11 year old female still bedwetting most nights

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I could really use some advice. My daughter started wetting the bed at 6 1/2. She is now 11. We have tried Therapee which worked very well at first. But after 8 months she relapsed and upon trying again we never had success. We have seen several Pediatric Urologists in our area and all have said the same - must be constipation or over active bladder. She has had x-rays and ultrasounds and constipation doesn't seem to be the issue. However, our current doctor insists that it is and wants her on daily laxatives and medication for over active bladder. We have been doing this for a month with no change at all. She will be in middle school soon and puberty isn't far behind. I would like to find a doctor that will think outside the box and not just go through the usual check list. Please share ideas you may have, as well as doctor recommendations. We live in Texas but are willing to travel, if necessary. Thank you so much.

 

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I would have her wearing some sort of protection, like pull-ups or diapers, not as a punishment, but for comfort. I have been bedwetting for nearly my whole life. I wear diapers and plastic pants to bed. It keeps me and bed dry. Also, continue following up with pediatrician. Good 3.

 

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I have no experience with this organization, but haven't heard anything bad about them. https://nobedwetting.com/ They seam to be the group that thinks outside the box. In the mean time, its best to find a mattress cover and possibly absorbent protection for the sake of smell, protecting the bedding and laundry. You can try disposable underwear, or bed pads. Or a good brand for reusable underwear is SuperUndies. Check out threadedarmor.com

 

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I had a friend try them and did wonders for one kid and nothing for another. It’s about forming new habits and it’s a great idea but not 100%, I’m not sure of the cost of this program but I would say it’s worth a try!! Absorbent products and or bedding add up quick, and your child is worth it!! My friends liked it because it did t involve any meds, surgery or any in-needed Dr visits!!

 

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blulou

Your daughter is very lucky to have a parent like you who is willing to search for different ways to help with bed wetting.I remember all to well the experience of being a bed wetter as a young girl.I was treated as if I was a criminal and shamed by my parents and siblings. I’m in my 60’s now and still remember the punishment for sleeping soundly and not waking up to use the bathroom! Kudos to you, and hopefully you can help your daughter to keep her dignity and self-esteem in spite of wetting the bed.

 

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Thank you all. We have tried everything, yet we remain patient and optimistic. I appreciate the feedback and welcome more. Thank you so much.

 

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I would start with protection. The benefits of a good nights sleep is extraordinary, and if you aren’t using any protection, her sleep is bound to be pretty rough. Exhaustion can be a trigger or make it worse. Anxiety/stress can also be a trigger.

Biggest part is being accepting and not shaming. That only makes it worse. You might ask her if she knows Why in a gentle way. Sometimes it can be fear of the dark. It can be lack of body awareness and she needs cued into her body. She could be taken medicine that causes it as well.

Counseling can help as well, it differs from state to state what is available for bed wetting. A good therapist can help with strategies, or just help her with the shame and embarrassment.

 

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I hate to be another person recommending "protection" as it's not a cure and doesn't solve anything other than the mess involved, but I think it's a necessary first step. When my IC started it began with just bedwetting and quickly got out of control. I was waking up several times a night in a soaked bed and doing so much laundry. It was truly exhausting. Taking the step, admitting I needed diapers, and committing to wearing them made a world of difference. Just getting a good night's sleep changed things immensely. I still followed through with doctors and specialists and ultimately never got a resolution.

Making a decision to wear protection and ultimately use that as a long term management strategy wasn't easy for me in my mid 30s. Convincing an 11 year old to wear diapers is probably not going to be easy. I'd suggest approaching it with no judgment, no stigma, and be supportive.