I have been purchasing the at-home test kits for UTI infections at CVS and they seem to work quite well. If the test is negative, when would you suggest testing again, to be sure there is no infection starting? In addition, once an elderly person gets a UTI infection how long does it take before the infection can become serious?
It is called other things in other states but the principle is the same. It is as important to have as an Advanced Directive, in many ways more important. The doctor, working with the pt(if able) or the pts representatives fills out a form addressing what care the pt is to recieve. It addresses: CPR; Medical Interventions, do you want comfort measures only or full treatment; Antibiotic use,
Medically Assisted Nutrition. Once signed by the doctor it becomes a physicians order and is to be honored by all medical personnel. It can be changed by the pt (if able) or the pts rep. This is the form you would want to give the EMTs if you had to call them for your Mom.
Regarding doctors: Remember they are humans too and they bring their own values and ethics to their practice. Sometimes their beliefs agree with those of the pts and sometimes they don't. It is not wrong to leave a doctor if the plan of care cannot be agreed upon. The important thing is to make sure it's an educated decision.
I do not want my Mom to die. I am going to do the best I can to keep her from getting sick. But I also realize Mom is 91, she's tired and I know she really wouldn't want to live like this. Deciding not to treat a medical condition in a terminally ill pt is not the same as trying to kill them! I'd encourage you read up on Pallitive and Hospice Care. I know I had to. You are right this is all so complicated. After years of caring for Mom two weeks ago I admitted her to a Memory Care facility. Mom can still walk with a walker, can still eat and talk but she can't really carry on a conversation. Most of the time Mom is not there. She's off in her own world, living in the past waiting for her Mom or one of her brothers(all deceased) to come take her home.
I had asked my doctor is she got pneumonia if we would treat it, as I read hospice doesnt always. and he said yes, you treat until the antibiotics dont work. I dont know if I could "not" treat a uti or pneumonia? I do agree with you, why live like this? But on the other hand, why would everyone be careful about bathing, feeding, etc, if they wanted their parent to die. Do you know what I mean? this is so complicated. My moms on bp meds and antidepressant. I am so on the verge of throwing in the towel with no life here. She moved in 8 years ago and I have had hardly a life since. I am married with kids, grandkids, and cannot enjoy my life as I would like to. I would like to hear more, and from others to, is this something to really consider, hummm, it seems like a crime to not treat a medical condition. Thanks again, please write again. Is your mother in your home? Whats her condition?
Most people don't have a hard time deciding not to do chest compressions or artificial respirations and ventilator care for a terminally ill person. But, antibiotic therapy is another thing. We've become so accustomed to the use of antibiotics that we just sort of take them for granted. We forget that these are very powerful medicines that can save and prolong lives. And, the question is, is that always appropriate?
My Mom has a POLST form and my brother and I had no difficulty deciding no CPR. It is also marked no antibiotic therapy. My brother and I had a much, much harder time deciding on this and there are times when we question if we did the right thing. Mom has late stage dementia (terminally ill) and her future does not look bright. We have chosen not to prolong Moms' life using any means, but to do whatever we and modern medicine can do to keep her comfortable during the end stage of this horrible disease.
I hope this explains better what my thought is. It is a tough, tough decision.
Most importantly, don't assume your loved one will have a fever. The elderly don't exhibit the hallmark sign of fever because their immune system is unable to mount a response to infection due to the effects of aging. A UTI is not going to go away on its own. If left untreated, it will damage the kidneys. Basically, one will develop sepsis, it will enter the bloodstream & ultimately cause death. A UTI is a minor infection that is easily treated. In the elderly, it's major. It really takes its toll & drains them of their strength.
As far as testing goes, you collect a urine sample. The doctor's office will exam the specimen for crystals. If it's bad, they will usually start antibiotics right away. They will probably also order a culture to be done in a lab which will take 24-48 hours. That just confirms the right antibiotic.
It's easy to preach about hygiene. You are probably keeping your loved one way more cleaner than in a nursing home & hospital. Incontinence, especially in females, pretty much makes the person susceptible to this infection. As far as prevention goes & magically stopping any fecal matter from entering the urethra, make sure they drink lots of water to flush their system out. Also, try cranberry juice which makes the urine acidic. To me, I would never drink juice that has "cocktail" in the name. It's basically glorified apple juice with other flavors added. How much cranberries are actually in 8 oz? I just wouldn't subject my loved one to standards that I wouldn't keep for myself. However, cranberries are very tart. You could try to water down the juice or making your own blend. That way you know how much cranberries are in it & add apple juice to just sweeten the taste. There are capsules to take which may be easier. Also 100% cranberry juice for 32 oz can run out about $10.99.
Some people get UTIs & that's it. In others, it becomes chronic. One can only take antibiotics for so long until they build a tolerance to them. You can keep them clean as humanly possible. It is just going to happen. Just don't let a doctor tell you "we can let it (UTI) run its course." Ask questions & don't back down. Ever. You, as the caregiver, will be the greatest advocate for your loved one. Just as long as you know their wishes, you may be their only voice.
As a child growing up in the 1950's and 1960's, all we had were bar soaps, such as Ivory.... now a days there are all these scented soaps and body washes. I picked up the body wash that I've been using and was surprised there was about 30 different ingredients including dyes.... hello, shouldn't this be just soap? Now I am wondering if all these unnecessary ingredients might be adding to the UTI's? Just a thought.
I would like to get those cranberry supplements, how much do you take, one a day? Can you crush them? I always give 2-3 yogurts a day to Mom, more when on antibiotics and puree them with a muffin.
Doctorno... isnt that bidet water cold? I use hair dye bottles on mom and always wanted an actually hose with warm water too. good luck, they say sometimes you just cant cure a uti in the elderly, so stay right on top of it if you even suspect one.
I agree with you comment, but many UTI's are being treated with the wrong antibiotic and way to strong of ones. Antibiotic are way over used and causing major issues. Water as I stated is super important and can be the major cause, Cranberry juice and pills (many can't take) helps, go to the health food stores they also have other natural treatments.