What is next

[rochestermn]

i know every person is different,, last week dad started getting mad ,I mean a crazy look i,n his eyes then he will say something ro someone then withen 2 min he is all nice again just like nothing happened.that was scary does anyone know what might come out next

[Hidden]

Hi Rochestermn,

You have just reminded me of that ----- it happened to Geoff about 3 years ago and I said to him"stop that starey look, I don't like it" and he laughed.. (we handle most things with laughter). I think it was leading up to the more vacant expression that he has now, which seems to be quite common with PSP sufferers.

[ashav]

Hi,

one of the things that happens is that they loose control over eyelid movements. so that stare is not intentional. it takes them alot of effort and they can't control the eyelid shutting as well as everyone can. Infact we used to keep reminding my dad to shut his eyes because otherwise it would strain alot and his eyes would water. Mood swings. anyone who is suffering so much will have them and you just need to be patient and understanding. alot of times they actually cannot control the temper as a part of the condition. please be as loving and caring as you can. its hard but they need it. Today , my dads not there and i wish he would just come back somehow and i dont mind all the times he screamed at me .

[SuzieQ]

Hi

I can totally understand what you are going through. My hubby now has the staring eyes and just lately he has been getting quite difficult and has made some very hurtful and spiteful remarks (all directed at me). This is totally out of character and although I know it is to do with the illness, it is still difficult to cope with. I can only think that it is caused by the frustration that this terrible illness brings with it. Hope you can keep smiling - a sense of humour is essential, but I do understand there are days when it can be difficult to raise even a smile. Some days when things get particularly difficult for me to deal with, I have to go into the garage and scream or cry or shout - whatever! It doesn't solve a lot of the problems we have, but it sure helps to let off steam occasionally. Hang in there and make sure you try to get time for yourself occasionally.

Take care....................SuzieQ

[MaddyS]

Hi

One way of relieving frustration is a loud bang ie. put some empty jam jars in a bag and smash it against an outside wall - does wonders.

Take care.

[MJ-Mark in reply to MaddyS]

OMG I think I will try this....brilliant

[Hidden]

Mum went like this about a year and a half ago. It didn't last long but she does make people laugh with her dry humour even though some of it is pure sarcasm- I don't think people expect it from someone who doesn't say much and take a while to respond.

[Hidden]

Hubby doesn't really get mad anymore just frustrated if I can't get him up fast enough. I am now used to the that staring look on his face. It used to upset me because I wondered what he was thinking and not saying, but now I know the two are not really connected. He does get sarcastic, though. I have to laugh a bit when he says, "If you say so" in a very condescending manner. He's done that to the drs also. I have to lower my head as not to smile sometimes.

[LesleyB]

Hi

I know Dad went through a period where he looked mad and his eyes were wide and he could say some hurtful things. My sister used to say' put your eyes back in dad they're popping out'. As others have said here this used to make him laugh and this used to take some of the pressure off. We knew it was part of the illness and had to make sure we didn't take it personally. It is hard and I know how difficult it is to not know what might happen next. Keep your chin up and use the forum to help you blow off steam. My love to you, your family and your dad

Lesley

[jimandsharynp]

At the risk of generalizing I'd like to make the following comment. I think that the less drugs you have your PSP patient on the better. My feeling is that often the reaction of some drugs on the PSP brain can cause odd reactions. Just like anathesia has an adverse effect on the PSP brain I think drugs can do the same. I've cut back to only essential drugs (blood pressure and colorestoral) for my wife. No issues with anger or outbursts yet. I know all patients with PSP can be different but my feeling is the less drugs the better.

[jillannf6]

Ho jimbo

.tthecanaesthetic effects hsve not been bad either

No headache

Or othe probs imam aware of

Lol Jill