I have the best mother in law in the whole wide world. PSP has stolen her away and I don't know what to do for her. I sit with her all day at the hospital just hoping for a moment when she wakes up. We were diagnosed just over 18months ago, now she is totally bed ridden and trapped in this body, she is blind and cannot talk either, all I can do for her is to keep her mouth moist, but now she is clenching her mouth too. All I want to do is help her, I feel so useless. She gave me her only child and all I can do is swab her mouth. I put the face on cause my father in law and husband are broken as are her sisters and brothers. So I thank you all for listening to me and allowing me this place where for a moment I can say that I to am broken.
Thank you
Belle
Written by
greenfarmer
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Dear Belle. I am so sorry to read your post which allows you to say what you really feel. I am sure that there is somewhere in your wonderful mother-in-law's brain which is taking in the fact that you are with her and caring for her and she must be so grateful for that inside. Big hugs AliBee
Hugs to you Belle as you suffer this vigil with your MIL. As hearing is the last sense to go, she will hear your words as others have said, and appreciate your comfort. It's a cruel disease and we all know and have lived it. We understand exactly how you feel. XXXX
All you can do is be there to love and reassure her, she will feel the love. I'm positive that my husband did when he was no longer able to communicate and I was relieved for him when the battle was over. It is a very wicked disease, up there with the baddies.
During the 6.5 years in which we lived with PSP I have been collecting my own experiences and that of other members of the chat to offer this notes as a suggestion to those who are in previous phases of this disease.
I do not know if your family member is terminally ill or has an acute illness that can be overcome.
I can not improve the responses of my chat partners listed at this time as answers. Wishing the best for you and your family and if the document with experiences and our solutions can be useful, do not hesitate to let me know to send it by private mail.
So glad you feel able to let out your frustrations on this site, we all need somewhere to vent. You are doing a great job and I am sure your MIL knows and appreciates all the care you are giving her and wouldn't want you to beat yourself up about what you can't do. Your presence will be soothing and comforting to her. Be strong.
You are doing an amazing job and I am sure that your mother in law and husband and father in law are really grateful but it is hard work holding it altogether so be kind to yourself too. It is an evil condition. Sending you lots of hugs
Sounds like you are doing all you can a this stage. Being there and talking to her is what is needed now. Has hospice been brought in? If not ask her doctor about it, this is the time when most hospice teams will excel at keeping your MIL comfortable.
There is "a balm in Gilead" simply in your presence with her. Please know that. Her body will not give her peace, but her heart must know that your love is near.
As the mother of 3 sons & no daughters, my prayers are that my daughters in law are a smidgen as devoted to me as you are to your mother in law when I reach the point where she is. God bless you.
You’re doing a wonderful job and she’s lucky to have you! When my mom died in her sleep a few months back, I couldn’t help but regret not having the time to slow down and sit vigil. Do what you can to comfort and soothe her (did she like music or being read to? I’m sure she knows and appreciates your presence!) and I do think hospice could be very helpful. We had hospice for my mom’s last 6 months and I don’t know what I would’ve done without them. Keep on keeping on and come back to us for venting as much as needed! I hope you can find some peace in the comfort you are bringing your mother in law. You’re doing her proud.
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Nil by mouth 
End stages? not sure, any advice
Drinking/eating aids?
Decline
