Urinary Tract infections post stroke

[tommahwk]

My mom had a Basil Ganglia bleed six months ago. She has been home for three months. She has a Foley Catheter and keeps getting UTI's. Any suggestions about how to keep away UTI's. They really wipe her out and set her back significantly.

Thanks!

[caregiver222]

And the cranberry juice is also a great idea.

[caregiver222]

Yup. The Foley is probably the source of the infections. As others have advised you can always go back on the Foley, but I'd give a shor at getting her off it.

[hopefullnurse]

if she is able to feel the need to go, then yes.   can always ask her//and then have doc discontinue foley.  (foley can always be ordered again.)   There may be brief times of incontinence when foley firsts comes out.  Does she ambulate?  will need to have toilet or bed pan right there at first.   the experience i have had is that patients who have had a foley for a lengthy time, can't hold 'it' at first.    good luck.

[tommahwk]

My mom has had the foley for six months. I really want to get her off of that thing. Is it possible that she will be able to urinate without it?

[hopefullnurse]

sorry, should add that foley's are a source of infection.   drinking plenty of water, and try cranberry juice as it has shown to help prevent UTI's.   Keep peri area clean.

[hopefullnurse]

my father had same type of bleed, and same problem with chronic UTI's.   Urologist prescribed Cipro for 30 days.