Dorothy-Thompson My husband, in common with other psp sufferers, is angry and completely intolerant most of the time.

[dorothy-thompson]

I understand it is part of the condition. But please, could anyone tell me what I can do to help the situation, he will not take anti-depressants, are there any alternative remedies?

He is also getting lots of saliva around his mouth and in his throat and he feels congested all the time and finds it difficult to swallow, any suggestions or advise on this, he will not see a doctor. Hey-ho life's not much fun at the moment!

Many thanks

dorothy-thompson

[superman888]

This is a difficult one. The only thing I can suggest is talk to your doctor and tell him your finding it difficult. The doctor may be able to come and visit at home and talk to him and offer suggestions. Also maybe he will listen to a trusted relative like a son, brother, daughter or best friend. The only way I can think of helping the psychological problems is through the use of anti-depressants and low dose valium. However remember that once you start those medications you have to take them like clockwork, because if you forget to give them on time each day then the person can get very agitated. Furthermore if the person stops taking them they need to be weaned off because of withdrawal symptoms. Good Luck!

[jillannf6]

Hi dorothy

Yes the angers

And bad temper I k ow is a problem 4 me

But it is so frustrating having the PSP

[Kathy]

Dear Dorothy,

I'm sorry that you are both struggling so much. If your husband is so "anti" medication would he try a natural remedy such as Camomile Tea, which has very calming properties? I hesitate to suggest any form of "counselling" for him as I know what sort of reaction that can have in some people but maybe you would benefit from some to help you come to terms with the changes in him and give you a "safe" place to express your feelings - although perhaps you find that "letting off steam" on this site is sufficient?

I wish I could come up with some better suggestions but if he refuses to take medication it's so hard

Have you spoken to the PSP specialist nurse for your area? Maybe she has some better ideas. You can find out contact detrails for her on the PSP website

pspeur.org

Take care

Love Kathy x

[hazelb]

Hi Dorothy....does your husband have a Physio ? If so, have a word about the excess saliva & ask about a suction machine. I used one on Frank for his last few months. Although wary beforehand, it's so easy to use & so effective. It made life easier for both of us. As for the anger & intolerance, I'm afraid I've no suggestions. Sorry.

Take care & try to keep smiling. Love Hazel B xx

[dorothy-thompson]

dorothy-thompson

Thank you Hazelb, I will talk to the physio and Kathy and I left a message with my local PSP nurse. I will let you know what they come up with.

Thank you all for your care.

regards

dorothy-thompson

[andrew]

Hi Dorothy,

Supplements you could look at are Theanine, 5-htp, and Sam-E. Im not sure which is best, having explored them myself, it seems that different ones work best for different people. Have a look though and see what you think. The vitamin B range also springs to mind, fish oils, and also Vitamin D3. If your husband isn't getting out and about much, then he might be deficient in D3, and that might not be helping his mood.

My Mum also listens to a hypnosis recording every day which is good for her mood. There are loads to choose from on the internet. Also you could explore 'binaural beats', which are good for brainwaves and can improve mood and focus and other things. All this depends of course on whether your husband is up for listening to them.

Sorry its tough for you, its no picnic in our house either.

Regards,

Andrew

[dorothy-thompson]

Dorothy-Thompson

Thank you all for your suggestions. My husband has in fact been taking many vitamens for quite a long time. He has also tried chinese medicine and acupuncture. he is on the Davenutide drugs trial and has a 2 hour yoga lesson each week. Of all these, the yoga seems to be the most beneficial so we are going to increase the weekly time. I rather like the sound of the hypnosis though, might give that a go!

Take care and best wishes to everyone.

dorothy-thompson.

[MJ-Mark]

I know this is under handed but.....what about getting a prescription from his doctor for simething to calm his behaviour. tell your huband its a supplement or whatever......worked for me and my Dad is much nicer now!

You have to do whats best for youbtoo, the stress of his temper is tough.....Believe me, been there!!

MJ

[dorothy-thompson]

Hi MJ

Believe me I have been tempted to do just that. The situation is so bad at times that we're both suffering. I know he cannot help the way he is but it is difficult and I'm just like everyone else, struggling under the pressure.

many thanks to all your suggestions, I will keep on on looking for the answer.

dorothy-thompson