My mom has vascular dementia. She wears depends and won't drink sufficient water. She has had 2 UTIs in the past 6 months...both times she knew she had them! First time she said she was urinating a lot, second time it burned once. The first was diagnosed by her PCP in office, so I assume they used a quick test. 2nd time by urgent care with culture.
Her PCP now wants her to see a urologist.
I can take her to the practice where my dad is seen for prostate cancer, but I am not sure it is worth it. She won't cooperate with prevention strategies like changing depends more often, drinking water, using bathroom on a schedule, etc., so not sure of the point.
She lives in AL facility with my dad. They try to get her to follow a prevention routine, but she says no, so they cannot force her. If dad tries, she gets mad and says he is bossing her around. When doctors tell her, she says she never heard it before.
The one thing I can probably get her to do is drink cranberry juice regularly.
Thoughts??????
The over-the-counter AZO makes a cranberry pill that might be easier for your Mom to use. Check with her doctor to see if this is ok for her to use.
As for changing her Depends, I can't imagine how hot she probably feels wearing them during the summer months. I remember having to use Depends after kidney stone surgery, and it was like wearing a furnace :P
The doctor recommended a probiotic called re-pHresh, which keeps vaginal pH at an optimal level. Also rec a vaginal cream which helped with dryness. After starting these two things, mom never had another UTI.
It's so NOT a mystery - ! - that your mother is having this trouble that there would seem to be no justification for roping in a specialist unless perhaps the PCP has spotted something unusual and wants it checked out; or is taking part in a study; or has some other good reason for the recommendation that is way over our pretty laymen's heads.
So if I were you I'd ask why, what for.
In my moms case, the PCP referred her out right away. My mom saw a urologist years ago to help with incontinence, but she did not like the treatment as the shots hurt.
I will definitely ask as the next appointment if the problem continues.
At least I know a good urologist.
An additional benefit from the treatment was that her incontinence was reduced.
In short, I think the urologist visit for your Mom might be worth it.