bed wetting alarms

[2CheekyMonkeys]

I have just been told by GP to get a bed wetting alarm for my 6 1/2 year old who still wets the bed probably about 40% of the time. Our local pharmacy doesn't sell them. Does anyone know where I would get one from, or what they are acutally called, brands etc? Thanks

[HotI]

I know they are sometimes hired out by local councils. Maybe ask your local MCHN if they have a contact. I think the RCH also hires them

[~Kim~]

Ring your local community health centre and ask to speak to the continence nurse.

[Phteven]

DS had a malem/malam (sp?).
We got it from his physio but you can get them on the bay
Using the alarm without proper support mightn't be much help. Has he given you any other strategies for bladder training? Increased fluids, reducing constipation?

[2CheekyMonkeys]

nope. we were there for my other daughters immunization and was asking if she was dry at night. I said she isn't and neither is her older sister and then she just suggested to get a bed wetting alarm and that I can get them online or at a pharmacy. So what is my first step then, referral to health clinic nurse or physio or just simply try to buy an alarm independently?

[Phteven]

Our GP referred us to our continence pysio but you don't need to have a referral. There might be a continence nurse at your local health center or your MCHN might be able to hook you up.

FWIW before we used the alarm we increased daytime fluids by using a reward chart and introducing juice and we also used benefibre because lots of children with bedwetting have constipation. For lots of children stretching the bladder with extra fluids and reducing constipation does the trick.

[~Kim~]

I was able to self refer to my local continence nurse. Same as Zazou for strategy.

[Snacks]

I too have a 6yo who isn't dry every night. My GP gave me a good info book with ideas like those listed above. One thing she did mention to me about the alarm was to make sure you are really ready to go gung-ho into it because the alarm is REALLY loud & will disturb everyone's sleep.
I'm going to give it another few months before we head down the enuresis treatment path. GP said we could leave it for another year & see if she just "gets it" developmentally.
It's apparently genetic too - DH & SIL weren't dry overnight until they were 8...

[2CheekyMonkeys]

I was wondering about how loud they are. She sleeps in the same room as her sister! I guess I will have to seek further assistance with it.

[Phteven]

When DS 1 had his he shared a room with his brother. Funnily enough it woke me and it woke DS1 but DH and DS2 generally slept through.

[shellbell3]

Watching this thread. DD is 6.5 and still very wet every morning. I don't know at what age to go get help. I know some websites say 6 but I don't know if I should give her a bit longer or get onto it now.

[Snacks]

I'm wondering too if it depends on the kid? Nat is very unconcerned, so it seems like the incentive or whatever isn't quite there yet? We have a pretty good system for when it happens (she refuses to wear pull ups) - I have a couple of brolly sheets & she redresses herself, we're usually done in a few minutes & back to sleep. If it ramps up over winter (and I'm expecting it will) we will start to tackle it soonish I think.
It's probably very individual as to when. I guess, like so many other things, once the system isn't working anymore it's time to find a new one.

[Boo Boo]

Same problem here (Hi Shellbell - looks like we are in the same boat).

[Snacks]

Glad to know the alarm didn't disrupt your whole family, Zazou.

After almost a week dry, DD did a very thorough job of wetting the bed last night - at about 11:30pm (so just when I was getting into that lovely first deep sleep, sigh) and we had to change all the bedclothes.
I am thinking a lot more seriously about doing something sooner rather than later now.