Dealing with weight loss

[Bogangles]

I am my wits end with my brothers weight loss. He has such difficulty in swallowing both soft foods and liquid. Can anyone give me advice on this. The fear of chocking means he doesn't eat or drink much

[SilentEchoes]

He needs to tuck his chin to his chest when swallowing, this helps protect the airway. There are YouTube videos on this technique. Be slow and deliberate in chewing and swallowing. Might have to switch to a thickened liquid diet.

[Bogangles in reply to SilentEchoes]

Thank you so much for your reply. We will try the tucking in the chin. Swallowing is such a problem he has difficulty with drinking water. He has become emaciated, mal nourished

[Hikoi]

Can you write a little more - time since diagnosis and current meds for eg. Have you had advice from a speech language therapist ? They are the ones who deal with these problems. Lucky brother to have your interest and care.

[ddmagee1]

I have dysphagia with the PD too, and tucking the chin in helps. I also am slow and deliberate in chewing and swallowing. A Doctor's referral to a speech therapist would, perhaps, help your brother. Definitely, a Doctor's evaluation is needed, unless you have already done so. I've ended up choking a few times, so I understand. I probably look awkward, in the way I eat, but at least swallowing is easier for me now, then it was. I hope you find a solution for this, that will benefit your brother, soon.

[Bogangles in reply to ddmagee1]

Thank you for your advice. We have tried your suggestion, at present, of no use. My brother has lost so much weight because he was unable to swallow he was hospitalised and tube fed. He has been in hospital for two weeks and gained a little weight. When he is discharged he is going for a period of rehab where I hope he can learn to swallow again. Your suggested method will be tried again. I am praying it will help, failing which, we will go back to square one. There has been talk of a stomach peg. This is more drastic but we need something otherwise he will lose this fight with PD because of starvation. Regards Polly

[ddmagee1 in reply to Bogangles]

So very sorry to hear this! I will be praying for your brother and I sure hope a solution will be found soon. Best to your brother!