1. < Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's, diet, choking

Posted by mary42 @mary42, Mar 31 1:40pm

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 | Dec 6 10:34pm

Hello. I make a protein drink for my spouse. I think it helps him feel full. Not wanting as much sweets. I use milk instead of water. He seems to have a problem with a stuffed up nose since our weather changed. Not big on starting another medication. Some of his meds make him sleepy. He says that he is thankful for everyday he wakes up. I occasionally remind him that his Parkinsons does not define him. He is a easy going usually..but the occasional grouch comes out!

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Laurie J Van Roekel | @laurievr | Dec 7 2:37pm

You and your husband are working well together, and I hope his stuffiness is just from the weather. My meds (sinemet) make me sleepy, too, but I try not to nap so I can sleep at night. I have noticed that I am quicker to snap at my husband, and I get anxiety and apathy on occasion. I am pretty sure the sinemet doesn't cause the anxiety, because it started before the Sinemet was prescibed, but the feeling of apathy is a new one. Probably more related to the PD.

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2 replies
jaybee51 | @jaybee51 | Dec 8 12:56am
In reply to @laurievr "You and your husband are working well together, and I hope his stuffiness is just from..." + (show)
@laurievr

You and your husband are working well together, and I hope his stuffiness is just from the weather. My meds (sinemet) make me sleepy, too, but I try not to nap so I can sleep at night. I have noticed that I am quicker to snap at my husband, and I get anxiety and apathy on occasion. I am pretty sure the sinemet doesn't cause the anxiety, because it started before the Sinemet was prescibed, but the feeling of apathy is a new one. Probably more related to the PD.

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From what I’ve read, I agree that apathy is a common symptom of Parkinson’s. Before I was diagnosed, it was one of the symptoms I noticed. I’ve also noticed daytime sleepiness, anxiety and occasional irritability as a side effect of the medication.

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1 reply
Laurie J Van Roekel | @laurievr | Dec 9 12:18pm
In reply to @jaybee51 "From what I’ve read, I agree that apathy is a common symptom of Parkinson’s. Before I..." + (show)
@jaybee51

From what I’ve read, I agree that apathy is a common symptom of Parkinson’s. Before I was diagnosed, it was one of the symptoms I noticed. I’ve also noticed daytime sleepiness, anxiety and occasional irritability as a side effect of the medication.

Jump to this post

Thank you for your reply. Irritability has become more noticeable. My husband lets it pass, dear man!

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sillyblone | @sillyblone | Dec 9 8:42pm
In reply to @laurievr "You and your husband are working well together, and I hope his stuffiness is just from..." + (show)
@laurievr

You and your husband are working well together, and I hope his stuffiness is just from the weather. My meds (sinemet) make me sleepy, too, but I try not to nap so I can sleep at night. I have noticed that I am quicker to snap at my husband, and I get anxiety and apathy on occasion. I am pretty sure the sinemet doesn't cause the anxiety, because it started before the Sinemet was prescibed, but the feeling of apathy is a new one. Probably more related to the PD.

Jump to this post

Thank you and God Bless you. I cannot imagine how you feel. I am sure that this was not what you were expecting. Apathy has been around since 2022. It has been hard having a question or a conversation with my spouse and he does not reply. I know he loves me. He is stubborn and tired of the new diagnosis's that pop up. It seems Parkinsons itself can intensify every new diagnosis!

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1 reply
Laurie J Van Roekel | @laurievr | Dec 9 10:26pm
In reply to @sillyblone "Thank you and God Bless you. I cannot imagine how you feel. I am sure that..." + (show)
@sillyblone

Thank you and God Bless you. I cannot imagine how you feel. I am sure that this was not what you were expecting. Apathy has been around since 2022. It has been hard having a question or a conversation with my spouse and he does not reply. I know he loves me. He is stubborn and tired of the new diagnosis's that pop up. It seems Parkinsons itself can intensify every new diagnosis!

Jump to this post

You are a very special spouse for your husband, just as my husband is for me. Having a spouse that tries to understand and takes good care of us means so much. I am still trying to understand PD, but my symptoms seem to be always popping up when I think I am doing ok. Please know I care and may God bless you, too.

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sillyblone | @sillyblone | Dec 9 10:30pm

Thank you! But remember no one is perfect! I am not a quitter. He needs me and I need him.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 10 12:34pm

To everyone in this group discussion group who are concerned with swallowing issues. The Davis Phinney Foundation has great information in dealing with this problem. Here is a link to an informative article,
https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dysphagia-parkinsons/
Here is an exercise video from the same website,
https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/keep-on-moving-with-a-new-online-parkinsons-exercise-program/

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