PSP Bladder infections and UTI's, bladder stopped working. The and overuse of antibiotics.

[cawbird59]

My mother has PSP and has had so many UTI's over the past 3 years, too numerous to count. She has been on a profolactic antibiotic for a few years. Her bladder suddenly stopped working this past weekend. Is this normal with PSP?

[Kathy]

Hi there,

Not sure what you mean by "her bladder stopped working" do you mean she is not producing urine or do you mean she has lost control of her bladder and has suddenly become incontinent? If she is not producing urine that is a medical emergency and she needs to be seen urgently by a doctor. If she has lost control of her bladder it might be that she has another infection (despite the prophylactic antibiotics) or it may be part of the "normal" progression of PSP either way you should get her checked out by a doctor. If it is part of the progression she will need a referral to District Nurses for a full continence assessment and they should be able to provide you with continence products (if you are in the UK).

Take care

Kathy

[quickgel]

Hello cawbird59, If by bladder not working you mean an inability to empty the bladder then a catheter is the solution. This needs doing urgently both for comfort and health. I hope that the service you receive is better than my experience. The care worker who dressed my wife (9 am) in the morning noticed her pad was dry and her tummy was swollen and told me to get the district nurse. I contacted the district nurse explaining the situation, she visited two hours later but would not catheterise my wife without the authority of a doctor, several hours later the doctor arrived, confirmed the need for a catheter and told me to contact the district nurse!!! It was just before 6pm. before I heard from the district nurse who said she wasn't supposed to cross the bridge (Wale to England) after 6pm, I live on the borders) I nearly exploded and she visited - under protest!!!!!!!!!!!! Whilst Margaret's facial expression had not changed in many weeks the relief was clearly evident, her discomfort must have been extreme. Moreover my daughter, who is a renal nurse, explained that my wife's kidneys could well have been damaged had the situation persisted.

Sorry to have gone on so long but I can't emphasise enough how important it is to jump up and down until you get a professional response form the medical fraternity - I didn't and my wife suffered unnecessarily.

My very best wishes, Jerry.

[jimandsharynp in reply to quickgel]

Very good explanation of this problem of inactive bladder. My first wife had another rare brain disease and her bladder stopped working. I couldn't believe the change in her health and appearance once a cath was installed on her. It was remarkable. Important to keep on top of this situation for sure. Jimbo

[quickgel in reply to jimandsharynp]

Hi Jim, I feel I would be a much better carer the second time around but I doubt if I'd have the stamina for it - well done for staying so positive and helpful on this forum. Cheers, Jerry

[cawbird59 in reply to quickgel]

She is now on a Foley Catheter which will permanent. Thank you for the advise.

[82wendy]

Hi quickgel I have experienced similar problems with our loved one.We asked our gp for various things over the past few months samples sent for urine infection being lost or taking 3 days for the result percriptions taking days repeat percriptions being incorrect DNR paperwork for care home still waiting for it 2 weeks now I could rant on forever even thou she is in a care home I feel we are requesting gp or district nurse daily.As for bladder problems our loved one has had caterers put in from time to time she retains urine which causes infection gp will perscribe antibiotics after urine sample which can take days to get as she can be incontinent.

[quickgel in reply to 82wendy]

82Wendy, so sorry to learn of the problems you are experiencing, it occurs to me that our NHS is rapidly descending into something better described as the FHB the Fragmented Health Business. All one asks is for a professional, competent and caring service for people who are very unwell, it seems too big an ask!

Good luck and best wishes, Jerry.