Here's a challenge. I need help on figuring out a water drinking solution.
My mother has times at night (3-4 times a week) where she wakes up and is parched thirsty and feels like her system is dehydrated. It is much more than dry mouth from the medicines. It makes her kinda crazy and desperate for water. She then reaches for her drinking bottles and guzzles as fast as she can. We've tried a number of different bottles, (baby bottles, cups with straws, squeeze bottles, etc.) For various reasons we've had to make changes. She makes loud gulping sounds because she is having swallowing problems, but she is desparete for the water. She sometimes knocks the bottles over and then water is all over everything.
I think I've almost got this solved--but have one problem left with it and hope someone might have a good idea. I went to the running store and bought a drinking system that runners use to drink while they are running. It is a collapsable/inflatable water bottle that a runner wears on their back in a fanny pack. It has a long plastic tube that runs up over their shoulder and attaches with a clip where they can drink as they're running. As they run they can suck on the tube and the water flows easily and there is no air in the tube at all. However, the tube is pointing upward when a person is standing (running) and I need it to point down since mom is in bed. When the tube points down, the spout spurts water out. I need something that only allows the water to escape if you suck on it or press it. (maybe something like the old valves on air matteresses??) anyone have any ideas????? or any other brainstorms for this drinking at nighttime issue?? My mom's strength isn't strong enough to squeeze a regular water bottle.
I hope someone has a lightbulb idea on this. smile
I ask, because chronic mild dehydration is very common among people with PD, and can proceed to much more serious dehydration, as well as other concerns such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, confusion, dizziness, etc.
If you and she have not already done so, I suggest you keep track of her fluid intake over the next week or so. If she is drinking about 2 quarts fluids daily (juices, tea, milk, water) and still feels dehydrated at night, then is it possible that she is urinating excessively (this can occur with use of diuretics). If neither is the case, then the cause may lie elsewhere, but I think you should discuss this with her physician.
