Urination problems with PSP?

[WindyGirl]

I have seen and read several posts regarding constipation in PSP patients. I am wondering if anyone has seen their loved one have problems urinating. I am beginning to see this in my husband. I am guessing it is PSP related, as maybe his brain just isn’t telling his bladder when or how to empty...? But he has had prostate issues in the past, so I am just trying to figure out which it might be. He is in advanced stage.

[easterncedar]

Yes, you have it right, I think - the brain isn't communicating the vital information reliably any more. I am sorry. We tried catheterizing a couple of times - they suggested I do it before bed time, but it was not easy, and rather uncomfortable for my guy. One time when he hadn't urinated for the whole day I got worried and called the visiting nurse very late in the evening, and was so relieved when this bluff bearded guy arrived. He was a gentle giant sort, but when he suggested that he was going to try to insert a catheter, my guy spontaneously recovered his ability to go! We all had a bit of a laugh at that, and the nurse left.

[WindyGirl in reply to easterncedar]

Thank you for sharing.

[Tippyleaf]

Dear Windy Girl

It may be a combination of enlarged prostate and PSP.

My hubby was under a Neuro- Urologist who prescribed medication which helped a little, later he had a course of Accupuncture PTNS which was also helpful . Sadly urinary problems do progress but medication and Accupuncture helped maintain things for a while.,

Love Tippy

[WindyGirl in reply to Tippyleaf]

Thank you for sharing.

[MARKJ9]

My dad had the same problem. He suddenly couldn't urinate. We noticed severe swelling in his legs from fluid build up and rushed him to the hospital. They inserted a tube to drain his bladder. Sadly, he spent the last 6 months of his life with the tube. We took him to several urologists. His prostrate enlargement was not abnormal to block the flow. A couple of attempts were made by removing the tube and checking if he could get back his ability. We couldn't bear to see the pain and struggle he was going through from a full bladder. A neurologist diagnosed the issue to loss of communication from the brain to the valve that controls the bladder. My dad had constipation too. As the disease progresses, these are painful changes that we have to accept. It was very difficult for us to see the slow decline.

[grehound]

I"ve had the same problem, Only mine is the opposite-I want to go whenever I stand up! My wife (carer) is getting fed-up with changing the sheets & clearing up after me (she isn't really, but i am with asking her!

[Martina_MP]

Apparently it happens to women, too. My mother sometimes needs five minutes and a good joke to get the waterworks going. (Laughter helps a lot.) On the other hand, sometimes release happens before she’s on the toilet.