KevnBeck
02-07-2004, 07:27 PM
My mom, 56, is in her 4th year of Early-Onset AD. She has progressed QUICKLY over the last 18 months.
Walking is nearly impossible, I haven't understood a word from her in over 6 months, she gets very agitated very fast, and the other obvious issues exist...bathroom, dressing, eating...needs help with all of them, as she is 100% unable to do them alone.
Recently, she has lost her appetite. She eats only a few bites of food a day, and is losing weight fast. She is less and less able to sit straight up, and she spends about 75% of her time being very unresponsive.
None of these things were unexpected. The thing that is throwing us off right now, is that she has not urinated in almost 24 hours. I can't find anything on the web about her bodily functions shutting down, only the loss of the control over them.
Does anybody know if this is a sign of the AD progressing, or maybe some unrelated condition? I suppose if it's some sort of baldder infection, it could still be related, I just don't know.
I kept telling myself that I was ready for everything that was going to happen, but I find myself very nervous about this, as it wasn't expected...at least not quite this soon.
Any info would be great.
Kevin A.
Walking is nearly impossible, I haven't understood a word from her in over 6 months, she gets very agitated very fast, and the other obvious issues exist...bathroom, dressing, eating...needs help with all of them, as she is 100% unable to do them alone.
Recently, she has lost her appetite. She eats only a few bites of food a day, and is losing weight fast. She is less and less able to sit straight up, and she spends about 75% of her time being very unresponsive.
None of these things were unexpected. The thing that is throwing us off right now, is that she has not urinated in almost 24 hours. I can't find anything on the web about her bodily functions shutting down, only the loss of the control over them.
Does anybody know if this is a sign of the AD progressing, or maybe some unrelated condition? I suppose if it's some sort of baldder infection, it could still be related, I just don't know.
I kept telling myself that I was ready for everything that was going to happen, but I find myself very nervous about this, as it wasn't expected...at least not quite this soon.
Any info would be great.
Kevin A.
Sponsor
SnowyLynne63
02-07-2004, 08:08 PM
My mom, 56, is in her 4th year of Early-Onset AD. She has progressed QUICKLY over the last 18 months.
Walking is nearly impossible, I haven't understood a word from her in over 6 months, she gets very agitated very fast, and the other obvious issues exist...bathroom, dressing, eating...needs help with all of them, as she is 100% unable to do them alone.
Recently, she has lost her appetite. She eats only a few bites of food a day, and is losing weight fast. She is less and less able to sit straight up, and she spends about 75% of her time being very unresponsive.
None of these things were unexpected. The thing that is throwing us off right now, is that she has not urinated in almost 24 hours. I can't find anything on the web about her bodily functions shutting down, only the loss of the control over them.
Does anybody know if this is a sign of the AD progressing, or maybe some unrelated condition? I suppose if it's some sort of baldder infection, it could still be related, I just don't know.
I kept telling myself that I was ready for everything that was going to happen, but I find myself very nervous about this, as it wasn't expected...at least not quite this soon.
Any info would be great.
Kevin A.
She really needs to see the Dr.She could have a UTI.If The Dr.decides she is
in the end,have him approve hospice.They are wonderful,caring people.
Walking is nearly impossible, I haven't understood a word from her in over 6 months, she gets very agitated very fast, and the other obvious issues exist...bathroom, dressing, eating...needs help with all of them, as she is 100% unable to do them alone.
Recently, she has lost her appetite. She eats only a few bites of food a day, and is losing weight fast. She is less and less able to sit straight up, and she spends about 75% of her time being very unresponsive.
None of these things were unexpected. The thing that is throwing us off right now, is that she has not urinated in almost 24 hours. I can't find anything on the web about her bodily functions shutting down, only the loss of the control over them.
Does anybody know if this is a sign of the AD progressing, or maybe some unrelated condition? I suppose if it's some sort of baldder infection, it could still be related, I just don't know.
I kept telling myself that I was ready for everything that was going to happen, but I find myself very nervous about this, as it wasn't expected...at least not quite this soon.
Any info would be great.
Kevin A.
She really needs to see the Dr.She could have a UTI.If The Dr.decides she is
in the end,have him approve hospice.They are wonderful,caring people.
KevnBeck
02-08-2004, 12:05 AM
Ok, I think you guys are a few steps ahead of us, here.
As I said in my original post, she has just now gotten to the point where walking is very difficult (not bed-ridden), she is still eating, just eating less. She is just now starting to become unresponsive, and is just starting to lose her ability to sit up.
I know she isn't on her death bed, and she's not at the point where hospice is a necessity.
The question was simply about the urination. If the bodily functions continue, then I assume the fact she has not urinated since last night is not a direct result of the AD. I do understand that infections will become more and more common, and this could be some sort of infection.
Please read my post before you start asking if my mom is displaying traits of somebody in her last days. My family has enough going on right now, we don't need to start visualising all of that.
As I said in my original post, she has just now gotten to the point where walking is very difficult (not bed-ridden), she is still eating, just eating less. She is just now starting to become unresponsive, and is just starting to lose her ability to sit up.
I know she isn't on her death bed, and she's not at the point where hospice is a necessity.
The question was simply about the urination. If the bodily functions continue, then I assume the fact she has not urinated since last night is not a direct result of the AD. I do understand that infections will become more and more common, and this could be some sort of infection.
Please read my post before you start asking if my mom is displaying traits of somebody in her last days. My family has enough going on right now, we don't need to start visualising all of that.
SnowyLynne63
02-08-2004, 06:26 AM
OOPS!How much water does she drink?If she has no UTI,push the fluids......Yes it could be AD progressing............even if she does have one ,still push fluids....
gidget
02-08-2004, 06:51 PM
Ok, I think you guys are a few steps ahead of us, here.
As I said in my original post, she has just now gotten to the point where walking is very difficult (not bed-ridden), she is still eating, just eating less. She is just now starting to become unresponsive, and is just starting to lose her ability to sit up.
I know she isn't on her death bed, and she's not at the point where hospice is a necessity.
The question was simply about the urination. If the bodily functions continue, then I assume the fact she has not urinated since last night is not a direct result of the AD. I do understand that infections will become more and more common, and this could be some sort of infection.
Please read my post before you start asking if my mom is displaying traits of somebody in her last days. My family has enough going on right now, we don't need to start visualising all of that.
:bouncing: Hello, Gidget here, the little green bouncing thing is me on a good day! My father is in an alzthimier facility which is a fancy name for nursing home, my mom needs to be admitted as well , I have both of my parents to take care of and I am a patient at M.D.Anderson Cancer Center as my bonus. I can feel your frustration and want you to know that the suggestion og a hospice is a very good idea. Here in Texas they furnish all the diapers and that is a big help on the pocket book. They came to my parents home, your mom does not have to move into a hospice at this time. They also will help you understand what is happening to your mom and a RN visits to do assesment of their condition and a doctor if needed. There is medication your mom can be given and it helps control their behavior. My dad was very mean at times and his frustration would turn into aggression, the medicine does have a "drug' effect but it is all good. My dad can still say words but makes little sence. Trust me a hospice is the best friend you can have while going through it all and the nursing home has turned out to be the best for my dad. We can not do for them as they can and trying to take care of her at home is more stressful on everyone, I wasnt going to let my dad go to a nursing home was my first way of dealing with it but soon realized it was bigger than I was...............They become escape artist too day and night wandering and they are no longer safe at home. I am exhausted and only touched the tip of the iceburg in this reply. Remember to take care of yourself and at least start research on getting assistance to help you give your mom the best there is to offer, our parents deserve it as I think back at all they did for me it is now my turn to be sure they get it back, take a chill and take all the help you can and do not let guilt get you cause you dont think you are doing enough. I hope you are not the only living child like I am cause it would sure be nice if I had a brother or sister to help, but it is just me and I will be just fine, I have to be.......Chow for now :wave:
As I said in my original post, she has just now gotten to the point where walking is very difficult (not bed-ridden), she is still eating, just eating less. She is just now starting to become unresponsive, and is just starting to lose her ability to sit up.
I know she isn't on her death bed, and she's not at the point where hospice is a necessity.
The question was simply about the urination. If the bodily functions continue, then I assume the fact she has not urinated since last night is not a direct result of the AD. I do understand that infections will become more and more common, and this could be some sort of infection.
Please read my post before you start asking if my mom is displaying traits of somebody in her last days. My family has enough going on right now, we don't need to start visualising all of that.
:bouncing: Hello, Gidget here, the little green bouncing thing is me on a good day! My father is in an alzthimier facility which is a fancy name for nursing home, my mom needs to be admitted as well , I have both of my parents to take care of and I am a patient at M.D.Anderson Cancer Center as my bonus. I can feel your frustration and want you to know that the suggestion og a hospice is a very good idea. Here in Texas they furnish all the diapers and that is a big help on the pocket book. They came to my parents home, your mom does not have to move into a hospice at this time. They also will help you understand what is happening to your mom and a RN visits to do assesment of their condition and a doctor if needed. There is medication your mom can be given and it helps control their behavior. My dad was very mean at times and his frustration would turn into aggression, the medicine does have a "drug' effect but it is all good. My dad can still say words but makes little sence. Trust me a hospice is the best friend you can have while going through it all and the nursing home has turned out to be the best for my dad. We can not do for them as they can and trying to take care of her at home is more stressful on everyone, I wasnt going to let my dad go to a nursing home was my first way of dealing with it but soon realized it was bigger than I was...............They become escape artist too day and night wandering and they are no longer safe at home. I am exhausted and only touched the tip of the iceburg in this reply. Remember to take care of yourself and at least start research on getting assistance to help you give your mom the best there is to offer, our parents deserve it as I think back at all they did for me it is now my turn to be sure they get it back, take a chill and take all the help you can and do not let guilt get you cause you dont think you are doing enough. I hope you are not the only living child like I am cause it would sure be nice if I had a brother or sister to help, but it is just me and I will be just fine, I have to be.......Chow for now :wave:
BarbaraH
02-09-2004, 07:48 PM
Hi,
Bless you heart! This is so hard.
Your Mom might be dehydrated and not drinking enough to have extra fluid to turn into urine. Whoever helps her eat (feeds her) should notice how much she drinks. Some AD patients lose the ability to swallow as they progress downhill, so eating and drinking become a problem.
My mom forgot how to walk a year ago and isn't able to care for herself at all. She has to be fed because the spoon is another thing she's forgotten. She was hospitalized for several days a month ago because of dehydration.
Wishing you well - Barbara
Bless you heart! This is so hard.
Your Mom might be dehydrated and not drinking enough to have extra fluid to turn into urine. Whoever helps her eat (feeds her) should notice how much she drinks. Some AD patients lose the ability to swallow as they progress downhill, so eating and drinking become a problem.
My mom forgot how to walk a year ago and isn't able to care for herself at all. She has to be fed because the spoon is another thing she's forgotten. She was hospitalized for several days a month ago because of dehydration.
Wishing you well - Barbara
Mara
02-10-2004, 04:56 PM
My mom, 56, is in her 4th year of Early-Onset AD. She has progressed QUICKLY over the last 18 months.
Walking is nearly impossible, I haven't understood a word from her in over 6 months, she gets very agitated very fast, and the other obvious issues exist...bathroom, dressing, eating...needs help with all of them, as she is 100% unable to do them alone.
Recently, she has lost her appetite. She eats only a few bites of food a day, and is losing weight fast. She is less and less able to sit straight up, and she spends about 75% of her time being very unresponsive.
None of these things were unexpected. The thing that is throwing us off right now, is that she has not urinated in almost 24 hours. I can't find anything on the web about her bodily functions shutting down, only the loss of the control over them.
Does anybody know if this is a sign of the AD progressing, or maybe some unrelated condition? I suppose if it's some sort of bladder infection, it could still be related, I just don't know.
I kept telling myself that I was ready for everything that was going to happen, but I find myself very nervous about this, as it wasn't expected...at least not quite this soon.
Any info would be great.
Kevin A.
I'm sorry for what you and your family are going through...It's very hard seeing a loved one suffer...Upon waking (and @ different intervals) place her on the commode and have her stay there for several minutes, this helps facilitate urination...I would call the doctor and discuss everything you have posted, specifically her malnourished state & dehydration to find out what can be done about that for her. Have you tried ensure? Spoon feedings help & may take a while. We used the blender for some foods so it was easier for her to eat...
I don't think this is disease progression. Monitor feeding input-solids & liquids & monitor urination & bm output. She need fluids and must have them. I think that is why she is not urinating. It is not a normal consequence of the disease or typical of this diseases progression, but because she simply isn't drinking. The doctor may suggest certain beverages. She may need a saline drip to maintain hydration if she is unable to drink. Serious complications can result from lack of fluids. Please get assistance. Shock does come with this, when changes are sudden. Peace~Gemi
Walking is nearly impossible, I haven't understood a word from her in over 6 months, she gets very agitated very fast, and the other obvious issues exist...bathroom, dressing, eating...needs help with all of them, as she is 100% unable to do them alone.
Recently, she has lost her appetite. She eats only a few bites of food a day, and is losing weight fast. She is less and less able to sit straight up, and she spends about 75% of her time being very unresponsive.
None of these things were unexpected. The thing that is throwing us off right now, is that she has not urinated in almost 24 hours. I can't find anything on the web about her bodily functions shutting down, only the loss of the control over them.
Does anybody know if this is a sign of the AD progressing, or maybe some unrelated condition? I suppose if it's some sort of bladder infection, it could still be related, I just don't know.
I kept telling myself that I was ready for everything that was going to happen, but I find myself very nervous about this, as it wasn't expected...at least not quite this soon.
Any info would be great.
Kevin A.
I'm sorry for what you and your family are going through...It's very hard seeing a loved one suffer...Upon waking (and @ different intervals) place her on the commode and have her stay there for several minutes, this helps facilitate urination...I would call the doctor and discuss everything you have posted, specifically her malnourished state & dehydration to find out what can be done about that for her. Have you tried ensure? Spoon feedings help & may take a while. We used the blender for some foods so it was easier for her to eat...
I don't think this is disease progression. Monitor feeding input-solids & liquids & monitor urination & bm output. She need fluids and must have them. I think that is why she is not urinating. It is not a normal consequence of the disease or typical of this diseases progression, but because she simply isn't drinking. The doctor may suggest certain beverages. She may need a saline drip to maintain hydration if she is unable to drink. Serious complications can result from lack of fluids. Please get assistance. Shock does come with this, when changes are sudden. Peace~Gemi
mary b.
02-11-2004, 12:43 AM
Kevin,
With my grandmother, I noticed different systems would "glich." And then they would come back. Using a hand, getting dressed, walking, talking, urinating, hair combing, etc. So if the doctor has ruled out stuff then it may just be a glich. I know you haven't posted in a while so please let us know how she is doing.
Mary
With my grandmother, I noticed different systems would "glich." And then they would come back. Using a hand, getting dressed, walking, talking, urinating, hair combing, etc. So if the doctor has ruled out stuff then it may just be a glich. I know you haven't posted in a while so please let us know how she is doing.
Mary
KevnBeck
02-12-2004, 02:20 PM
She was on some meds to help calm her moods (which had recently become unbearable). A rare side-effect of those meds was to keep the person taking them from urinating. She was removed from the meds, had a cath used to drain her bladder, and she appears to be doing better. No infection.
The bad thing, is that there are no other pills as effective for the moods, so we're back to working through those, and that's never easy.
Oh, well. It's got to be done.
Thanks to those of you who replied.
The bad thing, is that there are no other pills as effective for the moods, so we're back to working through those, and that's never easy.
Oh, well. It's got to be done.
Thanks to those of you who replied.
volgirl
02-14-2004, 08:28 PM
My mother has Alzheimer's Disease, and she also stopped urinating. We took her to the emergency room, they sent her home with a catheter, and got her in to see a specialist. He prescribed a medicine (Urecholine) and she has not had the problem since. We do have to encourage her to drink. She is 68, was diagnosed several years ago, and, like your mother, can no longer communicate verbally. She still walks very well, but has some of the same problems as your mother......bathroom, eating, dressing, etc. She has been through periods when she eats very little, and will lose weight, then regains her appetite and some of her weight. When Mother quit urinating last fall, I was so afraid that her kidneys had quit functioning, but thankfully, I was wrong. She is doing quite well right now. Sorry this is so lengthy, but hope it helps. I couldn't find much info on this problem, even on this healthboard, which is a great source of information and encouragement.
tmoore1974
02-17-2004, 03:12 AM
First I would like to say how sorry I am to hear about your mom, she's so young! I worked for quite a while in a Alzheimer's unit at a nursing home and what you describe happens quite frequently. There are stages of Alzheimer's and with each stage there are certain things that happen and it's different for everyone. Some go from being relatively independent to completely dependent in a matter of months. Some remain independent for years, the progression is different for everyone. She may not be urinating if she isn't taking in any fluids, she may be dehydrated. I would definitely talk to her doctor about these issues if he doesn't all ready know. Basically, the goal is going to be to get her to drink more fluids if at all possible and try to keep her functioning at the highest level possible for as long as possible.
I wish you the best of luck, AD is (in my opinion) the most sad disease and the hardest disease for family members to handle and deal with. My thoughts are with you. I wish your family well.
My mom, 56, is in her 4th year of Early-Onset AD. She has progressed QUICKLY over the last 18 months.
Walking is nearly impossible, I haven't understood a word from her in over 6 months, she gets very agitated very fast, and the other obvious issues exist...bathroom, dressing, eating...needs help with all of them, as she is 100% unable to do them alone.
Recently, she has lost her appetite. She eats only a few bites of food a day, and is losing weight fast. She is less and less able to sit straight up, and she spends about 75% of her time being very unresponsive.
None of these things were unexpected. The thing that is throwing us off right now, is that she has not urinated in almost 24 hours. I can't find anything on the web about her bodily functions shutting down, only the loss of the control over them.
Does anybody know if this is a sign of the AD progressing, or maybe some unrelated condition? I suppose if it's some sort of baldder infection, it could still be related, I just don't know.
I kept telling myself that I was ready for everything that was going to happen, but I find myself very nervous about this, as it wasn't expected...at least not quite this soon.
Any info would be great.
Kevin A.
I wish you the best of luck, AD is (in my opinion) the most sad disease and the hardest disease for family members to handle and deal with. My thoughts are with you. I wish your family well.
My mom, 56, is in her 4th year of Early-Onset AD. She has progressed QUICKLY over the last 18 months.
Walking is nearly impossible, I haven't understood a word from her in over 6 months, she gets very agitated very fast, and the other obvious issues exist...bathroom, dressing, eating...needs help with all of them, as she is 100% unable to do them alone.
Recently, she has lost her appetite. She eats only a few bites of food a day, and is losing weight fast. She is less and less able to sit straight up, and she spends about 75% of her time being very unresponsive.
None of these things were unexpected. The thing that is throwing us off right now, is that she has not urinated in almost 24 hours. I can't find anything on the web about her bodily functions shutting down, only the loss of the control over them.
Does anybody know if this is a sign of the AD progressing, or maybe some unrelated condition? I suppose if it's some sort of baldder infection, it could still be related, I just don't know.
I kept telling myself that I was ready for everything that was going to happen, but I find myself very nervous about this, as it wasn't expected...at least not quite this soon.
Any info would be great.
Kevin A.
RockyAnn
04-17-2004, 11:19 AM
My mom, 56, is in her 4th year of Early-Onset AD. She has progressed QUICKLY over the last 18 months.
Walking is nearly impossible, I haven't understood a word from her in over 6 months, she gets very agitated very fast, and the other obvious issues exist...bathroom, dressing, eating...needs help with all of them, as she is 100% unable to do them alone.
Recently, she has lost her appetite. She eats only a few bites of food a day, and is losing weight fast. She is less and less able to sit straight up, and she spends about 75% of her time being very unresponsive.
None of these things were unexpected. The thing that is throwing us off right now, is that she has not urinated in almost 24 hours. I can't find anything on the web about her bodily functions shutting down, only the loss of the control over them.
Does anybody know if this is a sign of the AD progressing, or maybe some unrelated condition? I suppose if it's some sort of baldder infection, it could still be related, I just don't know.
I kept telling myself that I was ready for everything that was going to happen, but I find myself very nervous about this, as it wasn't expected...at least not quite this soon.
Any info would be great.
Kevin A.
Walking is nearly impossible, I haven't understood a word from her in over 6 months, she gets very agitated very fast, and the other obvious issues exist...bathroom, dressing, eating...needs help with all of them, as she is 100% unable to do them alone.
Recently, she has lost her appetite. She eats only a few bites of food a day, and is losing weight fast. She is less and less able to sit straight up, and she spends about 75% of her time being very unresponsive.
None of these things were unexpected. The thing that is throwing us off right now, is that she has not urinated in almost 24 hours. I can't find anything on the web about her bodily functions shutting down, only the loss of the control over them.
Does anybody know if this is a sign of the AD progressing, or maybe some unrelated condition? I suppose if it's some sort of baldder infection, it could still be related, I just don't know.
I kept telling myself that I was ready for everything that was going to happen, but I find myself very nervous about this, as it wasn't expected...at least not quite this soon.
Any info would be great.
Kevin A.
RockyAnn
04-17-2004, 11:28 AM
Hey there, My dad is int he latter stages of Alzheimers. That is a tendency they have. Basically they forget how to eat and drink. That part of their brain is not telling them that they need to eat. Bascially they are like a few week old child. They do loose alot of bodily functions...Walking is also part of the progession. My dad can not function without a wheeled walker. Another suggestion to make it easier for you is to get wheeled walker, or even a wheel chair. Also if she is that bad, you might want to check with your local Hospice center to see if they can help. I didn't know it, but hopice does accept alzheimer patients, So if might be worth checking into. That way medicare would cover the wheelchair, medications, etc....I have my father on it right now. In fact they have put a hospital bed in our house for us. I hope that this helpfull to you.
Sincerly RockyAnn
Sincerly RockyAnn