Re: Bedwetting and Hygene: my daughter's recent problem

Johnny K wrote:
Time for an updfate I suppose. Sorry I wasn't on yesterday, been a bit
busy.

I've continued the "bedtime rituals" with both my daughters, but both have
been wet for the last 2 nights. I know at doesn't really matter, but at
least their pullups are less wet than they have been.

Both of my daughters changed and showered before breakfast yesterday and
today. I only had to nag a little.

I suppose the problem's pretty much solved now. I still welcome any and all
advice anyone has. If there are any more problems, or anymore dry nights,
I'll let everyone know. Thanks.



Hi,
I have been reading this thread with interest, having just come through a similar problem. My DS is 10, and has never grown out of nighttime bedwetting. Sometimes he was still sitting in his wet pullup an hour after he had woken up. I tried many of the ways that have been mentioned, and I totally understand how frustrating it can be.
There can be a number of reasons for bedwetting; genetics, infection, small bladder, deep sleep, hormonal, or a combination of these. About 4 months ago we went to the local health care clinic to go on their program, using the alarm. I had been really resistant to this, as I saw it as a bit like a "Pavlov's dog" method of training. However, I've got to say that I am now a convert (although it doesn't work in all cases).
Anyway, here are the steps that the clinic took us through:
Get a test to discount any UTI.
Make sure there is no constipation; this will cause pressure on the bladder
Measure the amount of wee. An older child should be able to hold approx 360ml. If it is significantly less, then a small bladder may be the problem, and this can be fixed fairly simply.
Cut out drinks containing caffine, as this is a bladder irritant.
Drink at least 1.2L per day (pref water). Don't withhold drinks at night if thirsty; a normal bladder should be able to cope (this was a change in thinking for me, and I struggled!). If you want to use rewards, reward for good drinking, rather than dry nights.
Get your dd to "hold" on a bit longer when she needs to go. This was a biggie for me also; I am a mum that makes the kids go to the loo before leaving the house, whether they need to or not, when we are going shopping or whatever. If they need to go when we are out, I would immediately find a loo. I again had to change my thinking and habit regarding this. Just an half an hour longer, and the bladder will stretch a bit more.
We did all of the above for about 3 weeks before getting the alarm. The alarm we used was like a rubber mat (approx size of a doormat) that is put under a sheet. My ds's therapist was really good with him, talking thru each step, making sure it was him that wanted to be dry at night, and not just to please me.
As explained to us, the alarm works because it is so noisy and yuk. My ds is a very deep sleeper, plus had a small bladder, so wasn't waking up when he needed to go (YMMV). When the alarm went off, he had to get up, turn it off himself and go to the bathroom. The alarm is triggered by the wet; brain says "I don't like this interruption", and after a while gets that it is related to wee'ing (that's a very simplified version).
Anyway, it worked for us, and might be worth looking into, or at least trying the first few steps.
N


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