ALS, mother has to use bathroom?

Question

Is there something besides Depends and the like? Mom can feel when she uses it, so, she has to be taken to the bathroom many times a day, it's hard for her being in a Wheelchair to do that,and, it leaks when she is laying down, we've tried different Absorbansies and nothing is working, is there someplace special to get what she needs, or any suggestions as to what to do, maybe a pad under her in the bed, etc,anyone else ever in this situation?

Answer 1

So sorrry about your mum's situation. My grandma was bedridden for some time and the only thing that really helped her frequent urination was a cathecar( hope i got the spelliing right). It's a tube passed thorugh the vagina into the uterus. It should however be fixed by a qualified medical personnel to prevent infections which can furthur on lead to urinary tract infections. Furthurmore you can use a rubber planket or macintosh as is popularly called to line her bed. The cathecar will prevent the urine from dripping.

Answer 2

Find a health care/medical equipment supply store that has leak proof bed pads. They are about 3' long and 2' wide and can be layered 2 at a time under her. They also make disposable ones that are blue. Maybe using a large Serenity or Poise pad inside the Depends would give her some added protection. Would she want to have a permanent catheter in her bladder? They can be attached to a "leg bag" that is under her clothes during the day and then attached to a large gravity bag when she is in bed. I am not sure if this would work for her depending on her activity level.

I hope these suggestions help you. You sound like a wonderful Daughter.

Answer 3

Have you discussed how you want your mom treated when her disease has progressed to its end stages? If you only want comfort care ie no CPR and no ventilator should she stop breathing or her heart stops, then I suggest you contact hospice. They have a team assigned to her, a nurse, social worker, nursing assistant, spiritual care counselor, and a medical director. Your mom's current doctor can continue to take care of her as well. I am sure your family can use all the support and education they can get. As far as the bathroom situation, a catheter would be the way to go. It is a small tube inserted into the urethra and is anchored in the bladder. With proper care, your mom will not neccesarily be subject to infections. It will add to your mom's comfort not to lie in urine, save her skin from breaking down, and save you from having to move her so often and possibly injure you or her.
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Answer 4

Catheter's are not advised for long-term use. Even with meticulous care, she could get very, very bad urinary infections.

Here's some supplies we use where I work, that she could benefit more from.

Adult briefs-http://www.depend.com/products/products_female.asp
Fit just like underwear, covering the whole bottom, rather than just part of her panties like the depends pads do. They come in super absorbancy, and work very very well.

Chux pads-
http://www.optimalhealthnetwork.com/product.asp?specific=jocpqse0
These work very well too. They go between her and the sheets, to help keep the bed dry.

You don't have to order from these sites specifically, they're just picture examples. Just do a google search on "Adult diaper briefs" or "Chux pads" and find the best prices.

It's important that she stays as dry as possible to prevent infection, and gets good skin care. Use a barrier cream to prevent irritation.

And bless her heart for fighting ALS. Best wishes to you and your mom.

Answer 5

I would mention this to her doctor, and see about getting a urinary catheter placed for her. They need to be kept very clean to prevent infections, but she would then be dry durring the day, and maybe feel a little better about not wetting.

Answer 6

Stingme- hospice is only for those with six months or less to live. Maybe your mother need the care of a nursing home or a hired nurse or aide to come care for her.