Is this how my otherwise doing pretty darn well mom is going to die? Vascular dementia from stroke but a really happy camper @ 84. Her quality of life is very good and she is the most functional person in an excellent six person board & care home; enjoys visitors, food, entertainment... Unless she is having a UTI and just gets zonked. Wonderful staff is diligent about cleaning her up (urinary/fecal incontinence), but she has experienced three UTIs in eight weeks. She is resistant to most (all?) antibiotics and Septra either isn't working and/or she just keeps getting new infections. Internet searches made me feel so hopeless. She takes cranberry supplements, probiotics and has only two regular Rx. General health is quite good and she has her mobility w assistance. She has an sharp and excellent doctor who is thinking time for prophalactic antibiotics... BUT won't that stop working too? I know she is going to go sometime and I decided long ago, no heroics for her when the time comes, but does it have to be a damn UTI when everything else is going so good for her? Feeling so so helpless right now. Please know I'll be grateful for any advice, wisdom you might have. Thank you so very much.
- a little diarrhea and it starts again - doesn't help she doesn't like to shower much
They can cause sepsis and lead to death
Once after hospitalization for a bad fall - my mom suffered for a very long time and went to an urologist to clear up the lingering UTI - it took more than a year plus she was younger (85) vs 93 now
I like your attitude ... keep her happy and comfortable and no heroics. But a uti, for heaven sake? Sheesh! That is just insulting!
I hope there will be some improvements that can be made. Keep Pam's statistics in mind, too. Your mom is already on bonus time! That is something to celebrate.
I've heard that infections like this are difficult to treat. Have you talked to the doctor about the cause? Are you sure she is getting cleaned well in the home where she stays? I'm sure there are others here who know more about this than me, but what if you changed the type of diaper she is wearing.
Also, is the diaper too tight. Sometimes there needs to be room there for air and not to have things so smooshed up.
What are they bathing her in? Maybe switch from a strong soap to something like ivory or dove for her private area.
And increase her water intake.
It's amazing how well she's doing with advanced vascular dementia. I hope she can get some relief with this.