Hi everyone, I am new to Talking Point, and am desperate for some help or advice. My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 4 years ago, we’ve muddled through pretty well until recently when there has been a sharp decline in his ability to function. The latest obsession is driving me mad, he visits the loo between 25/30 times a day, sometimes during the night too. We’ve had every test available, culminating in a colonoscopy 2 weeks ago, everything is negative, bloods fine, and I know he can’t “go” every time he visits the loo. At my wits end as to how to break this cycle. Has anyone else experienced this? He won’t leave the house “just in case”. HELP!! Any suggestions or explanation would be most welcome.
Toilet obsessions
- Thread starter Maryicloud
- Start date
Welcome to the forum. I haven't experienced the same thing but as a medical cause has been ruled out it sounds like it may be anxiety related, which is common in those with dementia. It might be worth speaking to the GP or memory clinic to request a medication review as there may be something they can give to help with the anxiety.
We don't have this problem at home yet but certainly when we are out there is much conversation about the toilet! If I leave him for few minutes, ie to make a purchase or go to the toilet myself it comes on and certainly before we leave anywhere. We have worked out that it is due to anxiety in general and especially fear of having an accident. I try to reassure him that if he 'goes' before we leave anywhere and we know where all the public toilets are (including places like pubs, McDonald's and supermarkets) everything will be fine.
I also think this may be related to incontinence. Perhaps he's had a couple of accidents or 'near misses' and this has made him anxious.
Could you suggest wearing incontinence pants/pads? (Or just get him some!) If he knows his trousers are not going to give him away if it happens, he may relax a little.
Could you suggest wearing incontinence pants/pads? (Or just get him some!) If he knows his trousers are not going to give him away if it happens, he may relax a little.
Anyone with continence issues may find that a RADAR key (available from disability aids suppliers and online) is useful.
This gives easy access to locked disability friendly toilets and changing. These tend to be bigger than standard loos, easier for changing pads and can avoid queues
This gives easy access to locked disability friendly toilets and changing. These tend to be bigger than standard loos, easier for changing pads and can avoid queues
My mother also went through a longish phase of constantly going to the toilet, even when she had just been 10 minutes earlier (but she didn't remember). She used going to the toilet as a reason to get out of whatever situation was causing her anxiety.
As @Grannie G and @Louise7 have suggested, why don't you speak to the GP regarding some anxiety-reducing medication? I personally would avoid the ones ending in 'pam as they are addictive but there are many more options.
As @Grannie G and @Louise7 have suggested, why don't you speak to the GP regarding some anxiety-reducing medication? I personally would avoid the ones ending in 'pam as they are addictive but there are many more options.
Thanks Louise, unfortunately already on anxiety reducing meds, GP fully involved, running out of options!
Already on anxiety reducing meds, has been for 3 years and have just upped dose, also have introduced pads, no change. Thanks for replying
Thanks so much for reply, already tried pads, and he’s had increased dose of anti anxiety meds, nothing seems to work. Onwards and upwards!
Many thanks for suggestions, he’s been on Sertraline for 3 years, and have recently upped dose, but had no effect, also introduced pads, still no change. He barely leaves the house now, but still goes every 10 mins or so, well he
visits, not necessarily productive!!
visits, not necessarily productive!!
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