Night time

[Piglet]

Does anyone experience frequency in urination throughout the night. My husband is in his 5th year with MND but has recently been getting up at night up to 4-6 times to urinate. I have to encourage him to drink and is only taking maximum 5 drinks during the day(which I know is not enough). He probably only urinates 3 times during the day. I have been in touch with his Gp and sample obtained for testing for possible UTI which I don’t think he has.
He uses NIV at night so not sure if this wakes him at times and he then thinks he needs the loo. Neither of us are not getting much sleep as I have to put the NIV mask back on as he has little use in his arms and hands.
Many thanks to Ellie for guiding me to be able to put on a new topic!

[Ellie]

Hi Piglet,

May I ask if he’s emptying his bladder fully each time, day and night, or if it’s only a small amount, and/or if he experiences urgency?

If it’s not a UTI, I wonder if it could be prostate or age related, maybe that came up in the chat with the GP.

Love Ellie.

[Lynne K]

Piglet how about asking for a simple catheter or a suprapubic catheter so that you both can get more sleep? Xx

[Mary C]

Hi Piglet,
When I was using the NIV I woke at night a lot coughing and uncomfortable.This would trigger me to want to go to toilet to urinate a few times overnight.For various reasons I no longer use the NIV and I no longer need to go to the toilet at night even when I wake for sips of water as have a dry mouth,
I am not suggesting anyone stops using the NIV, merely stating my experience.

Many men experience prostate problems so as Ellie suggested it’s worth asking the GP if your husband hasn’t already done so.
Really hope the issue gets sorted soon as it’s miserable having for you both getting up often at night.
Best wishes
Mary

[Piglet]

Yes I thought that too. I have to encourage him to drink and to go to the loo in the day, so I’m not sure how much he is passing. We have a Gerebit toilet that automatically flushes so often don’t see the colour and obviously not the amount. The Gp said if sample comes clear he will look into examination of prostate. We are awaiting PSA blood results. It maybe a catheter may be needed, but some concerns as my husband has some cognitive issues too and wether he could manage it without trying to pull it out. It may be an idea though to perhaps discuss with district nurses for a catheter short term to see how much urine he is passing as can measure with the bag.
My husband is just 70
Thanks for your replies at least I’m on the right track

[Ellie]

Piglet There are condom style catheters which, although it would be a wet mess if your husband did pull it off, he wouldn't risk damaging his urethra.

As you say, at least you'd know the amount of urine he's producing. xx

[Piglet]

I asked about a “convene” but was told the tube is rather long and could be a safety risk at night for him, but it may be useful during the day for assessing amount. Thanks I think I will enquire again to the bowel and bladder team.