Greetings from Indhu in USA

[indugop]

Greetings from Indhu whose husband has PSP (Progressive supra nuclear palsy) from Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

My husband was diagnosed 2 years ago with PSP, is there any help for getting his eyes open as they remain closed most of the day?

Are there special cups , spoons and plates elf feeding? Thanks...

[easterncedar]

Hi, indugop. Welcome. I'll be brief. Botox is very often recommended for keeping the eyes open. There are also implanted springs that are supposed to address this issue, although I haven't heard of anyone on this site going that route. Recently someone posted about some sort of eyeglasses that had something to prop the eyelids up. My guy complained about his eyes shutting involuntarily quite a bit for a while, and then it passed, so we never got around to addressing that issue. Several of the more annoying symptoms seemed to do that, come and go, as though his brain were finding a way around the tangles that caused them.

The occupational therapist recommended and obtained for us tableware with large cylindrical handles and which could be bent to make an easier angle. At the pharmacy supplier they were very expensive - but I found them also in a general store much cheaper. Oxo makes them. My guy used them only for a short time before he became unable to use them at all, so not sure they were ever worth it. You can also get a narrow foam tube that can be cut to length to hold your own knives and forks. A plastic mat to keep his plate or bowl from sliding was very useful, and using pasta plates, which have a lip, made things easier for some time. If you can arrange it, some sessions with an occupational therapist can be helpful. Good luck, peace, Ec

[Hidden]

I am not sure on the eye issue, maybe ask his neurologist or optometrist.

They make silverware with large handles, like screwdriver size, that bend. As for a plate I used a pie tin. It has the raised edge that helps hold food on it and gives something to push food into to aid in getting it on silverware.

Ron

[enzo501]

Indugop,

I can tell you first hand that Botox injections keep my wife's left eye wide open for 10-12 weeks at a time ..and injections are scheduled every 90 days , as are our neurology appointments .They did not work for pulsations in her leg ,but for the eyes they are the only positive step we have taken in 5 yrs. ...wish you the best ...jeff

[Tttp]

Hi indugop my brother was diagnosed 2013 6 months ago was eating regular dinner plate and fork, it went down hill to a side pasta dish with a spoon, but because he can't so up or down anymore and food all over and missing his mouth we just feed him now much easier, he shuts his eyes a lot but so far can open them. Dreaded PSP. Nettie