Bedwetting Support Group

Hello,

I joined this forum in hopes that I could pass along some valuable information and a possible solution to the problem of nocturnal enuresis or bedwetting. I am not a Dr. nor am I in the medical profession. I am simply a dad that has a son that struggled with this problem for almost 20 years. We tried everything imaginable to help my son, medication, therapy, diapers, doctors visits ( many, many, many) and always had the same results. We were simply told by the Dr's that we needed to cut back on liquids at night and that he would eventually grow out of it. That is little consolation for someone that is doing everything possible and have no results.
I began to do research on line about 2 years ago and used the theory that there was " something" that was either causing or preventing the problem and that the enuresis was a simptom of something else and not really the problem at all. I felt that sleep had something to do with it.
I read where many children that experience enuresis also suffer from ADD or ADHD. I also studied where progress is being made with ADD and ADHD as it relates to sleep. Many children who suffer from ADD/ADHD also snore. Many of the children are difficult to wake, heavy sleepers, etc. you all have heard these things concerning enuresis too. Studies have shown that if the sleep is controlled, the ADD/ADHD improves greatly.
I personally was diagnosed with sleep apnea several years ago so I knew the impact it had and the effects that it could bring. I was placed on a CPAP machine and my life was changed forever. I won't go into details but trust me, it was a big deal.
I knew that my son was a VERY deep sleeper and that he snored. I began to wonder what the effects of poor sleep were having on my son. Then I began to wonder if there could be a relationship between the possible sleep apnea and the enuresis. I went to my physician ( not a pediatrician) and requested that he have my son tested for sleep apnea. He agreed to do the tests. My son was diagnosed with Sleep apnea and a CPAP machine was ordered. As soon as the machine arrived my son began using the machine and we saw immediate results. IMMEDIATE! ! ! The enuresis stopped and has not been back. You cannot imagine what a relief that this was and is to my son. It changed his life forever.
If any of you are suffering from nocturnal enuresis, or if you have a child that is suffering, I urge you to at least consider having a sleep study done. It is painless and most insurance covers at least some of it.
Like I said, I am not a Dr. but it makes a lot of sense. I am wondering why the medical profession is not studying this more. If this reaches one person and it helps them, I will not have waisted my time here. Good luck to all of you and God Bless.


Tim
Posted on 07/02/09, 06:07 pm