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UTI/Constipation

cbender40
cbender40 Member Posts: 19
10 Comments
Member

Hello all,

Does anyone have issues with the person they care for getting UTIs consistently? We’ve been using wipes and cranberry pills, but my mother keeps getting them. Any other remedies that worked for anyone would be helpful!

Also she had been consistently constipated. She has Metamucil every day as well as a glass of prune juice. She eats fruit, and drinks water, but still no luck on this front as well. Any suggestions welcomed.

Comments

  • Peaceklb
    Peaceklb Member Posts: 1
    First Comment
    Member

    I would love any suggestions that others have for this as well. My mom does not like showers at all anymore. It is so hard to get her into the shower, sometimes she will get in every week(if I urge her enough) but most often it is 3 weeks. She has been fighting UTI's for over 2 months! My mom's. UTI is from e coli so we have encouraged her to use wipes, change her pull ups often, and to shower as much as we can. I am going to try these. I am not suggesting them to anyone else, just saying it is what we will try. Has anyone else tried something like these??

  • --Rebecca--
    --Rebecca-- Member Posts: 66
    25 Likes 10 Comments 5 Care Reactions 5 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    My mom took 2000mg a day of D-mannose, at the order of her doctor, and it was helpful. Acidified body wash might be worth a try, even though showers arent frequent. No need for specialty soap, just the orange Neutrogena acne liquid clear body wash is great. The cream Lumi deodorant suppresses bacterial growth, and was formulated by a gynocologist for use on private parts.

    My mom had multiple, near fatal UTIs that resulted in sepsis. I think the big game changer for my mom was increasing her water intake. We gave her two 16 oz bottles of water each day, and drinking them was a chore for her. Once she did this, along with the D-Mannose she never got another one. Here is the brand she used:

  • cbender40
    cbender40 Member Posts: 19
    10 Comments
    Member

    Thank you so much, I will be giving these a try!

  • terei
    terei Member Posts: 632
    Seventh Anniversary 500 Comments 100 Insightfuls Reactions 100 Likes
    Member

    I 2nd D Mannose. I have recommended it to many friends + it has worked for all of them so far

  • Shenmama99
    Shenmama99 Member Posts: 19
    10 Comments 5 Care Reactions
    Member

    I’ve tried the d-mannose and cranberry as well. Even installed a bidet. Unfortunately she doesn’t know when she poops and I’ve caught her twice wiping poop in her pee pee. She’s had so many UTI’s in the last few months. It absolutely maddening. This whole disease is a nightmare.

  • cbender40
    cbender40 Member Posts: 19
    10 Comments
    Member

    It’s tremendously difficult. Being part of these discussions has made me realize that everyone has such similar stories and uphill battles. I hope you find something that works 🙏🏼

    I just ordered the D-mannose. Praying for a miracle.

    I also have yet to find something to prevent the constipation she has consistently. We’ve tried everything her doctors have recommended, but nothing has helped to date.

    good luck to you.

  • Qzie
    Qzie Member Posts: 5
    Second Anniversary First Comment
    Member

    DW had several bad UTIs, one of which landed her in the ER. Her PCP finally prescribed Methenamine, a low dose antibiotic for prevention. It has really helped. I don’t know if there are any drawbacks to taking it, but since DW has total incontinence, the only way to get a urine sample is through catheterization, which has its own risks, so this has been a real help. There are a number of threads here dealing with constipation, another problem DW wrestles with constantly, especially now that she is bedridden.

  • cbender40
    cbender40 Member Posts: 19
    10 Comments
    Member

    I will inquire about the low dose antibiotic. Thank you.

  • terei
    terei Member Posts: 632
    Seventh Anniversary 500 Comments 100 Insightfuls Reactions 100 Likes
    Member

    Remember D Mannose is primarily a preventative. Give daily to prevent infection. After someone has a UTI DM is probably not going to cure it

  • cbender40
    cbender40 Member Posts: 19
    10 Comments
    Member


    Thank you for the info! My mom just completed a course of antibiotics so I’m going to start giving it to her now.

  • Cecil Jones
    Cecil Jones Member Posts: 57
    25 Care Reactions 25 Likes 10 Comments First Anniversary
    Member

    In 2023 my wife had 5 OR 6 UTIs. I gave her more juice, she drank Cranberry juice for the most part. It didn't seem to help. Hospice came aboard early 2024. I found a piece of harden poop in her pubic hair and realized it might need trimming. The Hospice CNA trimmed the hair and she hasn't had another one? I honestly don't know if it helped but wanted to mention it. It's always a guessing game.

  • cbender40
    cbender40 Member Posts: 19
    10 Comments
    Member

    Thank you for sharing, I will keep an eye out for this.

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DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
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EO = Early Onset
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