Catheter distress or irritation

[Hohums]

Hi wasn’t sure where to add this post. Not sure if this is the correct place.

FIL has Alzheimer’s. He is in his late 80s. He was diagnosed a little under 12 months ago. I support him and my MIL as my DH for unrelated and very valid reasons is unable to.

FIL still recognises everyone. He does forgot some things that he’s done (eg had a sandwich) or been told in the last hour or so but remembers other things (eg that in the morning he was told the football was on that evening and by evening time he asks what time it’s on).

FIL has an enlarged prostate for which he takes 400 of tamulosin. He retained water about 3 months ago and had a catheter fitted.

He went to the day clinic weeks later to have it removed but his retention of water remained so he had it refitted a couple of hours later.

I was not in attendance at the clinic but my MIL believes he now has the catheter for the rest of his life.

The problem is this:

He’s always been aware of the catheter, complains about it and has the sensation to wee.

District nurses have been out a few times in last week or so because of this. Changed position if catheter on leg etc. In between a doctor diagnosed. Water infection for which he’s in antibiopics. This was not diagnosed via dip test, this was diagnosed over the phone based on what MIL told doctor. A day after antibiotics started, as per protocol he had catheter changed by nurse. This caused trauma and blood was lost (I assume it nicked something on insertion).

Last night he’s been up since 3am, as he feels the need to wee and the catheter is bothering him.

The one district nurses have believes that his irritation and distress is doen to alzeihmers. I don’t think it is.

My question is, should you get the sensation to wee when catheterised? And should it be irritating still maybe three months on?

Or is this alzeihmers related? I’m worried it can be easy to “blame” the alzeihmers for things rather than looking for the real cause.

District nurses have been has been called again today. Not sure if they will be visiting.

Any advice appreciated.

My father is in exactly the same position. The catheter can cause spasms and these hurt. My father was told to take paracetamol when he was in pain. We have had numerous UTIs and he too will now have a catheter for life.Drinking plenty of water is a must and even though my father has dementia he is fully aware of the need to drink plenty.
You have done well to get the district nurses out as often as you have. I literally feel although I am pulling my top lip back over my head for them to even think of them coming. Be warned a pressure sore can be caused by the catheter and because the district nurses wouldn't come out my father ended up in hospital, is now immobile and being shipped to a permanent care home as we speak.😞