Have you talked to the staff? They likely have experienced this problem before and hopefully can help you find solutions, or guide you as to whether there should be cause for concern. With his limited mobility, the staff should be ensuring he gets to the restroom every few hours. Is that happening regularly? You also could have your dad examined by a doctor to get to determine if some medical condition is the underlying cause.
Everyone else seems to have covered all the bases and made all the suggestions I would have, so I'm just here to give you a big hug and wish you well on your journey.
I would add to watch his sodium levels. High fluid intake can cause sodium levels to drop and that can be lethal. All of his electrolytes should be watched.
It is a fairly new facility and with him being on lasix (I neglected to mention this) they understand that he will urinate more frequently than most but don't seem to be concerned or bothered by it. They do take him frequently, sometimes every 30min and he has urinated through to his clothes. Facility supplies the diapers and tell me that they are the most absorbant they can get. He is seeing a urologist regularly and has had an xray which shows no tumors or anything else. He had the TUMT (microwave procedure) on his prostate a yr ago and this just opened the flood gates. Maybe I am over reacting and this is normal but I don't want to have him catherized due to the infection risk but he isn't resting well because of being changed every 1/2 hr. Does anyone know anything about external catheters and the effectiveness of them? Also how long they can be left in place before they are changed? Sorry for the lengthy response :(
I would have this condition checked out by a urologist or PCP-id possible. It is possible that there is a bladder problem- that needs to get recognized, if the AL facility is unable to do this.I would think there is a doctor or nurse on staff? Best to you on your journey~ Hap
I'm glad to hear that they are changing him frequently, but if he is soaking his clothes too, there might be other health issues also, have you spoke with the doctor, may be his medication! Does he drink lots of fluids, I am concerned that he could become dehydrated, with all the fluid he is loosing! Has he been tested for diabetes? Sending hugs, this must be very embarassing & degrading for him! Hope it gets better for your dad! Could be UTI!
smiley is your dad seeing a cardiologist? You don't want his dosage of lasix decreased.....that will only cause a "back-up" of fluid. Are the nursing home staff complaining about having to change him? At least they are doing that and not letting him wear wet clothing.
WOW, thanks so much for the many responses. My father is under the care of a urologist and nephrologist. Electrolytes are within normal range and bladder is empting properly. I have gotten him a more absorbant diaper that I hope will help and he has an appt. with his nephrologist next month. The facility staff has been so kind about changing him so frequently and are constantly reminding me that it is their job and that they don't mind. Hopefully his appt. will shed some new light on things and we can come up with something to help. Thanks to all of you for the hugs, concerns and the much needed advice. It definitely helps to know there is a place to go to talk to someone who has been through this. Thanks again!
Best to you on your journey~
Hap
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