my mom has psp: Hi, My mom was diagnosed... - PSP Association

PSP Association

9,884 members11,692 posts

my mom has psp

roxontpp profile image
13 Replies

Hi,

My mom was diagnosed with PSP about a year ago now, and I cannot believe how fast the progression has been. She is so young, and my little brother is only 11. I’m in university away from home and it’s been so hard. I don’t know how to navigate this at all, and I feel like no one around me understands what I’m going through. It’s so hard to see my mom go from the strong-willed woman she was to now. I guess I’m just wondering how did to get through this.

Written by
roxontpp profile image
roxontpp
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
13 Replies

Roxontopp, I am so so sorry to hear this news. We understand and can be here for you online. x

Millidog profile image
Millidog

Hi, I'm so sorry to hear this. Do tell us you're location... UK or other and area. That way others on here can offer more specific info abd advice, signposting etc BW

Bergenser profile image
Bergenser

Dear roxontpp,

I am so sorry to hear about you mom's illness. It sounds like she has been affected at a very young age, and as you say progression appears to be fast. I wonder what support she has in place so far?

It will undoubtedly affect your brother and I worry that you both could end up with caring responsibilities that you really shouldn't have to deal with at your age.

I've seen my nieces lose their mother to cancer and it was very hard for them - yet she was able to push them to prioritise school / university and to build their own lives.

My son was a teenager when my husband started showing PSP symptoms and it has very clearly affected him in his transition to adult life. I have been careful to shield my son (and my husband's children from a previous marriage) from the heavier parts of dealing with and caring for my husband. Still, my son has seen my struggles and I've not been able to support him as much as I would have liked to during these important years in his life.

Push for outside help early - your family will need that. While both you and your little brother can help out where possible, please don't feel any obligation to put your own lives on hold, I'm sure your mom wouldn't want that. Look after each other.

My heart hurts for you. Be aware of anticipatory grief, and don't ever feel guilty. Spend time with your mom when you can, make memories, have important conversations - record them if you can - and let her know that you will have an amazing life. Don't break yourself trying to "save" her, unfortunately that is beyond anyone's power.

So sorry, I hope you will find all the help you need to get through this hard journey. Hope, hugs and lots of love.

🌻🫂💜🧡

LuisRodicioRodicio profile image
LuisRodicioRodicio in reply toBergenser

Hi Bergenser!

A lucid and balanced analysis and suggestions. Admirable.

A hug.

Luis

Leosta profile image
Leosta in reply toBergenser

Hi Bergenser, I've just read your reply to roxontpp and wanted to say how wonderful you are ... and saw Luis had beat me to it !

Such wise and empathetic words from a mum to a young girl starting this awful journey and worried just how she's going to cope with her mum's illness and her younger brother.

You have a wealth of knowledge of PSP and you are always there to help and advise others. You have my admiration.

Leosta 🧡

PineEater profile image
PineEater

roxontppHi. Please don't worry. That's life. Instead try to take as much care as possible of your mom, taking assistance from all possible resources as you navigate this all. However , First and Foremost point to Implement is that please Don't Let Her Fall, Not even Once during this whole journey. Everyone here on here is helpful to the maximum point. You just need to let's know what are her current problems and how is she being taken care of. Best wishes to you and your mom.

Pspuser profile image
Pspuser in reply toPineEater

I’m sure you mean well PineEater, but I thnk that is a little harsh. With the best will in the world you probably can’t stop every fall. Roxantpp is away at Univ; your comment may make her feel guilty if her Mum does fall. PSP is a terrible illness, we don’t want it to damage the lives of the family and friends more than absolutely necessary

David750 profile image
David750

Hi Roxontpp, yours was a sad read. I feel for you being away from home and hard for your brother. If you are in the UK please phone the PSP Association Helpline (pspassociation.org.uk) and ask to speak to the Care Navigator for the area your home is im. She will be able to talk things through with you and advise on support available locally and what the PSPA can do. They have Link Volunteers who can, if one one in your area, visit your home and signpost your family to the right support. All my very best wishes 🙏

Leosta profile image
Leosta in reply toDavid750

Good advice and well said David750.

Leosta

Leosta profile image
Leosta

Dear roxontpp,I'm sorry that your mum has been diagnosed with PSP. You are surely very worried about the future. You've had some excellent replies already from people with a wealth of personal knowledge of this disease.

Any time you want to ask a question, however silly it may seem, or you want to just pour out your heart, you can just post on this site and people will be there for you.

Sending you hugs 🤗

Blackandtan-123 profile image
Blackandtan-123

Hi Roxontpp

I have been diagnosed with PSP around two years ago and before that I was diagnosed with Parkinsonism that was about three years before I got the diagnosis for the psp so I would say approximately I have this terrible disease around 5 years now and the progression of this disease is ongoing before I had any symptoms of it I would go for a good quick walk around 5-6 miles every day and now I can only manage around 5-6 yards if I try to do anymore I would then fall,usually backwards I have already gotten 10 stitches to my head and I don’t want any more,plus my body aches all over.There’s a whole lot of pain involved in this PSP ,so all I can say to you Roxontpp is give your mum as much support as you can give her a big hug when ever you can,just be there for her .

Diggerandsam profile image
Diggerandsam

I’m a PSP sufferer and a mother - although my two are much older. Whatever, I’m sure your mum will want to have as little impact on your and your brother’s lives. Have you been in touch with your local hospice? Mine has been great. They’re one of the few who have even heard of PSP. They offer respite care, not just end of life, and have a social worker; as it happens we have a good relationship with one from the council: who should be able to help with advice re finances, outside care, etc. I hope this helps and wish you good luck

coffeeadddict profile image
coffeeadddict

my grandma had PSP. it was really hard at first, but i found that even though she was regressing, she still had her amazing spirit. times may be hard, but they will get better. cherish the little moments, celebrate the small victories, and hold onto the love that never fades. even in the hardest times, there’s still joy to be found.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

I think my Mom has PSP

My Mom as AF and started falling backward in 2010 and was taken into hospital begining of January...
rainbow33 profile image

My Mom and Dad have PSP.

Hi all Both of my parent have PSP I live in PR and my mom's PSP is more progressive than my dad's....
judith68 profile image

My mum has PSP

Hi I am Angeline Amy and my mum who is now 79yo was diagnosed with PSP in 2013 after a series of...
AngelineAmy profile image

My mum is 70 and has PSP 😢

Hi, I’m not sure if anyone is still using this site as I have noticed posts were 4 years ago but I...
Kezzamum profile image

i have doubt wether my mom has parkinsonism or psp

hi my mom is facing problem of falling backward from last year i.e jan 2012. Within few months her...
amrittsk profile image

Moderation team

HelenPSPA profile image
HelenPSPAAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.