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PSP Association

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Angel5805 profile image
13 Replies

Hello

I’m the main carer for my husband who was diagnosed with Corticobasal degeneration a year ago. His condition has deteriorated rapidly, with disability and incontinence, but the biggest problem is that he is now unable to speak so it is incredibly frustrating. He is also giving way to outbursts of anger and aggression.

I wonder who else is experiencing similar problems?

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Angel5805 profile image
Angel5805
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13 Replies

Hi Angel5805!

I'm sorry PSP/CBD/ etc. has entered your family.

The suggestions of my "chat" colleagues are wise and based on their different experiences. In my case they have been very helpful.

These kind of diseases manifests theyself in a similar but different way in each patient. The participants in chats like this offer practices and solutions to learn from, and through the "trial and error" method, achieve a quality of life with interesting moments despite everything.

I am not a phisicyan.

During the 8,5 years in which we was living with PSP I have been collecting our own experiences, symptoms and solutions and that of other members of the chat to offer some notes as a suggestion to PSP/CBD patients and caregivers. The mentioned notes are made with good will and with the best technical criteria that I could contribute, thinking above all in the support of the caregivers

Wishing the best for you and your family I am sending you through the private mail of this chat, our experiences on PSP with the hope that it can be useful to you.

Hug and luck.

Luis

Angel5805 profile image
Angel5805 in reply to LuisRodicioRodicio

Dear LuisThank you for your comments.

I am trying to process a lot of information and at the same time adapting to the changing and erratic behaviour.

Best wishes

Elena

maxandpoppy profile image
maxandpoppy

Hi there . My husband's neurologist won't be more specific than frontotemporal dementia but when Alan was in hospital in March the geriatrician suggested PSP/CBD/MSA. Alan could stil walk and climb stairs before 3 weeks in hospital with a UTI. He came out doubly incontinent, unable to stand so bed bound, very little speech, one hand and arm contracted, the other wandering, nowcontracted too. From my reading I think probably CBD - he doesnt have the PSP restricted eye movements - though he does have sticky watery eyes and hates bright lights. Mood wise he is mostly very stoical with occasional desperate frustration when I cant understand what he is trying to say. He understands a lot- enjoys complicated dramas on TV. Do keep in touch Angel. Very best wishes Sheila

Angel5805 profile image
Angel5805 in reply to maxandpoppy

Dear Sheila Thank you for your reply.

I’m really sorry that your your husband deteriorated after his hospital stay. Unfortunately it is not uncommon.

There seems to be a bit of overlap with these conditions and our specialists are sometimes making educated guesses, but it isn’t their fault.

Best wishes

Elena

Gingerw3 profile image
Gingerw3

Hello there, and I am so sorry that you are on this journey. We dealt with a lot of anger and also violence with my husband. The doctor used Zyprexa and antidepressants and that seemed to keep it at bay.

Angel5805 profile image
Angel5805 in reply to Gingerw3

Dear ‘Ginger’The most frustrating thing is being unable to communicate. This I feel is largely the cause of my husband’s aggression.

Initially I refused strong medication for him but now I am happy to try this because his behaviour is very erratic.

Gingerw3 profile image
Gingerw3 in reply to Angel5805

I understand completely. How I wished for jeff to understand and communicate with me. He would often just parrot back to me what I said when he could speak. Then when he couldn't talk anymore, it was so heartbreaking. Keeping everyone safe and comfortable is the goal. I can only imagine the frustration of not being able to think or communicate the way you used to. And to maybe even be aware of that. I hope you both get some comfort from the meds.

Drjazz profile image
Drjazz

I was diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration about two years ago. Just recently, I have had trouble speaking. I have some (very expensive) anti-psychotic drugs that I take as needed. I was getting very agitated. The pills make you essentially comatose. You wouldn't want him to take them every day, but if he is getting aggressive, you might ask the Dr. to prescribe something like that, on an as needed basis.

Angel5805 profile image
Angel5805 in reply to Drjazz

HelloI’m really sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

In my husband’s case, his neurologist said that no medication would help his condition but this is a little understood illness and I have (reluctantly) asked him to prescribe a sedative type medication to control his loud outbursts. He cannot speak but can shout.

I will see if these pills are effective.

LFG3 profile image
LFG3

Hi,I am also the primary caregiver for my husband who was diagnosed with PSP in Jan 2021. Unexplained falls started in 2018. Now uses a walker and needs assistance with showering and dressing. He has had irritability and anger issues since 2015. Dr has him on 100 mgs Sertraline (generic Zoloft) and it works wonders for the anger. Turned my grizzly bear into a teddy bear. I've read this drug has helped a lot of others with the anger and agression too, which is what made me ask our Dr if we could try it.

Hope this helps!

Angel5805 profile image
Angel5805 in reply to LFG3

Hello.I am picking up some medication tomorrow can’t remember the name but will give it a try. Thank you so much for your advice. I will make a note of the drug your husband was given because right now the outbursts of anger are the most difficult thing to deal with.

Hastings2021 profile image
Hastings2021

Hi, My husband age 57 was showing symptoms nearly 2 years ago but was only diagnosed 6 months ago, he has gone from running 5k every day a year ago to now not even being able to stand let alone walk. He went into a home 2 weeks ago. He says the odd word but mainly whispers now so really hard to understand, he still tells me he loves me though. He has had outbursts and sworn at me and even tried to hurt me, that is not him at all it is just the disease that has taken my amazing adorable husband, I feel broken and lost and I feel for you.

Angel5805 profile image
Angel5805 in reply to Hastings2021

Dear Hastings I’m really sorry to read your

story, especially as you had such a loving relationship.

Your husband is young still and so it’s really tragic.

I wish you all the best.

Elena

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