My husband, who has moderate to severe dementia, is urinating less frequently than usual while his water intake is normal. I fear he is retaining urine. The hospice RN said the doc could do a rectal exam to check if his prostate is enlarged but that would be a nuclear war. My husband does not even like me to change his diapers anymore, so there is no way he’d let a stranger to probe his rectum. Is there another way to check his prostate?
Worriedspouse, it is time to have a conversation your husband's doctor. First to rule out other reasons he may not be peeing as much. What would you do if he does have prostrate cancer? Treat it or leave it be? If you would not treat it then perhaps Hospice in on the horizon.
Can you check his ankles for water retention? It could very well be that he is utilizing more water and not a problem.
I would talk to his doctor about how to make sure that he is all okay. They will know what is available for testing.
My dad was put on a low dose prostrate cancer drug, no cancer. But it helped him empty his bladder and he no longer has incontinence.