My wife has a severe imbalance problem, and has to go to the bathroom frequently. Because of her balance problem, she only gets out of bed for meals and to go to the potty chair beside the bed. While in bed, she insists on laying on her back, with a pretty small pillow. Lately she has been experiencing what she describes as "choking." I try to get her to lay on her side; she won't do it. I try more pillows, to be in a more of a sitting position; she won't do it. She probably is getting some phlegm in her throat, but she doesn't seem to be able to clear it. Instead, she calls me or wakes me up to go to the potty, where instead of "going" she sips some Gatorade. She is probably experiencing some early dementia problems. Is this "choking" something that is common? Any suggestions on what might help?
I changed to this kind of bed about six months before the death of my fiance, and I honestly think it was one of the best things I could have done to make him more comfortable, especially when he deteriorated to the point that he needed supplemental oxygen.
At least check it out. Almost every mattress store sells these frames and the more-flexible mattresses that go with them—and they are the ONLY kind that some companies such as Mattress Firm now sell. Box springs are not required.
Is she in a Hospital bed? If so try raising the head of the bed. That will gently raise the torso rather than an actual seated position.
Does she have problems with thin fluids? It is possible that fluids need to be thickened. If fluids are going down the trachea rather than the esophagus they can end up in the lungs and this can lead to what is called Aspiration Pneumonia and it can be fatal.
This should be evaluated.
Otherwise, I second the idea of a hospital or "profiling" bed - useful for both this situation and future reference.
Here you go - basic but clear leaflet for patients at https://www.hey.nhs.uk/patient-leaflet/globus-sensation/
Hope you can access it okay.
Your wife might be having similar spasms. It's worth having her checked out to determine what's going on.
Warm tea is relaxing and my mom is 98 years young. The "Vicks" Vaporub is also a little relaxing and provides aroma therapy. Finally I burn a scented candle in the bathroom which permeates throughout the 2nd floor. That also helps her to relax. She's been sleeping better for the last to weeks and coughing and gagging a lot less. Be blessed and encouraged.
This happened to one of our pets and the dramamine really helped her with her balance.
Not comparing her to an animal but, the ears are very similar and when we lose those bones that are for our balance we walk like we have had to much to drink. So did my dog. It helped her readjust and she walked fine for 5 more years.
Just a thought.
Have heart issues or stroke been ruled out? I don't mean to alarm but these can cause problems. I have seen sudden choking (someone with both issues). Saliva going down the wrong due to swallowing difficulties? Build up of fluid in lungs? I am not trained to know. Sitting more upright does seem to help though.
Strange your wife won't...but then, maybe she feels dizzy when upright?
The getting up & down so often could be obsessive thinking? Then again, symptoms of an UTI may be causing increased urge/frequency?
Are you wanting to start the merry-go-round of doctors, tests & specialist appointments towards treatment & cure?
Or are you more looking to provide relief of this symptom for her?
I think getting a good night's sleep should be moved up the priority list. For both of you. I hope you can find some advice that works.
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