Parkinson’s disease (PD) brings about serious bladder problems for many. A frequent urge to urinate is among the series of problems, even when the bladder is not as full. This is mostly nothing to do with non-motor symptoms in the autonomic nervous system.
Unlike other symptoms of constipation, which often occur before Parkinson’s movement symptoms, urinary dysfunction is not typically a problem until the later stages of the disease.
The primary function of the bladder is to store urine as it is made and then empty the urine. With Parkinson’s, problems can emerge in both areas.
The most experienced urinary symptoms among people with Parkinson's include:
Frequent need to urinate:
Difficulty in delaying urination once the need is felt, creating a sense of urgency. These symptoms often indicate an irritable or overactive bladder. The bladder sends signals to the brain, falsely indicating that it is full and needs to be emptied. Consequently, individuals may have to wake up multiple times during the night to use the bathroom.
Impaired Bladder:
An impaired bladder because of Parkinson’s is a troublesome aspect of urinary dysfunction in Parkinson's. It can be caused by delayed or difficult relaxation of the urethral sphincter muscles. These muscles need to relax for the bladder to empty properly. This can result in hesitancy in initiating urination, weak urine flow, and incomplete emptying of the bladder. Some individuals may also experience dystonia, which involves involuntary muscle contractions in the urethral sphincter.
Tremors and shaking
A constant shaking usually begins in the hand or arm and is more likely to occur when the limb is relaxed and resting, for example, while walking and peeing standing up.
The slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
The physical movements are much slower than normal, making everyday tasks difficult and resulting in a distinctive slow, shuffling walk with very small steps. This issue is particularly alarming when the sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate cannot be compensated for reaching the toilet in time. Thereby, it is not uncommon for patients to experience premature urine leakage and the controlled act of hitting the right spot in the toilet bowl.
Muscle stiffness (rigidity)
The stiffness and tension in the muscles can make it difficult to move around and make facial expressions, resulting in painful muscle cramps (dystonia).
Effective Treatments and Management Strategies for Parkinson's Disease
Medications that block or reduce bladder overactivity can help manage urinary frequency and urgency associated with Parkinson's. Examples of these medications include oxybutynin, tolterodine, solifenacin, and darifenacin. However, these medications are ineffective for bladder emptying problems and may even worsen the issue. On the other hand, an urgent and sporadic intermittent gush will either miss the toilet bowl or result in an incontrollable splash back while peeing. One can wear adult pampers for just-in-case situations to make necessary lifestyle adjustments for maintaining hygiene.
Use of True Toilet for Patients with Parkinson’s
The True Toilet™is an invaluable solution for patients with Parkinson's disease, offering targeted urine aiming and spill prevention. Designed to address the challenges of inconsistent urine stream, urgency, and muscle stiffness, this easy-to-install seat ensures urine is directed accurately into the toilet. Made from high-quality ABS plastic, the True Toilet seat is durable, long-lasting, and odor-resistant, maintaining a fresh-smelling bathroom. It is a proven and convenient attachment for Parkinson's patients, significantly reducing splashing and promoting overall bathroom cleanliness. Moreover, with the True Toilet seat, patients can comfortably use the toilet during the night without the need for bright lights, facilitating uninterrupted sleep.
Remember that it is crucial to inform your healthcare team about these issues without hesitation, as effective treatments are often available.
How to use a True Toilet for Parkinson’s Patients?
Using a True Toilet for Parkinson's patients is a simple and convenient solution. To use the True Toilet seat:
- Visit truetoilet.com: Explore the True Toilet website to learn more about this innovative urinal toilet attachment.
- Attach the True Toilet: The True Toilet seat easily attaches to any standard-sized toilet seat. No complex installation is required, making it hassle-free and accessible.
- Secure fit: Ensure the True Toilet urinal attachment is aligned correctly and securely attached to the toilet seat. It will provide stability and prevent any movement during use.
- Familiarize with the design: Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the True Toilet seat's design and functionality. It is specifically designed to help prevent urine spills and improve aiming accuracy.
- Follow recommended usage: Encourage the Parkinson's patient to follow the recommended usage guidelines provided by True Toilet. This will ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness during toilet use.
By following these steps and utilizing the True Toilet seat, Parkinson's patients can experience enhanced convenience and improved hygiene in the bathroom. Visit truetoilet.com for more information and discover how this attachable urinal can revolutionize your toilet seat.
True Toilet is the perfect solution for male urination at home, providing Parkinson's patients with the confidence to urinate without worrying about splashback. Its user-friendly design ensures easy installation, offering a secure and hygienic bathroom experience. With True Toilet, patients can concentrate on urination while maintaining a clean and mess-free environment.
Conclusion
Parkinson's disease (PD) can present significant challenges when it comes to bladder control. Urinary symptoms such as frequent urges, difficulty delaying urination, and impaired bladder function can impact daily life. True Toilet™, an innovative urinal toilet attachment, offers a practical solution. Designed to minimize the risk of splashback, True Toilet provides a secure and hygienic experience for Parkinson's patients. It is easy to install and made from durable ABS plastic, ensuring longevity and odor resistance. By using True Toilet, patients can regain confidence and minimize mess, even during nighttime visits to the bathroom. For effective management of PD symptoms, including urinary dysfunction, it is essential to consult healthcare professionals and explore available treatments. Experience the convenience and improved hygiene of True Toilet today.
