Henry's hot tummy

Henry hasn't eaten much today, and no bowel movement. So, tonight when he started complaining about his tummy it took me a minute before I realized it might be gas or constipation. But as he was complaining of his tummy being hot, and then with both hands on it commanded me, "Stop it, stop it, stop it!", a shot of terror ran through me as I wondered what in the world could be the problem and thinking I can't stop it. In the midst of all of this I suggested that he had to go to the potty. A minute later he too said, "Maybe I have to poop."
"Maybe," I agreed, and we trundled into the bathroom.
No luck.
He started feeling much better and I was convinced at this point that it was a bowel issue.
Prunes. Or, as we call them, "Prunies." Lucky for me, Henry loves prunies. So, I cut up two, afraid to cut up any more for fear that he would explode -and he gulped them down. As it turned out, I guess I could have given him many more as nothing wound up happening, other than he started feeling better. Those and some dried apricots were all he ate for dinner, so I think after a prunie breakfast tomorrow, there should be some effect.
Whew.