After much reading on here, I learnt to recognise when mum had a UTI brewing. I think she had about eight in six months at one time
This is what I did ... it was fun
@totallyconfused
The first time. I wasn’t sure, but put on a bravado ... after that ... I just went for it
Up early, handed mum the tube and told her “pee in that”. Direct. No discussion. Just I need you to do it. Fortunately she did
Stuck it in a bag, left it out of the way. Got breakfast sorted. Mum settled with a bowl of porridge and a cup of tea, I legged it out the door (with the offending bag). I parked illegally in the church, stuck the blue badge up and hopped next door to the surgery. I’m figuring no one is going to be going to church before 9am
The receptionist
Dragoness guarding the gateway. We’ve all met her
So it began
I don’t remember who told me, probably How Bizarre (I learnt so much from
@Ann Mac I can never say “thank you” enough). Anyway, someone said about DIY’ing the test, so that was my plan
Holding a bottle of pee, in a non sealed bag, is a pretty good bomb. It has an amazing reaction value. Wave it about a bit and focus can be achieved pretty darn quick
I found that out myself
So in I march, bottle swinging and ask for a urine test form.
Receptionist looks like she thinks I’m going to spray her, but give her her due, she tried to guard her fortress. I know I have zero time to get back to Mum, so I’m not playing nice
“I want this tested”
Receptionist starts blabbering about the need to see a GP etc. I laugh. Like there is an appointment this week .. in .the morning .. when I can get mum there
I believe you have a form I can fill in (on subsequent visits, that became “can I just have the form please”)
In the box where it ask why the test is requested I put “UTI suspected - not good with Alzheimers”, or “Alzheimer’s exasperated by UTI” or a variation ...
Each time the receptionist was less than pleased. I just smiled. Said thank you and legged it home to mum. I mostly managed it as she was finishing her cup of tea
Each and every time, I got a call from a GP at the surgery. The conversation went something like this (
every single time) ..
GP - I understand you requested a urine sample be tested
Me - That’s right
GP - Why did you think you could request such a test without an appointment?
Me - My mum has Alzheimers... UTI’s cause issues
GP - Hmmmm ... well ... she should really be seen. A doctor should organise a test ..
if one is needed
Me - Ok
Long pause
I wait
GP - Your mum has a UTI
Me - Thought so
GP - I’ll arrange AB’s
Me - Good. Will you get them delivered please. I can’t get out to collect
It’s a right pain, but after a while, the surgery just got bored of arguing and being proved wrong. They gave in and tested