| "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path - and leave a trail." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ |
| SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY Bed Wetting |
| ORPHANS OF THE CANCER STORM |
There are a number of explanations for bed-wetting during chemotherapy in children. Overnight IV fluids, thirst and disturbed sleep associated with some chemo drugs will increase the likelihood of bed wetting. However, bed-wetting will cease when the drugs are completed. Bed-wetting may also be a manifestation of psychological upset during treatment. Children who are ill often regress to behaviours they have previously grown out of. Play associated with younger age groups, baby talk and thumb sucking, fear of the dark, temper tantrums, and shyness are additional examples of such regression. Punishing your child is likely to increase the stress already being experienced, and will rarely produce a positive response. It is better to reassure your child that bed wetting is "no big deal”, by playing down such incidents, and addressing the practical necessities without fuss. Bed-wetting usually occurs in the middle of the night, at times when both parent and child are tired and needing sleep. To lessen the night-time distress, have provisions ready so that you can resolve the situation with the minimum of effort, You can cover the wet patch with large towels that are kept readily accessible, saving the more demanding sheet change for the morning when you are all awake. Double sheeting the bed can also reduce the amount of work needed during the night. Make up the bed with a waterproof mattress protector, thin towel or blanket, fitted and flat sheet. Repeat that system on top of the first set. This will allow you to pull off the top set to wash if necessary, leaving a ready-made fresh bed below. The towel/blanket will increase protection against overheating/sweating, which can be caused by plastic sheets. Older children may feel embarrassed and want to handle the situation alone. If this is the case, allow your child to take control by leaving clean bedding out for him. Do not allow your child to have drinks during the two hours before bedtime, and ensure a visit is made to the toilet immediately before bed. This will enable your child's bladder to empty. If your child can be lifted, carry him to the toilet/potty before you go to bed, and hold him steady on the seat (for example, kneel in front of him and allow him to lean on your shoulders). Even though he may still be asleep, his system will have the opportunity to empty. Talk to him, telling him where he is and it is safe to relieve himself. When he is done, you can lay him back in bed. Ask your child if he would like to be woken in the middle of the night for a bathroom visit. Set the alarm for a time agreed by him. If your child is particularly distressed during the night, and circumstances allow, consider letting him sleep with you, or sleep in his room during treatment. The reassuring presence of another person may calm him and enable him to sleep more peacefully, thus reducing the risk of bed-wetting. Bed-wetting is less likely if children can sleep in an environment which increases the probability of undisturbed sleep. Try to keep your child’s sleeping space a sacred haven from medical procedures, so that he does not come to associate his bed with bad or frightening experiences. Soft lighting (such as a night light, fairy lights or a bubble lamp), may reduce night-time distress and enable your child to sleep more peacefully. Quiet music may help in the same way. Many children believe illness is their fault, a punishment for being bad. Reassure your child that this is not true, and that nothing will ever stop you from loving him. Give your child plenty of opportunities to share his own worries with you. Some children are reluctant to talk because they don’t want to cause their parents more distress. Let your child know that it is ok to talk and ask questions, to cry and be afraid. If your child is old enough to write or draw, consider introducing the concept of a diary (pictorial or prose). If he knows he has a forum to express these feelings, he is less likely to bottle them up, and will therefore be more at peace during the night. Go back to CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS index. Go back to GENERAL TREATMENT index. Go back to ORbIT TREATMENT index. Go back to SONGS TREATMENT index. |
| Disclaimer This information page has been prepared by an individual who does not have medical training. However its contents have been reviewed by appropriately qualified medical professionals for accuracy and quality. This page is intended for information purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnosis or treatment. If this information raises any concerns about your child’s condition or care protocol, discuss them with his or her paediatrician, oncologist, or other appropriate medical professional who has knowledge of the case. |
| Why is my child wetting the bed? How do I deal with bed-wetting when it happens? How can I reduce the likelihood of bed-wetting? |