sis & Psp

[DEBRADKE]

My Sister has PSP, was misdiagnosed as Parkinson's for many years. I fear she is near the end. Yesterday she was unresponsive & taken to the hospital. They did get results confirming a UTI & have started antibiotics. Is this a common way for PSP patients to pass?

[Heady]

Some sort of infection does seem to be the final straw, in most cases. Just the same as it is in most other deaths. UTI infection can look a lot worse than it actually is, a dose of antibiotics can work wonders. The fact they are trying to treat this infection, may mean that your sister's time has not yet come.

My thoughts and love are with you at the difficult time.

Lots of love

Heady

[DEBRADKE in reply to Heady]

ty... just got word that she has pneumonia in her right lung.

[abirke]

I have not heard of anyone dying from urinary infection, they usually attribute death to pneumonia...when it's time....is she cathetarized? You have to be very careful with those not to introduce bacteria into the catheter...I am just learning....I have been giving B 1/2 cup pure cranberry juice throughout the day. He has had a cath for 4 weeks ...no UTI's yet...other problems but oh well

I just read Heady's post ....I agree ,If your sister can be treated than that means she is still healthy enough to be treated...

Goodluck

AVB

[Patriciapmr]

I'm thinking of you and send you a big hug....xx

[DEBRADKE in reply to Patriciapmr]

Thank you! I live an airplane ride away, dont know if i should fly back or wait.

[jillannf6]

i agree , me too!

;ll jlll

xxxx

[jillannf6 in reply to jillannf6]

i agree

lol jill

xxxx

[Yvonneandgeorge]

My husband has lots of urine infection, I agree with Heady if they are treating her, looks good. Bug hug coming your way xxxxx

[honjen43]

Hi DEBRADKE . I see from a later comment that your sister has pneumonia in the right lung. I learned this is caused by a bit of food/liquid going down the wrong way into the lung and bacteria building up. It is different from viral pneumonia which can be in either or both lungs.

What that suggests is that your sister is having trouble swallowing or managing her saliva as well. There are others here on this site far more able to comment and give advice on PSP.

However. I would suggest if you have not seen your sister for a while that you get on that plane and see her. She may recover from this setback, but she may not have too much longer. Go and see her, have a bit of quality time with her if she recovers, as she may. If she does not then you are there for her, can support her and can say your farewells.

Be prepared to stay a couple of weeks if you go and maybe longer as it will be hard to leave before the end.

I had 3 months with my dad who had a brain tumour and I had to travel halfway round the world. It was worth it for me.

Hope you can make the decision and that it is worth it for you both.

Hugs Jen xxx

[Lucy602]

I agree with honjen43. If you can go see your sister now, you should while you can still spend some quality time with her. I'm new to the world of PSP. It's an ugly disease and I'm amazed at how quickly things change. I see my dad every other day and I never know if I'll be able to have a conversation with him or not. He just had mom call me but I couldn't understand what he was saying. Mom couldn't either. I just hope my brother can understand him when he gets there. I hate not know what he's trying to say. I feel like if he's needing something and I can't understand him, then I'm not taking care of his needs. He's in a nursing home and I know he's being taken care of but we are his voice to make sure he does have what he needs/wants. Horrible disease that changes our loved ones right before our eyes each day.

[honjen43]

I tried to second guess the questions and thoughts my man could be having, and asking him in a way that he could answer yes or no or thumbs up/down, etc. Guess they are trying to be reassuring to partner, or sort out priorities- if they get 2thoughts together. Must be so frustrating not being able to make that communication. Hug them and do your best! xxx

[DEBRADKE]

Just recvd update...tonight she still has a fever, here blood pressure is dropping & her breathing is labored.

[Gracie_Girl]

Dear Debradke,

I am so sorry that you and your sister are going through the agony of this awful disease. My sister, too, has PSP. She's in her third or fourth year, we're not sure. So, she hasn't had the problems your sister has. Right now, I can't imagine the agony you both are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Many (((((Hugs))))) are coming your way!

Becky

[DEBRADKE in reply to Gracie_Girl]

Thank you! And big hugs & prayers back to you!