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Princess Toilette
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,129
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AUA Update - Bladder Symptoms May Trigger More Falls In The Elderly
I recently witnessed this with my 80 year old mother who tripped over the rug in her bathroom while running to the restroom due to sudden urgency. It just makes complete sense to me that this and basic IC symptoms could result in an increase risk of falling. So, to everyone out there of an age, please check your floors. Don't leave any loose towels down on the ground. Make sure rugs are anchored firmly or nailed down. Most of all, go slowly. If you can't reach the bathroom easily from your bed, consider placing a porta potty next to your bed. We did it for a year for my mom after a hip replacement and it worked perfectly. In fact, we also had one at the other end of the house. She rarely used them but they were there JUST in case. Why not! - Jill
AUA 2008: LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS PLACE ELDERLY MEN AT RISK FOR FALLS
ORLANDO, FL, May 18, 2008 – A greater likelihood of falling may be linked to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in elderly men. Falls are a common source of preventable morbidity in the elderly population and, according to research presented today at the 103rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA), elderly men with moderate or severe LUTS are at a significantly greater risk for falls, and the risk dramatically increases as the symptoms worsen. Symptoms most strongly associated with falling included urinary urgency, the need to push or strain to initiate urination, nocturia and urinary frequency. Urological medications to treat the symptoms did not decrease the risk. Therefore, screening for LUTS may only help identify at-risk individuals. Researchers presented their findings to reporters in a special press conference on May 19, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.
Injuries, as a result of a fall, often lead to temporary or permanent nursing care. Consequently, the diagnosis and awareness of LUTS as a risk factor should help caregivers and patients take the necessary precautions to prevent falls. Wearing a protective pad and ensuring a clear path to the restroom may also help prevent falls.
Participants in the study included community-dwelling men aged 65 years or older who were evaluated every six months for urinary symptoms, including urgency, nocturia, urinary frequency, and the need to push or strain to initiate urination. Those with moderate symptoms had a 21 percent and those with severe symptoms had a 63 percent increased risk for falling at least twice within one year.
In addition to the author, Tomas L. Griebling, M.D., will be on hand to answer questions and provide third-party perspective on the study.
Parsons JK, Mougey J, Lambert L, Wilt TJ, Fink H, Garzotto M, et al: Lower urinary tract symptoms and risk of falls in older men. J Urol, suppl., 2008; 179: 140, abstract 394.
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Diagnosed with IC at 32. I also have IBS, Vulvodynia, Sjogren's Syndrome, low thyroid, scoliosis, MVP, TMJ, some chemical sensitivity, allergies, occasional asthma, familial tremor .. all controlled. Newly diagnosed in 2008 with cardiac entrapment syndrome (benign!) and gastroparesis! :::sigh:::
If you think about it, everything begins with a thought. First the thought, then the word, then the deed. The deed eventually becomes habit and habit hardens into character. This is why our thoughts are so important. Got any thoughts about the changes you want to make in your life? - Georgia Nicols
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