How to cope up with urine problems
by sanjeevj » Mon Nov 22, 2010 7:34 am
Hi
I am from India, My mother is diagonised as PSP over 8 months back, but we observed PSP symptoms for about 2/3 years from now ( we are not aware of PSP earlier). Initially my mother was diagonised as Parkinsons.
At present, she stopped walking, severe problems with speech and also observed lot of fluctuations ( sometimes, we could able to understand her and sometimes not).
She has shoulder disclocation problems for her both hands, so we stopped phyisotherapy to her hands.
But she has good memory and recognises everyone and every incident.
Recently she suffered with UTI and observed choking problems, fortunately she revcovered from it and now she is on soft oral diet.
For us, main concern is to handle urine problems.
Is frequent urination is common problem in PSP, sometimes my mother go for urine on bed without even informing us.
Currently she is on Bed pan and Diapers. We are thinking about Catheter , which is suggestable?
Since the frequency is more, thiking about catheter. Is it safe to use catheter regularly or can it cause urine infection. If we use Catheter, how frequent we need to change it.
This site is the best resource for me to gather all information related to PSP, in India i couldnt find any support groups ( atleast i am aware of for PSP). Thanks to everyone for your contributions to this site.
Thanks
Sanjeev
I am from India, My mother is diagonised as PSP over 8 months back, but we observed PSP symptoms for about 2/3 years from now ( we are not aware of PSP earlier). Initially my mother was diagonised as Parkinsons.
At present, she stopped walking, severe problems with speech and also observed lot of fluctuations ( sometimes, we could able to understand her and sometimes not).
She has shoulder disclocation problems for her both hands, so we stopped phyisotherapy to her hands.
But she has good memory and recognises everyone and every incident.
Recently she suffered with UTI and observed choking problems, fortunately she revcovered from it and now she is on soft oral diet.
For us, main concern is to handle urine problems.
Is frequent urination is common problem in PSP, sometimes my mother go for urine on bed without even informing us.
Currently she is on Bed pan and Diapers. We are thinking about Catheter , which is suggestable?
Since the frequency is more, thiking about catheter. Is it safe to use catheter regularly or can it cause urine infection. If we use Catheter, how frequent we need to change it.
This site is the best resource for me to gather all information related to PSP, in India i couldnt find any support groups ( atleast i am aware of for PSP). Thanks to everyone for your contributions to this site.
Thanks
Sanjeev
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
by Robin » Mon Nov 22, 2010 11:20 am
Hi Sanjeev,
Frequent urge to urinate is a common problem in PSP. Many with PSP have a "neurogenic bladder," such that they want to urinate as soon as anything gets into the bladder. Of course this is something your mother cannot control. And she may be unaware that she is urinating.
In the US, we have some special linens that are quilted (thick). These can often contain the urine. There are also disposable pads that may help as well. You can also wrap the mattress in plastic such that it's protected.
If the diapers (incontinence briefs) contain the urine, I would continue with those. I would only consider a catheter if the incontinence briefs don't contain the urine. There is a risk of a bladder infection with a catheter so it's best to avoid if you can.
If the current incontinence briefs are insufficient, try a different brand, try doubling them, and try putting an extra pad inside. A good brand of these products in the US is Tena.
If your mother does need a catheter, consider getting a prescription for a prophylactic dose of an antibiotic. This may prevent a UTI (urinary tract infection).
Good luck,
Robin
Frequent urge to urinate is a common problem in PSP. Many with PSP have a "neurogenic bladder," such that they want to urinate as soon as anything gets into the bladder. Of course this is something your mother cannot control. And she may be unaware that she is urinating.
In the US, we have some special linens that are quilted (thick). These can often contain the urine. There are also disposable pads that may help as well. You can also wrap the mattress in plastic such that it's protected.
If the diapers (incontinence briefs) contain the urine, I would continue with those. I would only consider a catheter if the incontinence briefs don't contain the urine. There is a risk of a bladder infection with a catheter so it's best to avoid if you can.
If the current incontinence briefs are insufficient, try a different brand, try doubling them, and try putting an extra pad inside. A good brand of these products in the US is Tena.
If your mother does need a catheter, consider getting a prescription for a prophylactic dose of an antibiotic. This may prevent a UTI (urinary tract infection).
Good luck,
Robin
by eplowman » Mon Nov 22, 2010 1:23 pm
Sanjeev,
Incontinence is part of PSP. The disease damages brain cells and neural pathways that control muscles and other body systems, including "automatic" ones (such as bladder control, swallowing, even breathing eventually, etc.). The patient has absolutely no control.
Allow me to suggest that you do a Search (menu at top of page) for topics in General Discussion that contain the word "incontinence" (without the quotes). You'll find a wealth of information on how others have dealt with the issue.
I would consider a catheter only as "a last resort." Long-term use will only weaken and thicken the bladder, and can result in infections and injury. With careful attention and a few rules, we were able over time to see my late wife Rose wake up in the morning with dry pads and briefs, and remain dry the entire day on many days (though we always kept the pads and briefs changed and in place throughout the day).
We sat her on the toilet every two hours whether she "needed to go" or not. She sat there until she "produced." Soon, she "went" within a minute or two of being seated each time. We think we somehow "trained" her brain to do "work-arounds" with this rote routine. Since she went to bed at 9 p.m., our rule was "no liquids after 7 p.m." The final toilet visit came at 9 p.m., and off to bed she went.
I should add that we had her on a daily exercise regimen six mornings each week, including an hour or more with a motorized pedal exerciser. Legs are powerful pumps that can help keep the heart, lungs, circulatory, and other body systems functioning better and longer. We suspect it enhanced kidney and bladder function as well. Lack of physical activity is harmful to whatever level of health that remains.
When caring for PSP patients, one needs to focus on what is good for the patient rather than on what is convenient for the caregiver.
ed p.
Incontinence is part of PSP. The disease damages brain cells and neural pathways that control muscles and other body systems, including "automatic" ones (such as bladder control, swallowing, even breathing eventually, etc.). The patient has absolutely no control.
Allow me to suggest that you do a Search (menu at top of page) for topics in General Discussion that contain the word "incontinence" (without the quotes). You'll find a wealth of information on how others have dealt with the issue.
I would consider a catheter only as "a last resort." Long-term use will only weaken and thicken the bladder, and can result in infections and injury. With careful attention and a few rules, we were able over time to see my late wife Rose wake up in the morning with dry pads and briefs, and remain dry the entire day on many days (though we always kept the pads and briefs changed and in place throughout the day).
We sat her on the toilet every two hours whether she "needed to go" or not. She sat there until she "produced." Soon, she "went" within a minute or two of being seated each time. We think we somehow "trained" her brain to do "work-arounds" with this rote routine. Since she went to bed at 9 p.m., our rule was "no liquids after 7 p.m." The final toilet visit came at 9 p.m., and off to bed she went.
I should add that we had her on a daily exercise regimen six mornings each week, including an hour or more with a motorized pedal exerciser. Legs are powerful pumps that can help keep the heart, lungs, circulatory, and other body systems functioning better and longer. We suspect it enhanced kidney and bladder function as well. Lack of physical activity is harmful to whatever level of health that remains.
When caring for PSP patients, one needs to focus on what is good for the patient rather than on what is convenient for the caregiver.
ed p.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
