Antibiotics, I noticed, are grabbing headlines to open 2009.
Preventive Use of Antibiotics Cuts ICU Deaths
Conventional medical wisdom and antibiotics seems to fluctuate.
Over a decade ago when incontinence first became a part of living with Multiple Sclerosis, it was too often accompanied by Urinary Tract Infections (UTI).
Patti’s MS related physical challenges and wheelchair complicated her ability to deal with her own medical care.
Being a ‘guy’ and her spouse caregiver I found myself in a crash course on female anatomy. Yes, we all have a casual knowledge of each other, but woefully inadequate to be engaged in discussions with OB/GYN’s.
The more I learned the more I discovered it was more than dangerous. It was time to make some noise as her caregiver!
Anyway long story short working along with an OB/GYN who was able to see the more hollistic view of living with MS and caregiving we all decided to try an experiment, prophylaxis with Macrobid® (Nitrofurantoin).
In our story, Patti has NEVER had another UTI since prophylaxis with Macrobid®. It has been almost a decade and yes her doctors periodically like her to ‘take a break’ for a period of time before resuming. Whatever, it works!
When wearing your medical advocate hat, I believe you have to act to protect the patient NOW from the most AT RISK threat. Long term effects certainly must be weighed however first you have to get TO the future.
Caregivingly Yours, Patrick Leer
web site: http://caregivinglyyours.com/
videos: http://www.youtube.com/daddyleer
musings: Patrick Ponders ...
Sharing the trial and error learned lessons of a MS spouse caregiver / carer about family, home care, and transition to the care facility era from 23 years of living with Multiple Sclerosis as a family ... a ‘warts and all’ picture of living with MS.
I'm glad you had a health care provider who actually listened and was willing to go ahead with an approach like this! glad also you found something that works for Patti to keep her feeling as best as she can
ReplyDeletebetty
I agree! We found a urologist about 10 years ago that got Mark started doing straight catheterizing every 6 hours to empty the bladder and avoid the incontinence and risk of skin compromise. AND he started on low dose maintenance of Nitrofurantoin and NO UTI's!!! A good doc and knowledge makes all the difference in the world!
ReplyDeleteHi Patrick
ReplyDeleteGlad that you got what works best for Patti.
I have a catheter had one UTI after first had it.
That made sure I drink 2 1/2 litres water a day made up of water and cranberry and pomegranet juice.
They help against infections.
Ok take care.
Love,
Herrad
A symptom of Multiple Sclerosis is incontinence problems.
ReplyDeleteMaintaining dignity is one of the most important aspects that a caregiver deals with. For example, they may remember their father as a large, robust individual and if he's become incontinent, they want to provide care in a sensitive manner which maintains his dignity.
ReplyDeleteThe ladies at The CareGiver Partnership are incontinence care experts. They offer over 500 different products and samples of over 100. Call 800-985-1353 or visit www.caregiverpartnership.com. Mention Caregivingly Yours if you call them and save 10% off your first order.