Beyond the Struggle | The Unlikely Path to UTI Relief in Our Dementia Patient's Journey - My Mom's Story
Caring for a loved one suffering from dementia presents numerous challenges. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the persistent struggles. Since January 2022, my mother has had 10 documented UTIs. Think about that for a second.
That means over the last 23 months, she has been living with a UTI 43% of the time. Totally outrageous.
Don’t get me wrong, the staff at her care home have tried all the usual treatments, including changing her more often, for example. But none of the standard protocols seemed to work.
This lead me to explore alternative treatments that doctors may not have thought of. The good news - we may have found a couple that worked.
Before I go any further, it’s important to note that while I’m about to share my personal experience and research, I am not a medical professional. It is crucial to consult a qualified healthcare provider or physician before implementing any new treatments or making changes to existing ones, especially in cases involving complex medical conditions like dementia and UTIs. Every individual's health needs are unique and professional medical guidance is essential for ensuring the most appropriate and effective care.
The first thing we tried was a Probiotic specific to Urinary Tract Health. Probiotics, known for their beneficial impact on gut health, have recently gained some recognition for their potential in managing UTIs. I have been told that specific strains of probiotics have been found to be particularly effective in reducing the incidence of UTIs, providing a natural and complementary approach to conventional treatments. Will this work for everyone? Maybe not, but it’s 100% worth a try. While I paid $65.99 (CAD) for a bottle at our local grocery store, my Dad found it for $20.00 cheaper on Amazon.ca. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/3QLPpcw
The second thing we tried was Vaginal Estrogen. I didn’t even know this was an option to be honest. The doctor casually mentioned it and I immediately asked for an Rx so we could begin treatment. Again, I’m not a doctor, but I did ask a local pharmacist to describe VET to me. “Vaginal Estrogen Therapy is safe and effective in treating symptoms and lowering the risk of UTIs. By restoring the natural pH balance and promoting the growth of healthy vaginal flora, vaginal estrogen effectively creates an environment that is less friendly to the growth of harmful bacteria, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of UTIs.”
While managing UTIs in dementia patients can be a very challenging journey, the integration of vaginal estrogen and probiotics into my mother's treatment plan seems to be working for her. In 2023 alone, my Mom had had 5 documented UTI’s in 7 months. After 3 months of treatment with VE Probiotics, her UTI test results are still negative. (knock on wood)
In sharing this personal journey, my aspiration is for this blog article is to serve as a guiding light of awareness for those searching for effective solutions. May it empower you to make informed decisions in your caregiving journey and instill hope for a brighter, healthier future for our loved ones living with dementia. Together, let us continue to explore new avenues of care and support each other to ensure that every individual receives the best possible treatment and attention they deserve.
Sincerely,
Sam
xo
