Since his deep brain stimulation surgery, my husband has started having problems swallowing and I don’t know how to help him. But then, it is not my job to know, my job as CarePartner is to encourage, support and love him. What I can do is try to learn about what might be causing the difficulties and then talk with him and his neurologist regarding potential interventions. I don’t need to become a Speech/Language Therapist, I just need to make sure he is treated by one.

People have been fighting the symptoms of Parkinson’s for centuries. The tremors, balance and swallowing issues may have gone by other names but have been just as problematic. The good news is that, thanks to all those folks who have gone before, we have access to lots of information and a better understanding of how to face the challenges. Often there are anecdotal stories from others with the illness and useful tools that can provide relief.

I have done my research on swallowing and we have scheduled appointments with a Speech and Language Pathologist and to have a swallowing video done. In the meantime, I will stay close and encourage him to slow down when he drinks, gulping can be a trigger. We will continue the voice and movement work we are already doing and find ways to live well in spite of this new challenge.

If your loved one is facing swallowing challenges, check out this helpful post Swallowing Changes on the Parkinson’s Foundation website.