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Suggestions for Parkinson's diet with choking issues?

Posted by mary42 @mary42, Mar 31, 2024

My husband, 85 years old, with Parkinson's, diagnosed about 7 years ago. He has other neurological issues stemming from a slip and fall in 2008. He can still walk to the bathroom with his walker but otherwise lives in his recliner 23 hours a day. He will not exercise. His current issue is choking on food. I use Thick It in liquids which has helped a lot. He has started refusing potatoes, noodles and rice. Meats seem to be the most frequent problem. He'll cough and clear his throat repeatedly trying to dislodge bits of food. I can't seem to even offer him a healthy diet. Canned fruit and meatloaf work pretty well. I'm going to start him on daily protein drinks. I would appreciate any suggestions from those of you dealing with this issue.

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sillyblone | @sillyblone | 6 days ago
In reply to @hopeful33250 "I'm so sorry to hear of all of his issues, @sillyblone. I'm gathering from your post..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

I'm so sorry to hear of all of his issues, @sillyblone. I'm gathering from your post that the anesthesia from the 2024 surgery must have worsened his PD symptoms.

Are there any therapies that can help him with swallowing?

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He is going to see a movement disorders neurologist. But, the appt. is not til June. Surgery might be able to be done. He has too many problems. He is not always receptive to new care. He only did the surgery to relieve pain. I spelled out the side effects to no avail. He thought it would fix his Parkinsons. No it would not. I found this out recently this week. He has decided he will only go to the physician's that he currently sees. He is not understanding things the same as he did this time last year. Everything is my fault and of course that is so far from the truth.

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | 6 days ago
In reply to @sillyblone "He is going to see a movement disorders neurologist. But, the appt. is not til June...." + (show)
@sillyblone

He is going to see a movement disorders neurologist. But, the appt. is not til June. Surgery might be able to be done. He has too many problems. He is not always receptive to new care. He only did the surgery to relieve pain. I spelled out the side effects to no avail. He thought it would fix his Parkinsons. No it would not. I found this out recently this week. He has decided he will only go to the physician's that he currently sees. He is not understanding things the same as he did this time last year. Everything is my fault and of course that is so far from the truth.

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Being a caregiver is not an easy task, @sillyblone. It must be frustrating. Have you checked out the Caregivers' Support Group on Mayo Connect? You might find it very helpful to connect with others who are facing the same frustrations as you are. Here is a link to those discussions,
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers/
Keep posting and I will be here to listen.

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sillyblone | @sillyblone | 6 days ago

I have been on it for awhile!

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