. I will keep you all posted and I am hoping everyone is getting some resolution for their kids too!
Good Luck!

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Feb 19, 2010
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Submitted by: original poster

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We had our urology appt at Johns Hopkins and the Dr. was very responsive. She said that this could be a constipation issue or that my daughter is not relaxing her muscles enough to fully empty her bladder. We had a ultrasound of her kidneys and bladder done two years ago and it showed she was not completely draining her bladder. Over the past two years I was told by another urologist that the amount she kept in her bladder was acceptable. This new urologist did not think so and either did the radiologist who initially took the sonogram 2 years ago. Therefore, we are now getting an updated ultrasound to see if she is still holding urine after voiding and also an xray of her kidneys and intestines to see if constipation is an issue. I am continuing with OT as this seems to help my daughter handle this sensory issue she is having. In the meantime, my daughter has been diagnosed with Lyme Disease which also apparently can cause OCD like behaviors. (When I was having her tested for PANDAS they also tested for Lyme since it can mimic PANDAS symptoms.) My daughter had no other Lyme symptoms it was just a fluke that we discovered this. She is on 30 days of antibiotics and although I do not know if any of this is related, I am hopeful that we are on the right track to some resolution with the help of this Urologist and treating the Lyme. I will keep you all posted and I am hoping everyone is getting some resolution for their kids too! Good Luck!

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Feb 18, 2010
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me too
by: Anonymous

Interesting that we all seem to have 5 year olds. My daughter is 5.5 yrs old. She also had major underwear issues. I think I spent $1,000.00 on underwear trying to find comfortable ones. Once we found Hanes Wedgie Free that issue stopped. She is also picky about soft pants. She just started the pee thing. She wants to wipe with a towel. Paper just doesn't do it for her. She seems to have a UTI right now. She said it hurt to pee yesterday and we went to Dr. who said her pee appeared to indicate a UTI but are awaiting lab results. When we got home from Dr. she wet her pants. We started Bactrim yesterday and are awaiting conclusive test results. Today she also had an accident. I am hoping it is a UTI and not some bigger issue. I am wondering if she has had a low level infection that caused some leakage and led to the towel thing. I just don't know. I haven't done therapy yet, I am just hoping she will outgrow it. Really, the underwear thing probably took 5 years off of my life. WOW! Just wanted to let you all know I have one too!

Feb 14, 2010
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Phantom pee-pee and excessive wiping
by: robbie

Wow. We are now dealing with the same excessive wiping, can't get dry issue in our 4 1/2 year old. It all started about 10 days ago when my husband and I finally went on our honeymoon and left her with her favorite babysitter for 4 days. Also her issues finding tights and socks that don't feel "weird" has just gotten a little crazy in the past month, as well. I was happy thinking that it was just a phase but now realize that it is probably something deeper. My daughter's father has ADD and her step brother has ADD with sensory issues too. So I'm thinking that the apple hasn't fallen too far from the tree here...

I am happy to know that we are not alone but I am also hoping to hear of some solutions too. It seems that the posts I have read have not really included what the OT or psychologists have said and what treatment these children are on. If someone could share the treatments and any progress being made, that would be beautiful. Since the wiping thing has just started (I found comfort seam socks that seem to address her perfect sock fit freakouts) I am reluctant to take her to an OT at this point with the thought that she might have to go later down the line.

Thanks to all of you for sharing your stories. It is really disheartening to think our kids are so seriously so anxious about phantom pee pee and clothing seams. I know we all just want our kids to feel safe and happy.

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Feb 14, 2010
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Submitted by: robbie

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Wow. We are now dealing with the same excessive wiping, can't get dry issue in our 4 1/2 year old. It all started about 10 days ago when my husband and I finally went on our honeymoon and left her with her favorite babysitter for 4 days. Also her issues finding tights and socks that don't feel "weird" has just gotten a little crazy in the past month, as well. I was happy thinking that it was just a phase but now realize that it is probably something deeper. My daughter's father has ADD and her step brother has ADD with sensory issues too. So I'm thinking that the apple hasn't fallen too far from the tree here... I am happy to know that we are not alone but I am also hoping to hear of some solutions too. It seems that the posts I have read have not really included what the OT or psychologists have said and what treatment these children are on. If someone could share the treatments and any progress being made, that would be beautiful. Since the wiping thing has just started (I found comfort seam socks that seem to address her perfect sock fit freakouts) I am reluctant to take her to an OT at this point with the thought that she might have to go later down the line. Thanks to all of you for sharing your stories. It is really disheartening to think our kids are so seriously so anxious about phantom pee pee and clothing seams. I know we all just want our kids to feel safe and happy.

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Feb 02, 2010
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Visit to Urologist
by: Tawnya

We made our visit to the urologist and they confirmed by ultrasound that her bladder was emptying fully after urination. When we first told them about it, they were very familiar with the symptoms. The doctor explained to her that the inside of your mouth is wet just like girls down there, but you don't try to dry the inside of your mouth out, so you shouldn't try to dry yourself out down there. When I showed them the many posts from this website, they confirmed that with my daughter it was nothing physical, only sensory processing issues. She has really good days now, which is good. She has gotten to the point where she tells herself she can do it, she can get off the potty and quit wiping after a couple minutes. This helps if she psychs herself up like this.

Since then, however, she has had another distraction to worry about. Last Wednesday, she was in a go-kart accident and has one fracture in her orbit and two in her sinus cavity. She also banged her leg up, so she has been more worried about that lately than her bathroom issues. We are just hanging in there and hoping she grows out of it. I have noticed an improvement with her chiropractor visits.

Feb 01, 2010
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wiping
by: fiveatpeace

Though my daughter is now grown, for some reason I have still been bothered by how much she wiped when she was young. Because my daughter was too young to communicate specifically why she was unhappy at a babysitter's house at 18 months, then she later became obsessive with wiping and then cleanliness in general (picking at pores on her face) I wondered if she had been sexually abused. I had thought that she cried when I left her because of separation anxiety; 6 months later I decided to pull her out and take her back to the old sitter. She never cried again. But then later there were all these wiping issues. I wondered if somehow it might be connected in some way. As I listened to a woman talk about her own daughter's sexual abuse and how she wanted to scrub her daughter clean hoping it somehow would help take away the filthiness of it all, it just made me wonder again. Has anyone heard if this symptom could be a result of early childhood sexual abuse?

Jan 30, 2010
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Sock Fairy
by: Princess & Pea

Hi,

Your post about socks reminded me. I wanted to tell you all about SmartKnit KIDS Seamless Sensitivity Socks. They help. Also, I've been putting on her socks at night while she's asleep. After her bath at night we usually dress her in the next day's clothes. It avoids changing clothes in the am. For us the mornings were always the worst.

Jan 30, 2010
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My Daughter Shares the same Symptoms
by: Robert

My daughter also has issues with excessive wiping and feeling wet. Along with this she is very finicky about socks complaining about lumps that we can't feel. Even from an early age she has similar problems. When she was three we went through a few months where we could not get blanket adjusted right when putting her to bed. We'd would try over and over before she finally felt it was OK. We naturally worried about OCD but she did not show other symptoms. Thankfully she stopped having blanket issues, but shortly after began having clothing issues. Socks, pants, and underwear were problematic. She would only wear overalls for awhile then suddenly she wouldn't wear the overalls and wanted to only wear soft pants. So far distraction has been our only successful strategy. Bouncing her on the bed or having her balance a tall toy like a bat has helped but it is difficult to get her calm enough to try. On the bright side we have seen progress on socks and other clothing. We found the Hanna Anderson socks and pants are softer and seem to fit her better. Thankfully she seems fine otherwise. She makes friends easily and is doing well in school. I'm hopeful that the excessive wiping will fade in the next few weeks. As others have said it really helps to know there are other people out there looking for answers as well.

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Jan 30, 2010
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Submitted by: Robert

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My daughter also has issues with excessive wiping and feeling wet. Along with this she is very finicky about socks complaining about lumps that we can't feel. Even from an early age she has similar problems. When she was three we went through a few months where we could not get blanket adjusted right when putting her to bed. We'd would try over and over before she finally felt it was OK. We naturally worried about OCD but she did not show other symptoms. Thankfully she stopped having blanket issues, but shortly after began having clothing issues. Socks, pants, and underwear were problematic. She would only wear overalls for awhile then suddenly she wouldn't wear the overalls and wanted to only wear soft pants. So far distraction has been our only successful strategy. Bouncing her on the bed or having her balance a tall toy like a bat has helped but it is difficult to get her calm enough to try. On the bright side we have seen progress on socks and other clothing. We found the Hanna Anderson socks and pants are softer and seem to fit her better. Thankfully she seems fine otherwise. She makes friends easily and is doing well in school. I'm hopeful that the excessive wiping will fade in the next few weeks. As others have said it really helps to know there are other people out there looking for answers as well.

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Jan 22, 2010
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update on us
by: original poster

Tawnya, Please keep us updated. I am interested in what the ped urologist has to say. I am taking my daughter Feb 15th to a pediatric urologist. I am glad to hear the chiropractor is helping if only a small amount. My daughter is back in OT for a few weeks. She (the OT) suggested buying a small trampoline, (the exercise type) that can go in our basement and have her jump on that before getting dressed. I guess it gets the sensory system moving. I has helped slightly getting her dressed and reduced some wiping, but not all by any means. Interestingly enough my daughter had an orthodontic expander put in her mouth right when she regressed back to her old ways. The OT said that that the pallet expander can put extreme pressure on the sensory system (even if the child is unaware of this) and can cause a regression. So we are thinking this may be a reason for her set back. I am really interested in the urologist diagnosis and if any tests are recommended. I am dreading the appt with the ped urologist because I think they are going to recommend the VCUG test and that will surely set my daughter over the edge. Keep us posted!

Jan 21, 2010
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Another Urology Appointment Tomorrow
by: Tawnya Fowler

I began taking my daughter to the chiropractor and believe it or not, she went three days without wiping excessively and constantly feeling wet. She also began waking up dry instead of wetting through the night. I am convinced that chiropractic has helped her. After three days, though, she was crying because she began wiping excessively again. I am taking her to a pediatric urologist tomorrow and will keep everyone posted. I will also continue to take her to the chiropractor. This really seemed to help initially and I am convinced that it will continue to help. We maybe just had a little setback.

Jan 15, 2010
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Comforting
by: Sara

It is comforting to know that I am not alone with this issue anymore. Thank God for the internet! I'll be checking this site frequently for any new ideas or breakthroughs, as well as posting any new ideas or info that I have.

Jan 15, 2010
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Original poster again
by: Anonymous

Hi all, I now have my daughter temporarily back in OT. I as well do the brushing technique. It seems to relax her but never takes away this wiping issue. I am also taking her to the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Urology center in February to go further down that road. I am not convinced there is not something going on with her urinary system. I figure they will be the ones to figure that out. I have been avoiding that because of the invasive testing they do to discover urinary issues, but I am hoping to get some answers. PANDAS has not proven to be our problem through the blood testing, however, my daughter does have some markers in her blood for early Lyme Disease. Apparently that can cause some OCD behaviors. She is having more blood drawn Monday to check to see if there are any further signs of Lyme. I will keep you posted. Maybe between all of us and the things we are trying we can get to the bottom of this!

Jan 14, 2010
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Supplements
by: Princess & Pea

My diagnosing OT suggested fish oil supplements for omega-3s. She said that some skin sensitivity responds to it and, given our little one's aversion to most sources of omega-3s in her diet, it couldn't hurt. I've also learned from other sources that these compounds are supposed to be good for mood and brain development. The OT recommended a particular brand that you can buy at Trader Joes or Whole Foods. I've now forgotten the name, but it comes in gel form in a tube (like a yogurt tube). She said they were particularly high quality. My daughter didn't like the taste, so we're using a gummy instead, but I thought it was a sensible and recommendation.

Good luck with the counseling. We're right behind you! We switched insurance companies thinking we might need regular mental health visits. I'm still collected recommendations for counselors. I'll tell you how things go, too.

For now, I'm finding that in addition to brushing and deep pressure, distraction works. I think this is the nature of OCD. I'm purposely trying to give her positive things to distract herself with in an effort to supplant any obsessions that might be developing. We think and talk about Santa, X-mas, summertime, and her sleep toy while we take slow deep breaths until her body accommodate the sensations.

We are also dealing with some amount of --what I think is--excessively demanding and manipulative behavior that goes beyond any solace we can offer her. For that we are using a very consistent reward system of minutes of playtime. If the whining is excessive, minutes are taken away. She has an opportunity to earn them back with good behavior or by taking on a challenge, if she chooses, such as wiping only one time or crumpling her sock up in her shoe and wearing it around for 15 minutes. She invariably adjusts to it and forgets all about it. She's pretty proud of herself for completing these challenges. My hope is that she'll build up confidence that she can handle the initial discomfort.

I had one idea that I thought was great, but it's totally NOT working. I explained to her that her body was just trying to protect her by being very sensitive, including sensitive to the sensation of moisture after peeing, and that that was a good thing. But the body was doing too good a job of it and she needed to step in and take over. I suggested she say something to the effect of "Thank you body, I know you're trying to protect me, but I know that I'm dry because I can see the paper is dry. You can't see what I can. I'm the one in charge and I promise I'll keep you safe and dry."
Anyway, I thought this was a brilliant idea and it's not working. I still try it every once in a while just to see if it looks like it might take hold.

I'd love to hear what others have tried. What has worked and what hasn't.

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Jan 14, 2010
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Submitted by: Princess & Pea

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My diagnosing OT suggested fish oil supplements for omega-3s. She said that some skin sensitivity responds to it and, given our little one's aversion to most sources of omega-3s in her diet, it couldn't hurt. I've also learned from other sources that these compounds are supposed to be good for mood and brain development. The OT recommended a particular brand that you can buy at Trader Joes or Whole Foods. I've now forgotten the name, but it comes in gel form in a tube (like a yogurt tube). She said they were particularly high quality. My daughter didn't like the taste, so we're using a gummy instead, but I thought it was a sensible and recommendation. Good luck with the counseling. We're right behind you! We switched insurance companies thinking we might need regular mental health visits. I'm still collected recommendations for counselors. I'll tell you how things go, too. For now, I'm finding that in addition to brushing and deep pressure, distraction works. I think this is the nature of OCD. I'm purposely trying to give her positive things to distract herself with in an effort to supplant any obsessions that might be developing. We think and talk about Santa, X-mas, summertime, and her sleep toy while we take slow deep breaths until her body accommodate the sensations. We are also dealing with some amount of --what I think is--excessively demanding and manipulative behavior that goes beyond any solace we can offer her. For that we are using a very consistent reward system of minutes of playtime. If the whining is excessive, minutes are taken away. She has an opportunity to earn them back with good behavior or by taking on a challenge, if she chooses, such as wiping only one time or crumpling her sock up in her shoe and wearing it around for 15 minutes. She invariably adjusts to it and forgets all about it. She's pretty proud of herself for completing these challenges. My hope is that she'll build up confidence that she can handle the initial discomfort. I had one idea that I thought was great, but it's totally NOT working. I explained to her that her body was just trying to protect her by being very sensitive, including sensitive to the sensation of moisture after peeing, and that that was a good thing. But the body was doing too good a job of it and she needed to step in and take over. I suggested she say something to the effect of "Thank you body, I know you're trying to protect me, but I know that I'm dry because I can see the paper is dry. You can't see what I can. I'm the one in charge and I promise I'll keep you safe and dry." Anyway, I thought this was a brilliant idea and it's not working. I still try it every once in a while just to see if it looks like it might take hold. I'd love to hear what others have tried. What has worked and what hasn't.

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Jan 14, 2010
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Follow up
by: Sara

I posted yesterday with the title "My daughter too!!!" I will post any info I get when we see the counselor on Saturday about this wiping issue. A few weeks ago I was at my wits end argueing with my daughter about clothes and it was affecting the whole family. It was affecting every aspect of our relationship and her behavior. Even when she was not complaining about her clothes she was grumpy and disobedient. One change I made was to start consistently giving her vitamins and natural supplements. I figured that her little brain needs all the help it could get to cope with her stresses. It may be a coincidence, but I do see an improvement in her behavior. Might be worth a try for some of you, if you're not doing it already.

Jan 13, 2010
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Yay! Two more out there!
by: Princess & Pea

So nice to hear about two more kids like my little one. She just turned 5 a few days ago. For her it started with difficulty with certain food textures as an infant,then discomfort with "crumples" and seams in socks, elastic in her underpants, sleeves getting wet, wiping and still thinking she's wet, and sensitivity to her hair getting in her face.

Morning routine--toileting, eating, dressing, and fixing her hair, especially with winter static and having to bundle up in layers--couldn't be more challenging.

I've found that Willbargher brushing DOES desensitize her and deep pressure is calming. But it's not a cure-all. I suspect OCD, too.

I'd love to know about anyone's experience with psych treatment, specifically what approach they use with such young children. Is it exposure and response prevention? How do they approach such a sensitive issue as peeing and wiping?

Jan 13, 2010
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Excessive wiping and she thinks she still wet.
by: Anonymous

I thought I was the only one !!! My daughter does the same thing. She is Five yrs old and she wipes so much its red and she pulls down there. I brought her to the specialist and couldn't find anything. I think its OCD.

Jan 13, 2010
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My daughter too!!!
by: Anonymous

Wow. This is the first day that I have done any research to why my almost 5 year old daughter wipes excessively after peeing. She is going to her first visit with a counselor in 3 days because we've been having MAJOR problems getting her dressed in the morning. Nothing is comfortable except summer dresses. It didn't even cross my mind that the wiping issue could be related to her clothing issue. I've been thinking she probably needs to see a urologist, but now I will be sure to mention this to the counselor. I'm shocked that there are other kids out there with her exact same issues. I am disappointed to see that there are not any simple solutions to this.

My daughters own way of coping with this is to pull her underwear up so far that she is "flossing" it between her privates. It looks disgusting and I hate it, but it does seem to do the trick for her.

Dec 29, 2009
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to ISO: SI OT in MD
by: Anonymous

There is a great OT office in Frederick Md. Not sure where you are in Maryland. The name of the place is Way to Grow. If you do a web search you will find their website. Good Luck!

Dec 29, 2009
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back to the old drawing board (long)
by: Anonymous

Original poster here again. Just as quickly as we finished OT and thought we were fine, my daughter is almost as bad as the day I first posted over a year ago. I do not think it was stopping the OT as it has only been two weeks. We had missed a week in the past and there was not a response like this. She is still better with the other sensory things, but the bathroom is an issue again. I am taking the advice of one of the other posters and getting PANDAS checked as an option . Apparently toileting issues are very common in PANDAS kids and in my daughters case she has flare ups (as we are in right now) also common in PANDAS kids. I am heading to the pediatrician today and not only having a urinalysis, but also asking her to do blood work to see if my daughter has any strep in her system (the main factor in PANDAS). I do not know whether to hope for this or not as I would love to finally have an answer, but I also do not know if I necessarily want her to have PANDAS.

It does seem that when my daughter is on antibiotics her symptoms lesson dramatically, probably because if there is strep in her system, it is taking care of it. She never tests positive for strep throat so I am asking for blood work. I guess they can have strep in their system and no symptoms at all. Funny thing is one of the many urologists I had taken her to last year suggested PANDAS, but since she had no recent strep he said it probably was not it. Now I realize it does not have to be strep throat. Also the key factor is obsessive behavior that starts overnight or out of the blue.

My daughters did as I imagine many of yours did too. I found a child neurologist in New Jersey who specializes in PANDAS and I spoke to him on the phone. He suggested investigating this as her symptoms could definitely be PANDAS related. I just wanted to throw this out there to all of you as we all seem to have similar issues. Many Peds do not know a lot about Pandas, but if my pediatrician does not agree with testing my daughter, I am searching until I find one that does. I promised my daughter that I would make this better and 2 years is long enough for this to go on. I used to feel better leaving the ped office after they blamed it on her rough wiping or not wiping right etc. I felt like that was a valid reason and I was happy to hear there was nothing wrong with her. Clearly this is not her fault. I can no longer have her thinking it is something she is doing wrong. well not anymore

I know there is something very wrong and I will post here as I go through this and hopefully get some answers that may lead some of you to some answers too! Keep your fingers crossed for me and for the next few weeks as just getting her dressed is a total challenge. Good luck to you all! I will keep you posted!

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Dec 29, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

Title

Comment
Original poster here again. Just as quickly as we finished OT and thought we were fine, my daughter is almost as bad as the day I first posted over a year ago. I do not think it was stopping the OT as it has only been two weeks. We had missed a week in the past and there was not a response like this. She is still better with the other sensory things, but the bathroom is an issue again. I am taking the advice of one of the other posters and getting PANDAS checked as an option . Apparently toileting issues are very common in PANDAS kids and in my daughters case she has flare ups (as we are in right now) also common in PANDAS kids. I am heading to the pediatrician today and not only having a urinalysis, but also asking her to do blood work to see if my daughter has any strep in her system (the main factor in PANDAS). I do not know whether to hope for this or not as I would love to finally have an answer, but I also do not know if I necessarily want her to have PANDAS. It does seem that when my daughter is on antibiotics her symptoms lesson dramatically, probably because if there is strep in her system, it is taking care of it. She never tests positive for strep throat so I am asking for blood work. I guess they can have strep in their system and no symptoms at all. Funny thing is one of the many urologists I had taken her to last year suggested PANDAS, but since she had no recent strep he said it probably was not it. Now I realize it does not have to be strep throat. Also the key factor is obsessive behavior that starts overnight or out of the blue. My daughters did as I imagine many of yours did too. I found a child neurologist in New Jersey who specializes in PANDAS and I spoke to him on the phone. He suggested investigating this as her symptoms could definitely be PANDAS related. I just wanted to throw this out there to all of you as we all seem to have similar issues. Many Peds do not know a lot about Pandas, but if my pediatrician does not agree with testing my daughter, I am searching until I find one that does. I promised my daughter that I would make this better and 2 years is long enough for this to go on. I used to feel better leaving the ped office after they blamed it on her rough wiping or not wiping right etc. I felt like that was a valid reason and I was happy to hear there was nothing wrong with her. Clearly this is not her fault. I can no longer have her thinking it is something she is doing wrong. well not anymore I know there is something very wrong and I will post here as I go through this and hopefully get some answers that may lead some of you to some answers too! Keep your fingers crossed for me and for the next few weeks as just getting her dressed is a total challenge. Good luck to you all! I will keep you posted!

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Dec 29, 2009
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Please tell me the name of the Md OT
by: ISO: SI OT in MD

To the original poster who found relief for her daughter through SI treatment in Maryland . . . Can you please let me know who you saw? I'm in the same position with my daughter. I live in Maryland.

Dec 22, 2009
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Having Same Problem
by: Tawnya

Hi There,

While I was researching bathroom issues with my 7 year old daughter, I discovered the SPD website where I found other mothers who were experiencing the same issues as I am with my daughter. My daughter will spend 30 minutes in the bathroom after urinating stating she is not getting dry - she says she is leaking. When I check her with toilet paper, she is dry as a bone. I am soooo very frustrated.

I was glad I researched it online and found this website. I have taken her to a urologist and they find nothing wrong with her and I am trying to plan my next course of action. I am considering taking her to a chiropractor as well. They deal a lot with neurological issues.

Please let me know if you have found any solutions or if it will eventually subside.

Tawnya Fowler
fowlerdental@aol.com

Dec 22, 2009
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Excessive Wiping after Urination
by: Tawnya

I first took my daughter to the pediatrician due to her feeling like she was constantly having to urinate (like she could never get done). They did a urinalysis and an antibiotic. The urinalysis came back nonconclusive due to contaminants. The antibiotic gave her a yeast infection. The yeast infection is now cleared up; however, she stays on the potty for 20 - 30 minutes constantly wiping after urinating. She even gets a towel out of the closet and puts it between her legs because she says she is still leaking. When I check her with toilet paper, she is dry as a bone. Has anyone else experienced this and will she eventually grow out of this? Very frustrating!!

Nov 22, 2009
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My daughter has stopped
by: Brenna

My daughter has gradually "outgrown" this. She has not been wiping excessively since she started Kindergarten this fall. I canceled the appointment with the behavioral psychologist. I am hoping she is over it.

Nov 20, 2009
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original poster here a year later
by: Anonymous

Hi, I am the original poster of this thread. Last Thanksgiving was my breaking point with my 7 year old daughter as she was out of her mind uncomfortable when we were away for Thanksgiving, In April I had her evaluated for Sensory Processing Disorder by an OT. Make sure to get with an Occupational Therapist that specializes in Sensory disorders. They did a test on her (a long test) and determined she had a mild case of SPD and could benefit from therapy. We have been going every week.

I live in VA and drive to MD each week for this as there were none around me. We are nearing the end of her treatment and I must say, I have a different child. Now I will preface this with she is not free of all of her symptoms. But... she gets dressed BY HERSELF in the morning and still has some toileting issues, but not the severity she had and I am not involved in it at all. (I used to have to be in the bathroom with her and it broke my heart to see her wiping so much) She still wipes hard, but not as much.

She can tie her shoes without me helping her get them so tight that circulation was cut off. We still have tag and sock issues, but they are so minor than what we were dealing with. I just get seamless socks and cut tags. The pediatrician tried to make me think this was OCD and that she needed a psychologist. I went with my gut and I feel good about it. My ped did not even have an OT to refer me to because I do not think she believed in SPD. You will run into that. I am fearful as we stop treatment in December, but I feel that we are in a better place this year.

Good luck to everyone, I am curious to see your outcomes. It is nice to know we are not alone. I will check this post more often, I did not know there were other posts.

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Nov 20, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

Title

Comment
Hi, I am the original poster of this thread. Last Thanksgiving was my breaking point with my 7 year old daughter as she was out of her mind uncomfortable when we were away for Thanksgiving, In April I had her evaluated for Sensory Processing Disorder by an OT. Make sure to get with an Occupational Therapist that specializes in Sensory disorders. They did a test on her (a long test) and determined she had a mild case of SPD and could benefit from therapy. We have been going every week. I live in VA and drive to MD each week for this as there were none around me. We are nearing the end of her treatment and I must say, I have a different child. Now I will preface this with she is not free of all of her symptoms. But... she gets dressed BY HERSELF in the morning and still has some toileting issues, but not the severity she had and I am not involved in it at all. (I used to have to be in the bathroom with her and it broke my heart to see her wiping so much) She still wipes hard, but not as much. She can tie her shoes without me helping her get them so tight that circulation was cut off. We still have tag and sock issues, but they are so minor than what we were dealing with. I just get seamless socks and cut tags. The pediatrician tried to make me think this was OCD and that she needed a psychologist. I went with my gut and I feel good about it. My ped did not even have an OT to refer me to because I do not think she believed in SPD. You will run into that. I am fearful as we stop treatment in December, but I feel that we are in a better place this year. Good luck to everyone, I am curious to see your outcomes. It is nice to know we are not alone. I will check this post more often, I did not know there were other posts.

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Nov 19, 2009
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happy to see im not the only worried mom out here!
by: Jamie

Omg... I seriously started crying reading these comments! My daughter will be 5 Dec.7. She just started excessive wiping and dribbling in her panties problem a month ago! It is terrible. She wipes SO hard over and over. She's also been wetting her panties often. She tested negative for a uti.she has also been so grouchy and mean lately! It also takes 15 mins of fighting on a outfit for her to wear to school, every morning. She's also started being scared of dark. Its been very strange seeing my 4 yr old little girl change in the last month.ps I would NEVER think a 4 year old can have OCD?! Please email me if u have any answers! Branin2@comcast.net (Jamie)

Jul 08, 2009
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PANDAS
by: Anonymous

My 5 yr old started the excessive wiping after urinating a few months ago (along with clothing and eating issues). She was diagnosed with pandas. Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with strep. If your child had a sudden onset of OCD like behavoirs- please consider pandas. Have your ped do a strep test. Although there are no easy answers for pandas, it is helpful to have a diagnosis. check out www.Latitudes.org for a great forum...

Jul 01, 2009
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My daughter did this
by: Anonymous

My four year old daughter has done this, also. About six months ago she started doing it, getting up from the toilet, pull her panties up and then go back and re-wipe over and over saying she was still wet. I took her to the doctor and was told she was severely constipated and this can cause the bladder not to empty fully, and then to leak. She stopped for a while, but still does the same thing occasionally. Today, she was diagnosed with SPD due to other issues she is having. Now I am beginning to wonder whether it was indeed part of the SPD. I don't know if this will be of any help, but just wanted to share what (kind of) worked for us.

May 08, 2009
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ongoing
by: Brenna

It seems that my daughter started this after many prescriptions for antibiotics which caused a yeast infection. Then the meds given for the yeast infection made her very dry and uncomfortable. Ever since then (about 6 months ago) she has been wiping excessively and complaining that she is wet. I am wondering if this has happened with anyone else? I can't figure out what started it and why.

May 07, 2009
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many thanks
by: Anonymous

I came across this page thru tears of frustration, feeling like a failure as a mom. My daughter is 12 years old and I have had the hardest time understanding the excessive wiping,often using a whole roll of toilet paper, tag cutting on clothes, extreme germ phobia. Thank you for showing me that we are not alone. I read someone's post that said they can "hop around" and one thing that bothers them one month may not bother them the next. With that in mind, is there any suggestions other than professional help? I have concerns about "forcing" my daughter to speak to a doctor about it and I am very leary of her being prescribed medications. (I've seen kids turn into zombies on some of the meds they prescribe these days.)

I don't want to make her feel like she is doing something wrong or in trouble. I have tried to explain/reason with her why she does these things and why they are unnecessary, but for some reason I can't get through to her. It's frustrating because she is a good girl. She listens and does what she is told, but when it comes to this, she thinks she knows better than me. Any suggestions? It's not that I am unwilling to take her to a doctor, I just was hoping that isn't our only option. Again, thanks for any suggestions.

May 01, 2009
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Thank you
by: Anonymous

We are taking her to a behavioral psychologist because it is looking like OCD. Thank you.

May 01, 2009
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Same thing here
by: Anonymous

Our 3 year old daughter first started pulling her pants up at the waist NONSTOP a few weeks ago and constantly complaining that her clothes didn't fit right. But she has NEVER shown OCD tendencies before that. Now, she has developed this wiping habit - never feeling dry, needed to wipe again after we've exited the bathroom and have her redressed. I tried the powder tip one mom left and we're seeing if that will help with the dryness issue - I'm hoping that summer dresses will ease her clothing anxiety for the summer so that she'll stop thinking about it. It's hard to think that the OCD develops so quickly with no prior tendencies.

Apr 20, 2009
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Sounds familiar!
by: Anonymous

My daughter is 9 years old. She went through the "my underwear feel wet, do I have to go potty, did I go potty, am I going to go potty?!?!" stage when she was about 4 and it returned when she was 8. She also had problems with clothes not feeling "right" and goes into huge fits of rage when she cant' get things just the way she wants them.

For the first 6 years of her life we were totally perplexed. I got so much advice from other parents about spoiled children and how their kids went through stages like that too. She went to numerous dr. appts. for phantom illnesses. And then...we finally got some answers about a year ago when my daughter refused to go to school because she had seen a boy throw up all the way across the lunchroom and she was afraid it was in her hair and clothes. I immediately called her school counselor and he referred me to a nearby psychologist who works with kids who have OCD. She has been in therapy for a while now, and things are finally starting to get a little easier.

I would STRONGLY suggest speaking to your daughters counselor or taking her in to your MD for a psychiatric eval. Kids often try to hide how bad OCD is for them and it can present differently from adult OCD. For example, it jumps around from obsession to obsession and one thing can drive them crazy for months, and suddenly not bother them anymore.

Good luck and if you ever feel like something is wrong, don't let anyone persuade you that it is a stage. I did and I will regret that for a long time. Trust your maternal instincts!

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Apr 20, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

Title

Comment
My daughter is 9 years old. She went through the "my underwear feel wet, do I have to go potty, did I go potty, am I going to go potty?!?!" stage when she was about 4 and it returned when she was 8. She also had problems with clothes not feeling "right" and goes into huge fits of rage when she cant' get things just the way she wants them. For the first 6 years of her life we were totally perplexed. I got so much advice from other parents about spoiled children and how their kids went through stages like that too. She went to numerous dr. appts. for phantom illnesses. And then...we finally got some answers about a year ago when my daughter refused to go to school because she had seen a boy throw up all the way across the lunchroom and she was afraid it was in her hair and clothes. I immediately called her school counselor and he referred me to a nearby psychologist who works with kids who have OCD. She has been in therapy for a while now, and things are finally starting to get a little easier. I would STRONGLY suggest speaking to your daughters counselor or taking her in to your MD for a psychiatric eval. Kids often try to hide how bad OCD is for them and it can present differently from adult OCD. For example, it jumps around from obsession to obsession and one thing can drive them crazy for months, and suddenly not bother them anymore. Good luck and if you ever feel like something is wrong, don't let anyone persuade you that it is a stage. I did and I will regret that for a long time. Trust your maternal instincts!

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Apr 13, 2009
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me too!
by: Anonymous

OMG! Thank goodness she is not the only one, not that I would wish this on anyone. Has anyone has luck with therapy? My daughter is going to go next week. We are having her tested for allergies and candida also. I am beside myself with guilt. Please if anyone has suggestions, please post!

Mar 30, 2009
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baby powder?
by: Anonymous

Hi, I was wondering if she might feel better applying a little baby powder to her undies it might also distract her from the wiping habit. I can imagine with all of that wiping she'd have a bit of irritation that might exaggerate that feeling. Maybe an oatmeal bath and some powder would help.

Mar 30, 2009
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I'm going nuts, too!
by: Anonymous

I am a bit late on these posts but I am dealing with the same issues with my 5 year old daughter. Your posts are like taking the words out of my mouth; noting is comfortable on her, still feels wet, shoe are not right, socks are uncomfortable, too tight, too loose! OMG!!! exactly the same issues! Have you found a solution? DO I have an OCD child?

Oct 11, 2008
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Dealing with similar situation!
by: Anonymous

Hi, first I must say that I was totally blown away reading your post. My daughter does the SAME thing! She has been known to go through an entire roll of toilet paper trying to get "dry." I have even caught her stuffing toilet paper in her underwear, or even a washcloth, b/c she still feels like she is wet. She has also been tested to rule out any type of infection, and nothing appears to be physically wrong.

She has always had issues with clothing, tags, socks, etc. and things have become very difficult dealing with getting her ready for school everyday. Nothing feels good on her. She only wants to wear dresses, which doesn't work in the winter considering she won't wear tights either. She also stretches out her underwear until they nearly fall off her and has a terrible time riding in the car b/c of the feeling of the seat belt between her legs.

The tantrums are unbearable at times and we feel so helpless. I've never posted on here before, and I don't know if it's ok to give out an email address, but I would love to talk to you some more. I am just so amazed to hear of someone else dealing with the exact same thing! If you would like to chat, please email me at: abmommy09@yahoo.com

Good luck to you and your family!

Sep 27, 2008
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She Loves Her Mom
by: Stephanie Whitt

I think she loves her mom very much. First things first. It seems to be a case of Good Attention & Bad attention, from what I gather. Ask your self how often does she go to the bathroom with you & do you wipe a lot. If wet ones are used STOP.

Back too Attention. I had to work on that one myself. Children love any attention even the bad so make notes. If she is in the bathroom do not let her see you, & don't give in when she calls your name, unless she is so upset that it lasts more than 10 min. Also take lot of notes & watch her and find out if she is the same when she is getting out of the bath.

Start now as there will be hard work ahead dealing with SENSORY DISORDER/O.C.D. Talk with her DR. & ASK for O.T if you do not get the answer. Plan a day of phone calls or weeks as it is by far not easy.

Stephanie Whitt

Jesus LOVES YOU' KEEP up the GOOD WORK...

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