Problems with swallowing and speech

It has been 11 years since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and like most patients over the years I have tried a varied cocktail of pills, trying to find the right balance and effective treatment possible. Pills come in every colour imaginable and vary in size and shape.

What mystifies me, is how some medications, that are expressly for Parkinson’s disease are sometimes quite large making them difficult to swallow, causing panic. Why have pharmaceutical companies not thought of this problem? With today’s technology, how difficult can it be to make pills small, instead of producing some large enough to make one wonder if they are intended to be taken orally or put elsewhere?

Apart from size, surely it's possible to coat all pills in a hard candy like shell, instead of the powdery outer coating that can get stuck if not swallowed quickly, sticking to the roof of one’s mouth or worse still at the back of the throat, disintegrating in one’s mouth instead of being swallowed.

For many Parkinson’s patients, swallowing can become problematic. I am fortunate enough to have weekly sessions with a highly professional charming doctor who specializes in swallowing and speech therapy. I try to do the exercises several times a day, as part of my daily regime.

It’s been a busy week and am looking forward to the weekend. Wishing you all good health – until next Friday, it’s over and out from me!

Are You on the Duodopa Pump?

I spent Tuesday in hospital being checked out by a Gastro Surgeon, as I’ve been in a lot of pain in the area where the hole and pipe are attached to the Duodopa pump. If you are on this treatment and are experiencing constant pains in your tummy and a little light bleeding, it would be great to hear from you. Sharing experiences with other patients is priceless.

Another week has flown by, and my back is much better than it was. Of late, my voice sounds gravelly and I often have to repeat myself several times till I’m heard. It’s as if someone has turned my volume down. I also have great difficulty in swallowing (particularly at night when I’ve been disconnected from the pump). I have sessions with a doctor who specializes in speech and swallowing difficulties, and I have various exercises that I do several times a day.

I would just like to say “Happy birthday” to my cousin. Have a great day and hope you have fun celebrating today.

There’s a cheesecake sitting in our fridge whispering my name. I love cheesecake but rarely have it, as I’m the only one in the house who likes it. Along with millions around the world, tomorrow our eyes will be glued to the television seeing the Royal Wedding. There is something about all the pomp and ceremony that captivates the world.

So whatever you are doing this weekend, whether celebrating your birthday, watching a Royal wedding, eating cheesecake or seeing the Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United. “Come on you Blues!” (just in case you wondered which team we support), have an enjoyable time surrounded by those you love.

Thankful for small mercies

Thank goodness there has been a vast improvement from this time last week when I was suffering terrible pains from a herniated disk in my lower back. I was rendered immobile for several days, unable to stand, walk or sit down, my only option was to lay down in bed. I am now back on my feet, taking things nice and easy.

I’m afraid that’s all for this week. Have a good weekend everyone and I’ll catch up with you next Friday.

Just when you think things are improving!

How’s your week been? Hopefully better than mine! When suffering from Parkinson’s disease you learn to expect the unexpected, for life can throw a curveball and this latest episode is one I could have well done without. As if Gaucher disease and Parkinson isn’t enough to contend with, I’ve been in bed since Sunday with a herniated disk in my lower back causing terrible pain. Recommended to lay still, is almost impossible if you have Parkinson’s. I can’t stand, sit or walk at the moment, so writing my blog this week is taking a great deal of effort.

Fortunately, my husband is quite a dab hand in the kitchen, but there are times when “takeaway” is the quickest and easiest solution for the evening meal.

What did we do before there was “takeaway”? When I was young, growing up in England, the only “takeaway” was the quintessential fish and chips. Traditionally, fish and chips were wrapped in yesterday’s newspaper for insulation and to absorb the grease, with an inner layer of white paper for hygiene. Sadly, fish and chips are no longer served in newspaper due to “health & safety” regulations. The cod, haddock, plaice or hake was deep fried in a golden delicious batter, served with thick unevenly cut chips topped off with a good shake of vinegar and salt.

Recently, a fish and chip shop opened nearby, where they fry fish to order so everything is fresh, and a tasty tartar sauce which they make themselves, but no yesterday’s newspaper in sight. In my present condition, I think you can guess what we’re having for dinner tonight!