"Outstanding care and attention"

A referral for my dad was made to speech therapy, due to a substantial weakening of his voice. This was having a significant impact not only on my dad but on our family as a whole. Dad was becoming more withdrawn and avoided contributing to conversations as he could not be heard and found that very embarrassing. We were finding it more and more difficult to speak to him by telephone and mostly relied on face to face contact. In addition dad was struggling with his swallow and also his balance was not great.

At the first appointment with the speech therapist ( Melissa), my dad was able to tell her how he was feeling and how much he wanted to regain his voice. I was able to accompany dad to each session and I was even surprised about the extent this was affecting him. Melissa discussed in depth how his vocal cords should be working and what was causing his voice to be so weak. She also addressed his swallow and as a result we excluded certain foods that she identified were irritating his throat and causing intense coughing fits. Each session focused on specific areas and my dad felt very comfortable and able to talk about his day to day activities. Melissa offered numerous suggestions of managing some of the issues eg: tried a device that amplified my dad’s voice. After quite a few sessions with Melissa she explained that after spending time with my dad and observing him that she would like to make a referral to Neurology. 

Very quickly we received an appointment in Monklands hospital and after observing my dad and some tests, he told dad he would like to admit him to Queen Elizabeth hospital for a few weeks to do some more in depth tests.

Dad ended up spending nearly 4 weeks in the hospital and I can honestly say I was astounded with the care and attention he received. He worked with Neurologists, Urologist, Speech and Language, Physiotherapists and other specialists. We were given regular updates on dad's health and treatment and although our family were in the hospital each day, on several occasions a medical practitioner called me at home to give me information or to seek information regarding my dad.

Finally dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s , which was the reason his voice had deteriorated so much. In addition they identified a bladder issue ( that may be related to the condition) and on going out patient appointments will address this. In the meantime a catheter has been fitted and dad is managing well with this. We already have further outpatient appointments for a follow up with the Neurologist and Movement Disorder Clinic. We have also been back to see Melissa at speech therapy several times which has given my dad the opportunity to discuss his diagnosis with her. I think one of the most important things he told her was that now he knows he has Parkinson’s he feels he can try to communicate more and being able to tell people of his diagnosis lessens the embarrassment.

Our experience of attending speech therapy with Melissa is outstanding. As a family we thought dad was just getting older and more frail. I can honestly say had we not attended the speech therapy sessions and had she not been as committed my dad probably would not have been diagnosed and he is now on medication that seems to be helping him. I cannot express my gratitude enough and again reiterate the outstanding care and attention my dad received from each and every specialist he saw.