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I would not do it.
Surgery for someone with dementia is difficult.
The chance for her to pull on the device is high, even if they place it where it would be more difficult to reach I would never underestimate the ability of someone with dementia to do something that "they are not supposed to be able to do".
Late stages of dementia..I would not worry about UTI's, she may be at the point where shock or not she will develop them due to decreased intake of fluids, being incontinent and wearing briefs or tab type products will retain some urine close as well as having wet briefs on occasionally (no one can change someone "immediately") so there are times when a person may remain in a soled brief for a little while. Also the probability of not thoroughly cleaning the area each and every time so some urine may remain.
And as the decreased fluids the urine will be more concentrated
And the kidneys will also begin to shut down as she nears the end of life.
So push fluids as best as you can.
Change as often a possible
Clean as best as possible
Accept that there will be setbacks.
And answer this..if this were you what would you want your POA for health to decide for you?
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gdaughter Oct 2019
Heck Gram, surgery for someone WITHOUT dementia is difficult and scary and risky...
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I would not do it! If mom is itchy, her brain will look for a cause to explain the itch and the lump or leads or whatever will become her focus. I see no good reason to allow a person with late dementia to suffer a surgery which might push back their mental capacity from the anesthesia.
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I have a friend that had one implanted, albeit years ago (and technology may have improved) who has had dreadful problems with hers. It is now removed, but the leads cannot be, nor can the leads, which implant themselves, be moved; she has had problems with it ongoing, and cannot comfortable even sit for any length of time. I am surprised this would be suggested and it is sounding awfully "follow the money to me". I could be wrong, of course.
Has she tried a daily capsule of the supplement D-Mannose? It has been magic for me. Was getting >4 infections a year, and none now for more than a decade. Recommended to 2 friends; worked for them as well. I am retired RN who doesn't even BELIEVE in vitamins or supplements, but I do believe in this. Powder or capsules. I use Source Natural from Amazon, about 30.00 for 120 capsules. Worth a try. Powder easier to swallow and tasteless. Works like cranberry, keeping bacteria from adhereing to bladder wall, but works better and without the acid.
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My mom had an internal Interstim for 12 or so years. Nothing was external. She had a digital controller that she could use to set the levels. It worked great for her. Surgical battery change every 4 years or so. Minor outpatient procedure. I would check to see if there is a model with internal batteries.
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LynRomesberg55 Oct 2019
Did your Mom have Alzheimer's Dementia at the time of her surgery? I can see if someone had issues having this procedure done when they were younger and had nothing wrong with their brains like Dementia, but I don't feel that this procedure is such a great idea.
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