My mom has had problems eating for some time, but she just adjusts until she finds what works and then is fine. She had half her stomach removed when I was young.... Anyway, I got an e-mail from my dad today. I will copy and paste the main idea here: "She has lost down to about 120 pounds and trying to eat food gags her. We see the doctor tomorrow and see if he has any news about how she can get some nourishment. Right now about all she can get down is oatmeal, malt o'meal, and jello, and it sometimes gags her to try to eat them." My mom is 5'9", so 120 pounds is not very much! She is 73 years old. She and my dad have been planning on going on a cruise with my sister and her husband the end of this month, but my dad says they won't be able to go if they can't figure out how to get food to stay down, and for her to have some kind of appetite! This is kind of scary, I hope she's okay! I asked them to let me know as soon as they find out. The "tomorrow" in my dad's message is actually Monday. PLEASE pray for her---that she will get well. And if not completely well, at least well enough to go on that cruise, which is something she has been looking forward to immensely! Thankyou so much!
That is scary, Deena! I've heard of this type of thing happening to older people, but your mother isn't very old. I'm praying that the doctors will be able to figure something out that will bring lasting results and that she'll be able to go on the cruise and have a great time.
Deena, I will be praying for you mom. My mom has had some health issues for a while now and I know how scary it can be. If you are like me, the thought of something taking your mom away is just unbearable. My parents also just got home from a cruise! I pray they will find out something positive for her and she will be able to go on that cruise.....and more imporantly will be able to get the nourishment she needs to be healthy for a long time!! Hug
Praying for your mom. Please keep us updated when they find out what's causing it. It could be something as simple as a haital hernia (when the flap that covers the trachia and esophogus is always open, or doesn't open or close when it's supposed to). Just to ease your mind, that is very routine. A close family friend went thru that not too long ago...same exact symptoms as your mom (very drastic weight loss quickly and a severe gag reflex - she was drinking only smoothies for a bout a month before she got it checked out!) A suggestion for Dad too - I know she's seeing the doctor today BUT if she still can't get food down...have him get her Ensure or the like so that she is at least getting nutrition (Glucerna if she's diabetic). he could also buy Protien powder (yes...like the body builders use) and mix with fruits and yogurt or milk and make her shakes that she can swallow with a straw. Praying.
Deena, I am sorry to hear about your mom.:angel: I am praying for her and your dad. Poor thing! He must be worried himself. Patty
Thankyou so much everyone! My mom and I are very close, so I hate to see this happening to her! Krista, I will ask my dad if he's looked into those things. I believe she DID have a hiatal hernia, but it was fixed, and I think they checked on that???? I'll ask and see. Thanks again, everyone!!!
If she DID have the hiatal hernia, I think the only way to fix it is with surgery...so it would be remembered! EEEK. Praying continually.
I hope your parents figure something out fast, I was going to reccamend smoothies, and shakes too. I hope they will be able to go on the cruise.
Well, I'm sure SHE would remember it! My mom has had many hip surgeries (9), my dad has had back (6) and knee surgeries (3?), my mom has had upper gi's, and testing, etc., so I have gotten confused about who has had what and when! I haven't lived at home for a long time or always been able to be there at surgery and test times, though I wish I could have.... Anyway, I did ask about it, and hopefully will hear something soon.
Oh Deena, I hope and pray everything goes ok with your mom and they find out what is wrong and can fix it easy for her. So scarey.. Keep us posted. Have you tryed ensure drinks or carantion ones. they are good source of protien.
