Bed wetting

[Tiny12345]

Hi, I'm desperate to hear from other mums with OLDER children or teenagers who bed wet. I have a 12 yr old and 9 yr old, both who have never been properly dry at night. I know I'm not alone because the shops sell pyjama pants for 8-15 yr olds, but sometime I really need to speak to a parent who is also going through this. We have been to the enuresis clinic and are using desmomelt and bed wetting alarms, but nothing makes them dry for long.

Hi there - I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone! My eldest DS 12 still wets the bed -probably about once a week. Like you, nothing has worked. We've tried the alarm etc etc. My DS has ASD and refuses to even try desmomelt. So how do we cope??? To be honest we've never made a big deal of it. We just use a protective mattress cover and I change the sheets/duvet cover when needed. We do have pull-ups in the cupboard and he will wear these if we stay away anywhere. He doesn't get invited on many sleepovers so that's never been an issue.

Sadly I suffered from the same condition until I was about 15. Apparently it can be connected with certain hormones. Once these kick in the bed wetting normally stops. I guess I was a late developer and I think my DS is too. It is frustrating and a lot of other parents are quite ignorant about this condition. There is definitely a stigma attached and I respect my son's privacy by being careful who I discuss it with.

My DS is pretty cool about it and I've always reassured him that he'll eventually grow out of it. I guess it's a waiting game but not an easy one. Sorry I don't have much useful advice for you but good luck to you and your DC.

Do you think nerves or anxiety could be a factor?

our Ds (14) also bed wets, but it has reduced, in recent years. Its always worse towards the end of school termes when he gets more worn out - presumably sleeping deeper. Like you we have tried meds and alarms. In a perfect world I would go back to using an alarm, but ds will not use it (he also has ASD and has sensory issues, and poor cooperation).
Life got a bit easier when I bought a waterproof duvet (some years back), although we only use that in winter - just use thin summer duvets (in layers if needed) in warmer weather as they fit in my washing machine. Its rare to not have a duvet to wash as well as the covers and sheets.
It has improved a lot over the last year or two, but I despair of ever getting him fully dry! Its good to here that there may be light at the end of the tunnel soon Raspberry!

Thanks, good to know we're not alone!