Intravenous nutrient therapies (IVNT), or vitamin IV therapies

[Sweenstar]

Hi

Background - later stage of PSP. Difficult and slow getting food and liquids in due to swallow ability.

I’m wondering if anyone has tried IV therapies you see from cosmetic practices “on the high street” that advertise these types of therapies. I understand that there are vitamin ones and rehydrate ones. We had a recent hospital stay due to a UTI and I’m just thinking if we were getting more fluids through the system would that help stay hydrated and boost the nutrients. Peg will not be installed.

We will ask our Neurologist about it, however I’m wondering in the first instance if anyone has any “out of hospital setting” experience or opinions?

Thank you

Chris

[David750]

Hi Sweenstar, I fully understand your desire to spare your loved one distress. IV fluids are very beneficial as I experienced when my wife (PSP) went into hospital with severe constipation and dehydration due to reduced ability to swallow. She was in great pain. She came home fully rehydrated, constipation removed and comfortable but was unable to swallow fluids. We all realised this was the beginning of the end and she was put into palliative care at home with a district nurse team attending.It is very hard but there comes a time when IV intervention may not be the best way to proceed other than to relieve pain short term. Every case is different, so my example may not be for you. All my best wishes for you and your loved one in the hard decisions to be made.

[Sweenstar in reply to David750]

Thank you David for the reply

[Purrlie in reply to Sweenstar]

Hello Sweenstar,

My husband's ability to swallow diminished very rapidly, to the point where even a sip of liquid would cause horrid coughing. Food by mouth was out of the question. I was very concerned about dehydration and we had a community nurse come by to start an IV drip at home. That helped for the few days before he was hospitalized. But, as David says, every one's case is different. Wise of you to ask your neurologist about this. Sending you both all best wishes. Purrlie (Canada)

[Sweenstar in reply to Purrlie]

Thanks Purrlie for the reply and best wishes