Update

[OllieFisher1]

Its been over a week, since my father has been coughing. the care home doctor presecribed some cough mixture and it has reduced but is still there along with his face going very red when he is coughing. His voice has softened, and 5 days ago, his BP crashed (he is on meds for hypotenstion) and his oxygen saturation fell below 92. While his BP was unstable, there was use of a standing hoist for toileting. Its been a distressing week for everyone. It feels like he has deteriorated, and I hope he doesnt linger on in this state.

[LuisRodicioRodicio]

Hi OllieFisher1!

These are the informations I have about cough on PSP patients:

The first thing is to remain calm during episodes of truly shocking coughs. The second is that a physician rules out an infection in the respiratory tract. Get a pulse oximeter to control. (Fever is an indication usually either pneumonia or urinay tract infection (UTI) in PSP patients).

• Persistent cough. Use the syrup recommended by the physician. To avoid in the diet: coffee, carbonated beverages as pop or soda (or eliminate the gas by agitation before giving it to the patient) as well as chocolate, avoiding also orange, lemon or grapefruit juice, helps.

In acute attacks of cough taking some yogurt or honey can help.

We switched to a pine and propolis syrup (ProtectSapin) from the health food store that seemed to help a bit.”

The “easterncedar” chat contributor indicates that: “The medicine in most cough syrups conflicts with the anti anxiety medication”.

Excess saliva can contribute to persistent coughing. Botox injections in his saliva glands seems to stop drooling. The side effect is dry mouth.

• The physiotherapists have exercises reinforcing trunk muscles to improve the cough response to choking. Engage a good speech/swallow therapist to learn swallowing techniques.

Hug and luck.

Luis

[OllieFisher1]

Well 5 days later, he is now on anti biotics (bit annoyed, but leaving to resthome). He got better with cough mixture, and they took him off it (was a prescription one) and then two days later, lots of wheezing and sleepiness..so doc has given him the anti biotics. He is refusing meals sometimes (tends to be dinner). I hope this is the end (can I say that), apologies if its distressing to anyone. Every night at the moment, am half awake. Off to the home now.......have a good day everyone

[Kelmisty in reply to OllieFisher1]

There’s nothing wrong with hoping he stops suffering soon, only people who have watched awful illnesses like this understand. The wishing someone out of their pain and misery is the most selfless thing you can do, as you are not being selfish and wanting that person to stay just for your own needs.

❤️ stay strong x

[OllieFisher1]

Well we are 7 days on from last post I think. He is still bed bound. Eating very little and is hallucinating combined with being confused. His breathing is laboured. The home have layered an air mattress over his usual one to prevent bed sores. They have also got a nebuliser in his room. His cough seems to have dissapated based on a visit last night, and the doc has prescribed him with more anti biotics.......if he is going......it doesnt seem to be peacefully unfortunately.

[messier]

hugs

[OllieFisher1]

Well 5 weeks later after this whole coughing episode started, Dad is still alive and bed-bound. He perked up enough to be taken for a shower yesterday. He is getting smaller and smaller quickly and his voice is so quiet and his words just merge to one long mumble. Groaning a lot. He is still eating small meals at a time and has a good chew, but his weght loss around his jaw line means his top dentures keep falling out - very annoying. thankfully hes in no pain, and he seems calm. Moral support is the key now I think.