Question about father-in-law
white male, 70 years old, emphysema, diabetes, lifetime smoker, heart bypass 8 years ago, overweight, TIA 10-12 years ago,as you can see many health issues. Now the most recent:
Sept. 05 diagnosed with light stroke, speech problem was only sign, slurred. speech therapy ensued for app. a month but deterioration continued but was still able to talk. Over the three month period loss of function continued to progress. Now he has no speech function and is unable to make sound even when coughing. Swallowing problems developed over last month, liquid thickening now progressed to consistency of milkshake to keep from choking. Swallowing issue led to pneumonnia and is currently in local hospital, has been for 12 days.
Doctors have done cat scan, pet scan?, mri, etc. and are unable to find any cause, said cancer causing speech and swallowing problem but were unable to find cancer on scans. Neuro mentioned myasthenia gravis last week but has backed off. Was prepared to treat even after negative test but changed course. When "alert" has droopy eyelids. Able to get out of bed with assistance and sit up in chair for extended periods. No pain in throat area or anywhere else