Stroke and very over active bladder = sleepless nights

Posted by Buffalo River @buffaloriver, Nov 22, 2019

Our mother had a BI lateral thalamic stroke 4 yrs ago. She goes to BR on average 10 x per night. Tried all over active meds and recently on 200 mg Trazadone nightly but left her hung over during day. Switched to Rozerem 8 mg 1 week ago. We also give her 100 mg of Gabapentin nightly. If this doesn’t work Do you have any suggestions?

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Hi @buffaloriver that must be very frustrating for your Mom.

Here is more information on overactive bladder's and potential treatments: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/overactive-bladder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355721

Are you your mother's primary caregiver? Did her doctors think the over-active bladder was caused by the stroke?

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Hi, @buffaloriver - that sounds like a lot of trips to the bathroom for your mother. That's great that she has you looking for solutions.

I actually had an overactive bladder issue myself immediately prior to prolapse surgery 8 years ago and then right afterward. I found that it was indeed frustrating to have your body prompt you to urinate way too often. I was given oxybutynin, which was helpful to me without any side effects that I recall.

I'd like to introduce you to some members who may have some input for you related to what medication or other therapy might help with the overactive bladder and who are familiar with stroke or caregiving for someone who's had a stroke. Please meet @godsgiver @harriethodgson1 @dorisena @strokecarespatty. @susan2018 @mari @IndianaScott also may have some insights for you.

It looks like the medications your mom's been prescribed thus far were to address insomnia and pain, is that correct? Has she been prescribed a medication that directly works on the overactive bladder? Is her doctor attributing the bladder issues to the bilateral thalamic stroke?

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My husband uses a catheter for elimination. He takes medication to reduce the number of times he voids. It works but the dosage can't be increased because the medication, over time, contributes to memory loss.

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@buffaloriver Frequent urination is such a problem especially at night. Has this problem been going on since her stroke or is it a new problem? I went through the same thing with my father. Have you tried restricting fluid intake about 7 pm? Or earlier? Does your mom say if she has a good amount of urine whenever she goes to the BR at night? Or just a small trickle. If it’s small amounts, you might try washable incontinence pads. You can find them at larger pharmacies, medical supply stores, even Amazon. From experience, I really think that staying in bed at night is safest for your mom. Try keeping a log for a few days so that you and the doctor will have a better understanding of the problem. Include: when stop fluids in evening, when your mom gets up, amounts of urine each time (just guesstimate), is there a strong urge to go each time, etc.
Can you try this, take it to the doctor, and let us know what he/she says. I wish you the best

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@becsbuddy

@buffaloriver Frequent urination is such a problem especially at night. Has this problem been going on since her stroke or is it a new problem? I went through the same thing with my father. Have you tried restricting fluid intake about 7 pm? Or earlier? Does your mom say if she has a good amount of urine whenever she goes to the BR at night? Or just a small trickle. If it’s small amounts, you might try washable incontinence pads. You can find them at larger pharmacies, medical supply stores, even Amazon. From experience, I really think that staying in bed at night is safest for your mom. Try keeping a log for a few days so that you and the doctor will have a better understanding of the problem. Include: when stop fluids in evening, when your mom gets up, amounts of urine each time (just guesstimate), is there a strong urge to go each time, etc.
Can you try this, take it to the doctor, and let us know what he/she says. I wish you the best

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Becky, lying with bottom of body raised - with adjustable bed, prevents tinkles during the nite. Try it. It works for my Aunt.

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@buffaloriver I forgot to ask if your mom gets herself up ay night or if she needs assistance? Maybe she would be willing to us a bedside commode. It would be easier than multiple trips to the bathroom. Or, even try @mari ‘s suggestion. Anything to get a good nights sleep

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@buffaloriver how has your mom been doing? Is frequent urination at night still a problem? Has the doctor been able to help at all? Please let me know. Your mom deserves and needs a good night’s sleep!

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