Swallowing problems

[Janshaw]

I’m new here. My husband was diagnosed with PD 2 years ago. Right arm tremor and sometimes right leg. Takes Sinemet. He is now having some problem with swallowing, uncomfortable digestion ( Gallbladder ruled out). Wondering if this is all part of PD?

[Kevin51]

Yes swallowing problems came with my Parkinsons - I have to focus all the time.

I had to relearn some parts of the action. It is an important area as failure to swallow properly can lead to aspiration pneumonia. There are many helpful online videos with exercises.

[Bridielena in reply to Kevin51]

Hello

I find using a straw very very helpful

[sharron2]

Your doctor should offer your husband the option for voice therapy. This is very important to preserve his swallowing function and avoid complications from aspiration as mentioned by Kevin. Indigestion can happen with the meds. My husband eventually had to have a prescription for tigan that he takes along with his sinemet to reduce his very uncomfortable indigestion.

[Coot18 in reply to sharron2]

if having stomach problems with regular sinmet, try controlled release

[S70AWD]

Both swallowing and speech problems came with PD for me, along with tremors and balance issues, and constipation and incontinence. Such a fun disease!

[ddmagee1 in reply to S70AWD]

Tell me about it! I lost my balance and fell the other day. I spilled my coffee because of tremors. I wanted to say something, but the words wouldn’t come out, yesterday. Constipation and incontinence are weekly issues for me. The topping on the cake is when I try to tell somebody I have some physical issues, sometimes, and can’t always make it to social events, and some say " well, you look perfectly fine to me", and give me a look of disbelief! Fun, indeed!

[FMundo in reply to ddmagee1]

Boy do I identify with your comments. People seem to think that when you describe the battle you're having with PD symptoms that somehow saying "you look perfectly fine to me !" is bolstering as if the only thing that was important is how you look! How about some acknowledgement for what I'm facing and going through! Hello !

[M1tz1 in reply to ddmagee1]

My sympathies, ddmagee1. Hang in there.

[Pelley in reply to ddmagee1]

All I do is try to smile and inside say "Piss off" lest I tell you how I really feel!

[bjmettler]

Everything that is wrong with me is due to PD. I love this website because it affirms that theory.

[maidar in reply to bjmettler]

I agree fully with you! Everything wrong with me started when I was diagnosed 10 years ago!

[Coot18 in reply to maidar]

part of what is "wrong" with us

our bodies are aging

if we do something today

it takes longer

and it hurts more

but we gotta keep doing it

as best we can

PD is a term

the medical community gave

to the form of old age

God gave us

Love > hate

[maidar]

Hello! I also have swallowing and speech problems associated with Parkinsonism! I would suggest trying the RSVT "LOUD" program! It really helps but you have to keep up with it even after the program ends! I don't and it is quite obvious!

Good luck!

[FMundo]

A very high percentage of people with PD have swallowing problems. 70% expire as a result of aspiration pneumonia (the result of incorrect swallowing (food/liguids getting in lungs). You and your partner need to educate yourselves right away on swallowing. The internet has webinars, podcasts and articles on this subject, here are some titles/issues addressed:

When do I need a swallow test?

How to swallow pills more easily?

Techniques to make eating easier.

Swallowing exercises.... APDA Swallowing exercises

Tips for making swallowing easier

Organized (pay for) swallowing training : Loud and EMST Training

It would be wise to familiarize yourself with the Heimich Maneuver (for another person and yourself).

All these articles are available, collected in Parkinsons Online and available free, if you send your email address I'll send you a link. [e-mail]

[ddmagee1 in reply to FMundo]

F Mundo, Thanks! How very kind of you. I have had some swallowing problems, and the neurologist said that can go along with PD. My GP says I should have a scope done. I just had a scope done 4 years ago. I was not given any information on techniques to help myself.

[FMundo in reply to ddmagee1]

There is PLENTY to do, beyond spending money on further examinations (which I'm not discouraging). Understanding the things that go wrong for swallowing as the disease progresses will extend your life, without question. There are exercises, understanding the cycle of breathing - swallowing (so, heaven forbid, your lungs haven't been totally emptied when food is caught in your throat (making expulsion of blockage impossible) are some of the factors. I send a few key articles, but I need your email address. Send to [e-mail]

[marieboyd in reply to FMundo]

Tried to send to your email address but wouldn't accept the addresss

[FMundo in reply to marieboyd]

Marieboyd, give it another try. go to your email and email to this address: [e-mail]. This address I've used for more than ten years.

[rustjudge in reply to FMundo]

Thanks for the offer of info re swallowing------------------my email address is [e-mail]. Again thanks.

Sam Johnston

[Pelley]

for sure...... Swallowing and simple clearing of throat leads to aspiration of food in advanced stages with leads to pneumonia. You never die from PD, just complications of PD. It's a cagey disease.

[Jumex2017]

My husband had the same swallowing problem when he ate oily food.We did not what it was till he was diagnosed with PD. Was there drooling too? Then he started doing exercises to put his head up every day and he managed to overcome this swallowing problem.As for digestion he eats a high fibre diet.