Question:

I have a child with angelman`s, and he`s retaining urine. At times he will go up to 24 hours and not void, and his abdomen will look very distended. We try to watch for this and will put him in the bath, or give him a rectal suppository and that will help sometimes. Is there any medications to help him void? He`s on phenobarb keppra ativan and tranxene and zantac. He`s been on these for years. My son is 17 and severely handicapped. Thanks so much.

Answer:

This is a complicated situation, as you know. If he is constipated, infrequent BM or very large stool, then taking a daily laxative can be quite helpful. We often use Miralax or Glycolax for this. If this is ineffective, then he probably should be evaluated by a neuro-urologist. These are specialized urologists, and often they work at academic medical centers/medical schools. There are medications that can help make it easier to urinate, but their effectiveness is inconsistent in individuals with your son’s condition. You may need to learn how to catheterize the bladder so that if he is in retention you can take care of it at home. Good luck.

For more information:

Go to the Urinary and Genital Disorders (Children) health topic.