Re: Swallowing/Talking/Breathing

[Deb White <debwhite@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Paula,

My mother and I have been "with" my father with his PD since the beginning.
I can tell you that right now (except for the episode of aspiration on
8/30/02), he has been doing beautifully with pureed meals.  If you've got
one of those blenders that will puree foods, puree your meat, potatoes,
vegetables and put them on a plate so that they look really "tasteful".  Put
some cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soups, etc. on the food to make
it moist.  Sip your water through a straw-----slowly.  Stay away from breads
and "crumby" foods like crackers and cookies that could make you cough.
Don't talk when you're eating.  I hope this is helpful.  It certainly has
helped my father.  Though I mentioned that he has agreed to a gastric
feeding tube in order to get more nutrients and to not become dehydrated
(and because he has to be fed because he is unable to hold a utensil most of
the time), we are going to make sure that he has "recreational" eating--any
meals he wants pureed and all the lemon meringue pie and cheesecake (without
the crust) he'd like.

Deb White
  -----Original Message-----
  From: Neil Shook []
  Sent: Thursday, October 03, 2002 10:04 AM
  To: debwhite@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
  Subject: Swallowing/Talking/Breathing


  Dear Deb,
       I have been diagnosed with PD twelve years ago and have had deep
brain stimulation two years ago.  It was a success and has eliminated alot
of dystonia pain and dyskinesia, but I can tell it is progressing at a fast
pace. What bothers me most is the gagging at the dinner table--can't
swallow, can't talk, and, ultimately, can't breathe because I'm so scared
when bread gets stuck in my throat.  Any information or exercises for the
throat would be greatly appreciated.  Paula from Pennsylvania

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