OH has fractured femur - not a good situation

That’s the sort Aggie I have been looking online but couldn’t remember what they were called. DH had a huge incision hernia but was otherwise very thin so a good fit was hard to find until I heard of these.

We didn't use pull ups but wrap round ones with sticky tabs , we got them from the District nurse and bought extras from Amazon . Toddlers night time ones would probably fit your OH as he is so light

Lucky to stop his hip dislocating he must have at least one pillow between his legs when he is being turned. This will probably have to continue after 6 weeks post surgery because he is not going to get any muscle power back. A lot depends on how thick the pillows are. If he lies on his side he should have a pillow against his back to keep him in position.

I used to buy my dad pullups from Tesco. They were designed for early teenagers who had problems with night time incontinence but as my dad was only 7 and a half stone lately they fitted well and only leaked occasionally. I have forgotten what make they were.

By the way - last night's problem was because he asked to use the bottle then just got it everywhere - it would actually have been easier if he had peed in the pad!

The problem is pulling them up. It is OK when the carers have got him standing on his frame; but otherwise it is hard as he cannot arch his back when he is lying down for me to get anything (sheet, pad etc.) underneath him. It is difficult to get him to roll on his side because of his new hip. The carers too have trouble with this.

Could someone please send a link to the pull-ups that they have used so I can see how we might manage with them? I am very grateful for any advice from seasoned carers.

I also used a flat sheet under the duvet as an extra layer for the odd leak - much easier to wash and replace than a duvet cover. The carers were wonderful about making or remaking the bed while I stayed with DH on the loo.

I used The Incontinence Shop online and settled on the ID products. Always happy with them and very fast ,reliable delivery.

If you are using “pull ups” (as you surely must be) have you tried doubling up at night with a second pair?
There are also types which are more adjustable for a closer fit and very easy to do up and undo regardless of the “patient’s “ position. Ask your DN/carer and look online.

Lucky, did you know that you can get waterproof duvet covers? Combined with pull-ups there should be less washing. Washing and drying a duvet, even if the sun is shining, is almost impossible.

Lucky, are you not using "pullups" at night?
They were invaluble and after starting using them at night, if I had to get up for any reason, it wasn't to strip a bed.
NHS wouldn't provide them, only pads which weren't good at night, I bought them online every few weeks.
Expensive but oh so worth it.

((((Hugs)))) lucky.

Oh Luckygirl, those midnight ‘lavatory’ issues are enough to finish you some days aren’t they! Do hope you got some peace if not sleep afterwards. Fingers crossed that bureaucracy gets off it’s arse today.

Thank God for your sense of humour Lucky ???

Oh Lucky I remember the scenario well . I hope you get a nanny nap during the day to rest that knee (((((hugs))))))

Midnight wee debacle! - oh joy - I had to get the washing machine going and am running out of drying space - bring back the sun please! Carer had been and everything was neat, tidy and clean before she left - and then..........!

Now on crutches with b*** knee. You have to keep a sense of humour here! It is a bit of a mad house.

Thanks for the update lucky. Hopefully your DH will get a catheter quickly and your meds can be sorted out .

Seen GP and conclusion is that I have SOD - hmmm! - which is Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction. It fits with all the problems that I have had (acute pain making me lose consciousness and liver function tests up the spout) and it is good to have an explanation - it has happened independently of the codeine as well. But it accounts for the agony I was in when they gave me morphine and codeine after hip replacement. She has given me anti-spasmodic to try and prevent it happening again and is consulting gastro bods about latest treatment.

OH very weak today - not able to stand really. Waiting patiently for bureaucracy to grind slowly towards getting him a night catheter. Has to be a specialist team apparently!

Crikey Lucky, that sounds like a very nasty reaction, talk about is never rains but it pours (which it has been doing quite a lot here today). I hope soon you'll be able to take time out for yourself and not just to go to the doc! Something nice like a catch-up with friends. xx

Just popping in to see how you are xxxxx

It must be such a relief to have the carers taking over all the difficult tasks, leaving you free to just be there for your OH. So good, too, that your OH warmed to the male carer - having a bond with someone so involved with your intimate care is so important.

But oh Lucky what an ordeal for you with the codeine - that must have been very frightening, and something you could have done without at a time like this. I remember your episodes of losing consciousness, and how scared you felt. Thank heavens that didn't happen this time! I do hope your GP can prescribe other pain relief that doesn't affect you in this way.

Sending hugs and positive vibes. And and instead of as you must be awash with them now

Sorry to hear that Lucky. I also have no gall bladder and didn't know that. I also hope the doc can find an alternative.

Oh blimey lucky you didn’t need that. I hope the GP can suggest a different pain relief for you.

Here’s hoping today goes well.

Thanks you for your messages.

Yesterday worked out well with the carers, but also had a bit of a downside! I went to doc about hp and knee pain and he gave me codeine. I took one dose and an hour later I was in the most extraordinary pain in chest and stomach and upper back - I was beside myself in agony. To cut a long story short, codeine can cause bile duct spasm, and boy does it hurt! I am taking them back to the surgery today.

I have had two other occasions when I have had similar pain and lost consciousness (the last time for 40 minutes). I have googled it and am sure that I have Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunctions (SOD!!) which is rare but happens in people who have no gall bladder.

So....it never rains and all that. But I am sitting here waiting for the carer and happy that I am not the one who will be changing the bed etc. - I leave the room and leave them to it. Phew!

That is good news Lucky. I found with my parents when they had carers that the ones they got on with the best came more often. They tried to match people up. They all formed quite a relationship in the end.
The cost is nothing compared to yours and your DH's well-being and it is a lot cheaper than a care home.