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My wonderful 90-year-old mother has been plagued with bladder infections all year and has been on 20 antibiotics. Now she has c. diff. and is struggling to recover. The bladder infections make her dizzy, cranky and combative and exhausted, and the c. diff. is a nightmare.

In January she was dizzy, confused and disoriented from a bladder infection, jumped out of bed to answer an imaginary doorbell around sunrise, and fell and broke her leg.

I have tried everything I know to help with the infections: cranberry juice, cranberry pills, vitamin c, lots of water, lots of rest and exercise, yoga to help her immune system and stamina, 20 antibiotics, I've gotten her Ready Wipes to use in the bathroom, and a bidet, but just had her tested yesterday and she has another infection. It's heartbreaking. She has such a wonderful quality of life when she is not worn out from the illnesses, and these infections are just taking over our lives.

Could it be the Poise Pads and Depends she uses?

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This is so sad! Has she seen a urologist? I'm assuming she has.

A geriatrician who really knows the problems of elders may be helpful. You could try different incontinence products,but it seems as though you are doing nearly everything imaginable. I would keep checking with specialists to see if someone has an idea. The very best to you and your mom as you cope with this distressing problem.
Carol
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My Mom uses the pads. I ask her to change them as soon as they become wet. I also asked her to go to the bathroom to void anytime she is up to do anything. That way the bacteria has no time to cause problems.
Keeping the area as dry as possible is the challenge. Also, in-between showers your Mom can use a vinegar/water wash to cleanse the outer area. Then use cornstarch powder (never use a powder that contains talc).
Adult diapers are good for the condition, but trap moisture. I wish there was an alternative because both pads and diapers have an outer plastic covering.
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btw, heavy duty antibiotics will cause the problem to return because it takes out the good bacteria along with the bad. When she is on the antibiotics have her take a pro-biotic, like refrigerated acidophilus.
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I sure don't know the answer but would really be interested in finding out the solution. How can I hear what others say bqck to you??
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Has she been checked for prolapsed bladder? One thing they put my mother on which has seemed to help a lot is estrogen cream - she still has incontinence but the bladder infections have stopped. We were at the point of considering an operation when the gynecologist said - "what is the main thing you want to fix" - since even with an operation the incontinece was probably not going to be fixed. I said - the infections - and the doctor suggested trying the cream before doing anything invasive. It's almost been a year now and my mother hasn't had another infection. Luckily this was a doctor who thought non-invasive is the best solution. The urologist was the one pushing for an operation. I am so glad we found this solution.
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My mother had the exact same continuous problem, including the C-dif, while in nursing care for six months and we tried all the remedies you have to no avail. As soon as I moved her home with me and changed her diapers IMMEDIATELY after they became wet and used tons of Burt's Bee's Ointment on her, the infections disappeared completely..... which makes me think my mom was very prone to infection if she sat in a wet diaper for any length of time. So I guess I'm saying it could be the Poise Pads and Depends if your Mom thinks she can leave them on for a little while when they are wet.
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Mom has UTI a lot . At night I do not put her in Diapers anymore I just lay them under her . That way she airs out. I have to have underpads to or there is a mess sometimes . But she does not move around so it is not to bad. The nurses said she does not get enough water intake since it is hard to get her to drink and eat sometimes. And that might be the cause of her infections so much.
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Ok, I just saw where you can read the answers to your question. I agree with all of what you have tried and liliput is right on too. I've worked for a D.C/naturopathic for 13.5 years (just was layed off) and I did a working interview with anotherM.D. the other day who had a weight loss side to his clinic. They have a therapy and sell a product that is a pre-biotic followed up by a pro-biotic that is supposed to help balance your intestinal flora and detox your gut in some way. I'll find out about it and let you know because I was wanting some for myself. I know the stress eating I have been indulging in is making me feel out of sorts intestinally. My mom is also 94 and thank goodness for this website.
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Excellent suggestions from everyone. My 87 year old mom had her first UTI that had her hallucinating, cursing & screaming, etc. which was not like her at all. I hontestly didn't know what was wrong at the time - it came on so sudden. Now I tell all my friends how UTI's in elderly women cause these symptoms (they weren't aware either). The water idea is very important - as the system needs to flush itself out. I drink water with a few squirts of lemon juice as a urologist told me years ago that the lemon works to flush out the liver, kidneys and bladder than just plain water. Of course mom wouldn't drink it - didn't even want plain water. Yes definitely sitting in her wet diaper sure doesn't help the situation. "tulipdog" - very interesting about the estrogen cream. I knew someone that had a prolapsed urethea and they used the cream for 2 weeks - problem gone. Glad you were able to solve a problem without surgery! "Lilliput" - yes you're right - heavy duty antibiotics will cause the problem (UTI's) to continue because basically until "her system" is brought back to normal after using the antibiotics - you are never really clearing up the problem of the UTI. Definitely, use of probiotics is MANDATORY to get her system cleared up. I tried to make sure they were giving my mom probiotics every day in rehab which they tried -and I brought her some probiotic snacks when I went everyday to visit - but of course
mom didn't want them - it was easier to take a pill (different generation!!!) - yes an
antibiotic again and wouldn't listen when she was told that it was the antibiotic that was actually causing this chain reaction - UTI then C-diff (which she constantly had) How could it be - the doctor gave her the antibiotic and he should be right - was her attitude. Like I said "different generation". So it was impossible to help her - but I tried everything from my end that I could. Probably the best thing is to try all of these suggestions. Hope things work out. Thoughts and prayers to you as I know how hard it is to be a caregiver.
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evelyn: I couldn't agree more about the difference in the "generations." My personal regimen is to prevent rather than cure. My Mom is all about going to the doctor for a "cure" which usually means pills or surgery.
I eat yogurt daily and take a probiotic before bedtime. I haven't had a UTI or yeast infection in years.
Now having my Mom do something on a daily basis is another story. When she first arrived here she was having terrible problems with constipation. She used harsh laxatives that her docs recommended, etc. I finally told her to incorporate ground flax seed (which I buy at the grocery store) in her diet every day. "Magically" the constipation disappeared. But, to this day, she thinks she only needs to use it when she is feeling constipated.
I will do anything not to have to go to the doctor. The last time I did, he gave me a new antibiotic that I had never tried. It sent me to the ER with a bad reaction. I am not saying that all drugs are bad...there are MANY beneficial ones. But ya' got to wonder when drug companies are advertising on television and when I go to the pharmacy I see hundreds of prescriptions waiting to be picked up. I once lived near the Astra-Zeneca corporate office...it was nicer and bigger than most college campuses.
Seniors are especially vulnerable because Western medicine has convinced them that aging is a "disease." When they go to new doctors they load them up with new drugs without eliminating some of the old ones. My in-laws had 15+ bottles of pills they took everyday.
I am a fan of naturopathy because their philosophy is holistic: the body, mind and spirit working as one. I think the best of all worlds is your MD and ND working together....but, that is highly unlikely.
Bottom line: start with the simplest and safest solution then go from there...
Lilli
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I had my Mom on low-dose antibiotics on a daily basis and she didn't have a bladder infection for almost 2 years. They decided to take her off and she has had 4-6 in the last 8 months. I'm assuming they took her off vbecause of antibiotic tolerance but at my mom's age (95), I think falling, diarrhea, and confusion is a bigger issue. I checking into getting her back on them. You might want to check with her doctor about this option.
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Lilliput - I laughed (and reminisced with very happy thoughts) when I read your post as it brought back memories of my dad (died in 1997) with the "different generation" thing. We were at mom & dads house many, many years ago, when dad sprayed the "bathroom spray" so much I started to choke and quickly ran to open the doors so I could breathe. I told him "please don't use that much it makes me sick" - to which he replied "just go to the doctor for that problem, he'll give you a pill". Yep, let's not even think of eliminating the problem that's causing the condition let's just run to the doctor for yet ANOTHER PILL! I agree that sometimes you do need a pill for a condition, but there are natural means of preventing and eliminating some conditions. And when they advertise all those meds on tv and then go through the side effects of the meds - then you develop those conditions and they give you a pill for that. It's never-ending! Like the med they advertise for toenail fungus - side effects can cause liver and kidney damage, gastro bleeding, etc. - what are they kidding? - why would you want to cause additional & more serious problems than the initial reason for the pill. And these are serious side effects. I almost think the "older generation" - likes to have their pill bottles lined up - the one with the most wins! Seems to almost be a badge of being popular - as sick as that sounds. But I've seen that with a lot of seniors not only my mom (who passed away last Oct.) - plus it's their topic of conversation - to discuss ALL their meds with each other. Thanks for all your input on this site - I see you contribute very good information on numerous subjects. This is a wonderful site!
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My Mom tested negative many times for a UTI but I could tell she had one. Finally the Dr agreed to 7 days of antibiotics and then 1 per day as a preventative. I give a small amount of yogurt with her nightly pills. So far, so good.I love the idea of no diaper at night but my mom soaked thru a pad and 2 diapers, and the bed pads 6 out of 7 nights and moves around a lot.
Hope her dr is good and treats daily as a preventative, it can make them crazy in their heads. The daycare always knows when a patient has one too now, they are used to the signs. Good Luck
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Hello - my mother also has been getting a lot of bladder infections or UTI's. I also give her cranberry suppliments and aloe vera suppliments as well as a small glass of cranberry juice every morning. She has one leg amputated and had a stroke that effected her right side so she is handicapped and needs a wheelchair and a patient hoist. It's hard to find a doctor that will help her. The last urologist wanted to do an outpatient procedure that required her to be under anastesia but we had to get permission from all her doctors before we could do it and that wore my mother out so much she started throwing up; so we cancelled everything. Tulipdog, if I may ask what type of estrogen cream do you use and where do I get it. Will it also help an itch in the private section? Thank you for your help.
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@ bmc1cflrrcom The cream is Estrace and is a prescription. I think it comes in different strengths. You don't use a lot of it so a tube lasts a long time. Apply a pea-sized amount once a day for 2 weeks and then changed to applying twice a week after that. I really think it helped and is so much better than an operation or even the pessary she had for a while. I think going to a gynecologist who works with the elderly is the best bet. Frankly I couldn't believe after almost two years of seeing a urologist that no one had ever suggested it before. Of course it isn’t a cure-all but if it even cuts down on the infections - why not try it?
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Every time I read about a 'recurring bladder infection' I feel compelled to add my 'two cents' I am not a doctor, but what I am about to recommend worked for years for my mother, and I use it for myself AND even my dogs.

The urologist/gynocologist should have done a CULTURE on the urine to see just what 'bacteria' is present. If this hasn't been done, please request that a culture be done. Most time they will NOT do a culture until requested. That being said I also agree that ANYONE using ANTIbiotics, needs to take PRObiotics between antibiotic doses to repopulate the system with GOOD bacteria. NO bacteria in the system is almost as detrimental as the existence of 'bad' bacteria in the system. We (mother and I) used D-Mannose to ward off urinary tract infections which can result in bladder infections. Please take a few minutes to read the information I reposted from one of hundreds of sources online. D-Mannose is available in whole food stores (bulk powder is least expensive) and since it is a powdered sugar, VERY easy to add to cereal, coffee, juice... etc.

I hope this helps... it is certainly worth researching. Again... I am not a doctor but I cared for my mother for 5years and we had much success with this product.

God Bless.
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Thank you -- we have cultures done regularly, and do probiotics too. Have not heard of D-Mannose and will look into it right away.

Glad to hear you, your mom and dogs are all doing well!

Thank you!
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Thank you. We have checked for a prolapsed bladder, and she has an estrogen ring, which I believe has the same results as the cream but is easier for her to manage. I will ask her urologist if the cream might be an improvement.
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My mother is continent and does not use adult diapers but has had the same problem on and off over the past few years. What we have found is that she needs to stay well hydrated. Good daily bowel movements are also important because the stool can put pressure on the bladder, causing urine to remain inside and thereby causing bladder infections. The doctor now has her on daily Miralax to keep her bowels moving. The advise about probiotics is very good advice and they will also help in keeping the bowels functioning properly.

Good luck. UTI's are the worst.
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Wow, Tulipdog, thank you for sharing! I'm sure it won't be the answer for everybody, but non-invasive is always worth knowing about!!
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I don't know, but I doubt that it is the pads or Depends that is causing the UTI's.
Is she drinking enough water? If she gets dehydrated, her urine will be concentrated. Our bladders need plenty of water to flush out any bacteria that might be growing. I do agree that a visit to a urologist, if you haven't done so, is probably a good idea. As for the C-Dif, it is a very infectious bacteria that grows in feces. It is often found in institutions such as hospitals or nursing homes where proper there are poor hygiene practices. C-Dif is becoming more and more resistant to antibiotics. The best protection is probably as already suggested-- that she maintain a bacterial flora in her intestants that can help to ward off the invasion of C-Dif.
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She's on a Vancomycin taper for the c-diff, and I'm washing everything down with a diluted bleach solution. She is drinking lots of water and white cranberry juice, and, at the suggestion of a friend, thyme tea with camomile. I've ordered some d-mannose (another suggestion) and asked the doctor if she needs a CT scan, a cystoscopy or cyscopy exam. Lots of probiotics, yoghurt, acidophilus. Also no sugar,good nutrition, lots of cranberry pills and vitamin c. She's changing the pads often, urinating frequently, and resting because the infection makes her dizzy.

Her doctor's kind of given up and sent her to an infectious disease specialist. We're going to be so glad when this is all under control. At least we can laugh about it (most of the time)...
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Sounds like you are doing all of the right stuff! Wishing you and your mother success with the infectious disease specialist. It must be very frustrating for both of you.
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The diapers will not "cause" an infection. It's everything else: the wiping method,( very important ), the frequency with which the diapers are changed and the lack of water, as well as fitted clothing. I assume that you've discussed this problem with her Urologist.
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Probably Try getting a spray bottle with 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water spray her clean with it and get some 100% white cotten cloth to pat her dry or use a hair dryer. put cotten cloth between her and the pads and diapers. Whenever she can let her not tie them on just lay them beneath her. Also bathtub baths and bathsalts or bubble baths cause infections use handheld showers. I pray these help you God bless you.
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I believe adult diapers caused my dad's uti. I thought he would know to change it when wet. He has dementia and therefore would keep them on for quite awhile unbeknownst to me.
He went in first and it cleared up. A month later he had another and a long stay in the hospital and I finally attributed it to adult underwear. They loaded him up on all kinds of anti before the culture came back.
Thus he ended up with C Diff which is horrible and we are battling that now. Terrible stuff. He has gone from walking around normally 3 wks ago to being totally weak and having to be fed.
We brought him home since the nursing home where he was rehabing would leave him in wetness and poop for lengths of time...plus when the bed alarm went off, they did not get there soon enough and he would fall. He did not remember that he needed help to pee and he forgot how to call the nurse. The question is would the nurse even get there soon enough! At the hospital..yes...nursing home...no.
This nursing home had excellent ratings. Perhaps that is because those who got the best care did not have dementia. I don't know.
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Adult diapers must be changed very frequently. They cannot "cause" a UTI. They're only paper. You have to be hands - on when you have a relative in a nursing home/ hospital/ assisted living facility/group home.
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Hi All. Let me explain about the Adult diapers. In my opinion, Adult diapers do cause UTI's because they harbor bacteria when we do not realize it ...when we are new at using them...if that makes any sense. It was my responsibility and had not been educated on it. I had no idea they were even getting wet! I was just using them as a precaution. Hope somebody learns from this and helps a loved up avoid a UTI.
And In the nursing home for rehab went from okay to bad, I was hands on all right. My husband and I were there each day at different times, sometimes twice a day. Each time we had to remedy another situation.
IE: To give pills without having the patient drink 8 oz of water, but just a little to get the pills down is craziness. Water is what flushes the body. Or they will wisk their dinner plate away when they haven't eaten, saying he didn't eat any dinner. Well, there's a red flag! How about diarhea 10x a day...hello?
I get angry with the whole thing which I have been battling for the last 6 weeks. Minute by minute there are changes. Grrrr
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My Mother in law suffered from a severe UTI 3 years ago. We did not know what the problem was at the time. She is a diabetic and has other health problems. She had bladder surgery 10+ years ago and it did not work. She is incontinent. 3 years ago it was so severe that she was having haulluciations, very confused. No fever. Several doctor visits. Finally her daughter took her home with her and had he admitted to her local hospital the diagnosis was severe UTI and Septis. We almost lost her. Also she developed fluid on her brain and had to undergo surgery to put a shunt in her head. Doctor has been checking her very close but 4th of July we were there and had to take her back to the hospital. Another UTI. When we arrived at her house she couldn't talk. We rushed her to the hospital they ran a full series of test. Only thing they found was the UTI and it was severe. They kept her for 4 days and she is home now. She is still having incontince but we are trying to keep her clean and dry. Her speech is coming back slow she said she knows what she wants to say but her words will not come out of her mouth. Very frustrating for her. Any advise
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Tulipdog, I was wondering how you used the estrogen cream for the UTI? Do you just apply it to the outside area? I thought I would ask my doctor about that because I am having trouble with the same thing. Thank you. Muddie
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