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I am new here. My 88 year old husband has recently been diagnosed with PSP. We see a neurologist in about 2 weeks. I believe my husband has had these symptoms (though undiagnosed) for about 4 years. I am younger than he is and still in fairly good health, except for my back. I would appreciate knowing what to expect and to make good decisions now via ideas for future plans for help in our home. We recently moved from our home state to live in a new state with our daughter and one of the grandchildren. They both work but are wonderful about helping when they can. I don't know how rapidly the person declines and how much help I may need. The new doctors here seem so busy and aren't very good about answering questions like these. I miss our long time doctors that knew us both so very well but here we are. I would like to keep him at home for as long as I can but don't know what we are facing. Any suggestions or your own experiences would be really appreciated. Thanks ahead of time!
Posts: 3 | From: Las Vegas, NV | Registered: Aug 2008
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Casey My husband is 74 and was diagnosed 6 years ago. We to moved from Mississippi to Washington a year ago, because of my childern and grandchildern, and also felt resources would be better.I agree we miss our long time physicians too though here they are much more knowlegable about PSP. He has started a rapid decline over the past couple months. Hospice is now involved. His living will has been activated. Our plans are for him to remain here in our home till the end. No exceptions. I'm a nurse and can tell you this horrific diease requires alot of care. You can plan needing a caregiver. My husband chokes alot and it doesn't matter the consistecy, the throat just locks up alot so he needs to be suctioned even without eating. He is wheelchair bound except can help with transfers. has difficulty with speech and sometimes gets a little confused. He requires total care with all daily activites. He is incontient, has copious amount of drool which requires changing alot.He moans and groans constantly trying to clear his throat.Our conversation have dwindled down to yes and no. When he was first diganosed there was only sutle signs such as an occational fall and noticing he gait changing and through the years slow progression of symptoms until resently it has been pretty drastic.I pray every day the god will be merciful.This man is my soul mate and my best freind. I will it is not an easy road to travel but it is our destiny. Remember God truly never gives us more then we can handle.
Posts: 2 | From: washington | Registered: Nov 2009
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quote:Originally posted by hookedonhedge: Casey My husband is 74 and was diagnosed 6 years ago. We to moved from Mississippi to Washington a year ago, because of my childern and grandchildern, and also felt resources would be better.I agree we miss our long time physicians too though here they are much more knowlegable about PSP. He has started a rapid decline over the past couple months. Hospice is now involved. His living will has been activated. Our plans are for him to remain here in our home till the end. No exceptions. I'm a nurse and can tell you this horrific diease requires alot of care. You can plan needing a caregiver. My husband chokes alot and it doesn't matter the consistecy, the throat just locks up alot so he needs to be suctioned even without eating. He is wheelchair bound except can help with transfers. has difficulty with speech and sometimes gets a little confused. He requires total care with all daily activites. He is incontient, has copious amount of drool which requires changing alot.He moans and groans constantly trying to clear his throat.Our conversation have dwindled down to yes and no. When he was first diganosed there was only sutle signs such as an occational fall and noticing he gait changing and through the years slow progression of symptoms until resently it has been pretty drastic.I pray every day the god will be merciful.This man is my soul mate and my best freind. I will it is not an easy road to travel but it is our destiny. Remember God truly never gives us more then we can handle.
Posts: 3 | From: Las Vegas, NV | Registered: Aug 2008
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Hookedonhedge: Kind of you to answer my posting. I will pray for you and your husband. I hope being close to family will comfort you and that you will have some help when needed. Yes it is a hard road. My husband passed on Nov. 3, 2008. I'm glad he doesn't have to suffer anymore.
Posts: 3 | From: Las Vegas, NV | Registered: Aug 2008
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