I've cut back a little on frequency of use of Miralax by adding probiotics. Dehydration has been an issue for years and I hope someone else can help with that. Having a problem last few weeks with fast shallow breathing leading to fatigue when physically

or mentally stressed. Have appointments next couple weeks and I'll let y'all know what develops. Good articles.

Steve  

@ggopher Hi Steve: Glad to hear that the probiotics have helped. Yes, let us know if you find out any additional information at your appointments. Teresa

@hopeful33250 I am going to back away from this group. I wish everyone the very best of medical care and finding solutions to this terrible disease. However, I find that it is not good for my mental health to keep reading the posts and going back to trying to figure out what I could have done better for my Tom. I will keep each of you in my prayers and pray for positive results. You are all important to me but I need to take care of me right now.

Trish, I completely understand. To no longer receive messages from the Parkinson's group, simply click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the next email you receive.

Here is more information about Update Your Notification Settings: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tip-how-to-update-your-notification-settings/

@tntredhead Trish: I will also remove you from my Parkinson's email group. Teresa

@tntredhead I understand Trish. Your love and devotion to Tom was wonderful. Parkinson's isn't curable - which is most unfortunate. You were undoubtedly a great help to him in his struggle. Wishing you well as you move forward. Teresa

Thanks for this info on constipation. We are facing challenges in this area. My dad can only have water by spoon due to choking hazard and minced food. So there is no way to get 8 glasses of water in...he's not awake long enough in day. He can't take pills unless they are crushed.
He's getting every bit of fibre possible with pureed veggies, prunes, oatmeal etc. But it's not enough. Do you know if Senokot can be crushed or is it time release and needs to be intact?
He is currently getting Lansoyl but I don't know the long term issues. Thanks!

Hello @mojo1965 I am glad that you asked this question. I'm not a medical professional so I don't have an answer to your question about weather Senokot can be crushed or not. You should probably call your dad's doctor to answer this question. I had not heard of Lansoyl before but I did a google-search and found it an interesting over-the-counter remedy. It is not recommended for long term use, however. How long ago was your father diagnosed with Parkinson's?

Teresa

Hi Teresa,
My dad was diagnosed 6 years ago at 75. PD and dementia. I believe he is at endstage but of what? Its so hard to tell because end stage of both diseases seem to become so interwoven. ..no one can tell how long he will be in this situation. The family doctor has told us not to worry about dependency at this point...but I want to make sure nothing will actually hurt him or cause eventual pain. I feel like doctors see people in the last stage of life so often, it's all routine to them. But not to us. Everything I ask is answered with "this can be normal at this point" of course I understand this but I'm trying to prevent any possibility of suffering down the road. Hence the laxative questions. ..its fine if he's dependent but can something worse happen? Thank you for your answer and I will for sure ask the doctor next time he comes. The articles you posted were excellent, thank you.
I wish someone could estimate how long end stage is...he sleeps 22 hrs a day but has a decent appetite. Thanks to my mom who entices him with 10 different mini minced things every day.
Thanks monika

@mojo1965 Hi Monika: You are asking great questions! It sounds like your dad is getting very loving and consistent care at this stage of life. I doubt, however, that any doctor knows how long this end stage will last. When I looked at the website regarding Lansoyl it did indicate some problems, here is the website I was referring to, http://www.livestrong.com/article/273318-lansoyl-jelly-side-effects/ . If you look at the paragraph titled, Long Term Side Effects, you can see some of the problems that can occur if it is used on a regular basis.

Have you considered Palliative Care? Palliative Care is not the same as Hospice Care, but it does offer relief for many of the problems associated with serious health problems at all stages. Here is a Mayo website that can give you more information about Palliative Care, http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/palliative-care/in-depth/palliative-care/art-20047525. Take a look at this article and see if this might be a helpful option for your dad and the rest of your family. Please stay connected with us and we will try to offer as much support as we can. Teresa