She has lost 50 lbs and does not have an appetite. She eats a little but is still not getting her strength back. He is very depressed, crying because she us unable to go and do now and also can't drive. She has never been dependent on anyone and now she has to have someone take her everywhere. This has led to part of the eating disorder I'm sure.
Should we have her put on a feeding tube for a month or so to see if she gets her strength back and is able to get around and do things like she was. We are all at a loss as to what to do now. She is 77 years old and prior to the gall bladder surgery, she was getting around just great. It took almost a month for the doctors to determine what the issue was with the weight loss so she got much worse as the time went on. We have tried everything to get her to eat. She eats small portions but not enough to get her back on track. I can understand her depression, since she is unable to get around like she was.
I wouldn't even begin to think of a feeding tube unless her doctor has recommended it. Make her some high calorie shakes with ice cream (although she may begin having a problem with dairy) and fruit. Maybe some Ensure for the protein. Scrambled eggs. Jell-O. Refried beans with cheese. Unjury protein powder is excellent. You can order it online. Several small meals a day are much better for her than large meals anyway. Definitely avoid high fat and high fiber foods for a long while. Taking a short walk outside will help a lot to get her strength back. Eat with her or at least sit and keep her company. It's easier to skip a meal if you are alone.
I hope this has been helpful. It really is up to her how to fast or slow to progress. She just needs time and like I said, maybe some pharmaceutical help for a short while. If she was like me, she has been very sick and now will have to get used to being able to eat without being sick. Be sure she keeps her followup appointments with the doctor.
It bothers me that she's not back on track and still eating little. Since you asked for opinions, though, I personally would not insert a feeding tube in a loved one nor would I want one myself.
Gallbladder disease is a pretty straight forward diagnosis...both by symptoms and ultrasounds. Makes me wonder if they got it right. (Surprised it took a month.)
confused as to why hitting a pothole cured your gallbladder problems......
I would often feel the familiar pain coming on and march around the house stomping my feet. Now, I sure realize that makes me sound NUTZ, and I'm pretty sure I was. But I'm better now. ;) ;)
We turned down a feeding tube for my husband, twice. He had a terminal disease (dementia) and he was ready to go when his body said it was time.
My brother had a feeding tube during and for a while after treatment for throat cancer. It got him through a rough period, and he is eating normally now. In my mind that is the appropriate use of the tubes.
I agree with the suggestions to see a specialist about the anxiety/depression. Treating that may be the key to getting back on track.
It sounds as though a psych evaluation is in order. Ince you get her head straightened out, the rest may well follow.
Yes, Ensure does provide the basic nutrition-again, it's kind of nasty, (thick and kinda chalky) so make sure it's very cold and encourage her to drink. I hope she does get a thorough checkup and a psych eval, Once my head was back in place, I (sadly) gained the weight back. Couldn't have it both ways, I guess. Gallbladder problems can linger and she can have "fake" attacks or she could be fearful to eat b/c ppossibly before the surgery she ate and had the excruciating attacks that only gallbladder sufferers understand. I was terrified to eat anything....does she feel the same way? Hoping for the best for you both!
Have you tried the library for information relating to seniors?
How long ago was her surgery? I ask because it is common for a patient to be more emotional and irritable soon after the surgery, suffer with nausea (hence lack of appetite) and be light-headed, confused. I suspect that your Mom does not tell you all the things she is feeling because she does not want anyone to know how affected and helpless she has become.
I think you mother would be more traumatized being force fed by tube. Before drastic measures like tube feeding, try several snacks per day heaped with carbs and protein we only need a spoonful of peanut butter for example. In addition meal replacement drinks such as Boost or Ensure or pharmacy brand are invaluable. You can also get weight gain products like snack bars and shake mixes. Your pharmacist is qualified to recommend and it's worth it to make inquiries with them. A full meal plate will look overwhelming.
Seniors often do not fully recover their former vitality no matter what kind of surgery they undergo.