I've read this site for a some time now and have found it very helpful knowing there are many people going through similar things to us. My husband was diagnosed with PSP in October 2010 but showed symptoms at least three years before. I've picked up many tips from you all, e.g. we converted our garage into a small bedroom with wet room to prepare for the day C could no longer get into the bath. The day came 2 weeks after the conversion was completed. Recently someone said don't presume all symptoms are PSP. C gets up many times in the night to go to the toilet, so I have to get up as well. I presumed this was another symptom of PSP but after reading this, took him to the doctors. Hospital tests showed an enlarged prostate. He has further tests but I'm so pleased I took the advice I saw here. I know we will still have disturbed nights even if this is sorted but am hoping there will be an improvement on the average of 90 minutes between "get ups".
C takes everything in his stride (or should I say shuffle) and is very positive. He still plays bridge and we try and go out every day. He falls more frequently now but amazingly hasn't caused serious damage to himself, although lots of damage to furniture. He has fallen through the greenhouse and in the pond. 3 weeks ago he dived head first down the stairs at 1 a.m. He'd managed to get out of bed himself without me waking (I had already been out 3 times) and was picking a "bit" off the carpet at the top of the stairs. I am very pleased I watch Casualty and CSI as I didn't panic when I saw him lying face down at the bottom of the stairs with blood running across the wooden floor. 11 hours in A&E and 5 stitches later we were back home. I've now rigged up an alarm system on the bedroom door...I've tied a frog to the door handle that croaks when it moves.....no, not a real one.
x
YOU SOUND AN AMAZING HELPER AND WIFE
LOVE SHA