How to cope with bedwetting: Urinary problems in Parkinson’s Disease

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Coping with a wet bed when caring for someone with Parkinson’s Disease can be quite stressful. Sadly, urinary problems is a symptom that comes along as the disease progresses. It can be upsetting, soul destroying and a strain on carers. For the person who has Parkinson’s Disease, it can be a huge embarrassment and be distressing.

From experience, sharing some practical solutions that have been found helpful will hopefully be of help to all you carers out there struggling along.

Weeing heavily at night

Known as Nocturia, weeing a lot at night is a common non motor symptom of Parkinson’s Disease. Often deep sleep, fatigue, mobility and brain messages not getting to the bladder are some difficulties that will result in a wet bed and night clothes.

Urinary issues are not usually a problem until later stages of Parkinson’s Disease, therefore ability to mobilise at night can be a big issue as the need to urinate frequently increases.

Management of Night time Incontinence

There are some medications that can help bladder problems. This is best discussed with your GP, Parkinson’s team. A urinary tract infection (UTI) can also be a cause or increase urinating and are common in people with Parkinson’s Disease and should be investigated.

Diet and lifestyle can also impact on bladder problems. Its often thought that cutting down on fluids will help. In fact would not help with any bladder problems and can cause dehydration.

Cutting down on caffeine can help. Eating healthy and reducing or stopping smoking can all contribute to a healthier bladder.

Using a catheter can help if bladder incontinence becomes a persistent problem. Having a catheter fitted however is invasive and need management and is best discussed with your health team.

Products that can Help with Urinary Problems

Luckily enough there are products out there that can help with urinary problems. It is best in the first instance, however, before you spend money to speak to your professional team. Asking for a referral to the community district nurse or incontinence team for help and support can help. In the UK an assessment will take place to assess level of bladder issues and can provide suitable incontinence underwear to help. If this is not available in your area you can buy pads and underwear online or in your high street shops.

For women, there are some great products out there to help manage any leaks. Tena is a well known and popular brand for incontinence pads. They are discreet and highly absorbant. Night time pads are essential for night time management.

Pull up incontinent pants are also effective. Some women prefer pull ups for security rather than pads. Tena are the front line brand for effective incontinence management. Night time pull up pants give great comfort and wraparound dryness.

For men, Tena provide a good choice of pads that hold urine well. These pads are highly absorbent and are said to be very comfortable to wear.

As with women, there are some good pull up pants for men too. Tena design give a good close fit that hold a high volume of urine. Tena night time pants are effective too in holding large amounts of urine.

For both men and women it is personal choice of whether pads or pull up pants are more suited. It is also important to check which size is needed to ensure full protection and eliminate leakages.

Many people with Parkinson’s Disease do suffer Nocturia. Even the best incontinence pads/pants will leak once completely saturated resulting in a wet bed. There is nothing worse than having to strip a bed and change wet clothes for our loved ones in the middle of the night. Disrupted sleep and tiredness takes its toll on all carers. I personally have found some products that can really help.

Kylie bed sheets are a lifesaver. They are excellent to wash and dry very quickly. They soak up a huge amount of urine and retain it ‘inside’ like nappies that help the skin from ‘burning’. Kylie sheets also are great if having to change in the night or day as they lay on top of the bottom sheet and you only have to change the kylie and not the whole bed. Strongly advise to buy the ones with ‘wings’ as they tuck in to the sides of the bed and keep them in place. This pack of 2 kylie sheets are large covering a good bed area and have wings to tuck in the sides and excellent value. You can buy for a single bed or a double bed.

Waterproof covers for the mattress is a good idea to save your mattress from getting wet and soiled. Mattresses are expensive, so a good cover is recommended. A single mattress cover that covers and stretches over the corners are good value. You can also get a double size and king size.

Waterproof covers for the duvet is advisable as often can become wet during the night. They are difficult to get cleaned as often the traditional duvet does not fit in the washing machine. You can however buy a duvet that does state it fits in the washing machine.

It is possible to get a waterproof mattress therefore eliminating the need for a waterproof mattress cover. They are not cheap but investing in such a mattress can maintain the life of the mattress.

For the ultimate package you can invest in a complete waterproof set of hospital grade which includes everything you would need to keep a dry free zone.

All in all, once you have waterproofed the bed to the best of your ability, it can save a lot of work and stress.

Practical Measures to help Urinary Problems

If mobility is an issue, getting to the bathroom can be a problem. Someone with Parkinson;s Disease can become more confused at night and affect mobility even more so.

A commode next to the bed can help. It helps reduce distance to the toilet and can also be useful if they are awake and need to wee. This helps keep the bed and their night clothes dry too.

A referral to the community OT can often lead to provision of a commode without the expenditure. If that is not possible, there is a good choice of commodes on the market. This folding lightweight commode chair is useful in that you can fold it away if not needed. Ideal if you have limited space.

If getting out of bed is an issue or do not want a commode chair a portable urinal is useful. They are versatile too as you can take them out with you in the car if needed. They are a relatively inexpensive option. This male urinal can hold a lot of urine at 1000ml and has a secure screw top. This female urinal is the same model as the male but obviously adapted for females. Both inexpensive to buy.

Many of suggestions above can help not just at home but if on holiday or visiting overnight. Incontinence urinary problems can feel very debilitating and restricting. It can be very worrying if staying in a hotel or other family or friends homes. Kylie sheets, urinals and waterproofs can be easily packed and taken with you. Just remember to take good size bags to store wet items if you cannot wash when away!

I do hope that you have found my suggestions as a carer useful. As these problems arise solutions have to be found. Please read my other blogs for more solutions, suggestions and advice in caring for someone with Parkinson’s Disease. Sign up to my newsletter so that you don’t miss out on further publications. If you have found other ideas that have not been mentioned, please share; you never know, someone else may find your ideas useful.