Sometimes kids have constipation and diarrhea for medical reasons that relate to their system, either it is how their system functions or medications. Sometimes kids have these same issues because someone is giving them the wrong dosages or medications that are not needed as they make the child vulnerable. Sometimes kids have these kinds of issues because of abuse without medications is involved.
We don't know that Gannon takes meds or had these medical issues (and for how long). What we do know is that this step mother asserts that he had constipation, diarrhea and was afraid of having an accident (her words not mine) which indicates that Gannon didn't know how to handle this issue in school (if he was having an issue). Kids with medical problems that have these issues usually have spare clothes at school, an automatic pass to the nurse and understand how to identify the symptoms before they have an accident in their pants, especially by this age.
This leads me to thinking that she was manipulating his diet or giving him medications (OTC or prescribed) that he didn't know about. In abuse cases I have seen, manipulating medication is used to make the person compliant because they need the abuser to help them. I have wondered about this all along. I think we will ultimately see that this child was systematically abused --emotionally, physically, and medically. When we look at her story about taking him to PIA to get gear, if this is an abuse cycle, something major happened the night before and she is making up for it by promising a gift. Of course, this is MOO.
Edited to add: There were questions about Epsom Salts earlier. These salts can be taken orally for constipation. The taste is that of salty water but can be mixed with other items such as juice and one might not know they are ingesting it.
From WebMD---Side effects include:
Applies to magnesium sulfate: crystal, powder, powder for solution, powder for suspension
Along with its needed effects, magnesium sulfate (the active ingredient contained in Epsom Salt) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking magnesium sulfate:
Incidence not known
Confusion
dizziness or lightheadedness
fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
low blood pressure
muscle weakness
skin infection after soaking
sleepiness
Some side effects of magnesium sulfate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
Diarrhea
skin irritation after soaking
Epsom Salt Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term - Drugs.com