Swallowing

[BEST7]

Dad was admitted for an enema 11 days ago as there was no bowel movement for 13 days. He then took an infection which has now cleared but he is not drinking or eating so still in and losing weight. Therefore on and off the drip. It has been helpful being able to read the posts on here, thanks also for your advice. It is all much appreciated.

[Kevin_1]

Hi Best7

I hope your Dad gets through this OK.

It sounds a bit traumatic for you both.

Best to you

Kevin

[racinlady]

Do you know why your dad isn't eating? Was your dad able to feed himself or did he have to be fed? Is he choosing not to eat or is he unable to eat? I'm asking because it's not always obvious what the problem or the cause is. One thing to keep in mind, sometimes a serious illness will cause a marked decline or loss of an ability that was there prior. For instance, if your dad was able to feed himself before, he may no longer be able to and he may need help at least until he recovers a little. I hope he's back on his feed soon.

Pat

[BEST7 in reply to racinlady]

He spits out food we put in his mouth and we have tried all his favourite foods to try encourage him to eat so the hospital have him on a drip. We want him home as we feel the hospital environment is not helping. It could be that the muscles are not working properly now however one of his carers was able to feed him a packet of onion rings and a jaffa cake last week.

[racinlady in reply to BEST7]

My husband would sometimes spit out food that he felt like would make him choke and other times I think there was no swallow reflex when we put food in his mouth, but if we gave him food that he could hold and put in his mouth himself, he would chew it and swallow it. I don't think it is a muscle issue, but a lack of message from the brain. Or, it may just be his way of saying he's had enough. Eating or not is about the last thing a PSP sufferer can control.

Pat

[Zibo]

Dear BEST7, I am so sorry to hear about the decline; it is heart wrenching. I can only breath half of the way since my mother is losing the will to speak. This illness is so painful to witness... we can only begin to imagine how painful it is for those who have it. Sending waves of strength and wishes for self-care.

[softiesimon]

Maybe he should have an assessment by a SALT(speech and Language Therapist)

Good luck I do hope he starts to eat and enjoy his food.

[BEST7 in reply to softiesimon]

They can`t assess him as he wont let them in his mouth.

[SewBears]

The last few days my husband has experienced painful bloating and constipation, rock hard, pregnant looking stomach. The pain was so excruciating that he told me that he didn’t want to eat anymore. His stomach had tightened like a major contraction and his tummy was very hard to the touch. I gave him a suppository and increased his nightly stool softener. After a successful bowel movement he felt better and his stomach was able to finally relax. I’m keeping a close eye on this because i fear it may be another new symptom of decline. So far I think I’ve managed it.

Is it possible that your dad just doesn’t want to experience the pain again and therefore has reached his limitations? Maybe some sort of med for anxiety would help but I’m no expert. I suppose I will try that next to see if my husband will eat a little something. I’m holding my breath.

By the way it’s been awhile since I’ve posted too. I’m sleep deprived and have very little energy these days. Just trying to keep my head above water.

Best of luck to you and your dad.

Love from I SewBears