 |
 |
Hello, Margaret and David! My mother, Louise (75/5?), has symptoms remarkably like David's. Stress has apparently contributed to a dramatic worsening of her condition over the last two years, and unfortunately she has become quite depressed as well ... so some of the suggestions I am passing on to you have not been fully tested in her case. Right now, she is in the hospital undergoing ECT (electroconvulsive therapy - a kinder, gentler version of the old shock treatments), which seem to be helping both the depression and the Parkinson's symptoms. We are hoping that she will now be able to make better use of some of the techniques that have been suggested in the past. The breathing, swallowing and phlegm problems can all be addressed by a speech therapist. There are exercises that can be tailored to the individual's level of functioning. Mom used to do pretty well when the therapist was there, but was unable to concentrate and practice on her own. She really needed someone to help her do that daily, and we unfortunately did not make it a priority at the time but are motivated to do so now! There is also a special kind of x-ray test for swallowing difficulties, which can be analyzed by a speech pathologist, who can then make very specific recommendations to the speech therapist. The phlegm can sometimes be helped by "breathing treatments" where some kind of mist is inhaled. I'm not sure just what was in Mom's mist, but can find out for you if you like. I think this kind of treatment falls under the heading "respiratory therapy". Anti-anxiety medication seems to help the shortness of breath also. We have been lucky in being able to talk to the neurologist's nurse very easily between appointments. She has also helped immensely with coordinating PD care with the staff at the nursing home where Mom lives. Do your clinics have anyone like this that you can talk with? Hope this will be useful....good luck. And to everyone out there -- any experience with ECT??? Please report! Mary Mary Rack [log in to unmask]