I am care giver for my 84 YO wife with AD and short term memory loss. She also has a totally intrathoracic stomach from a giant hiatus hernia resulting in severe LPR (silent reflux). We have so far treated it with Mylanta, taking a sip every hour while she is awake. We have somehow managed it for a year or so pretty well but now, she won't eat! She says she isn't hungry. We have to restrict any food that would activate the peptic acid in her throat and nothing tastes right. I have cajoled and threatened and pleaded with her to eat but after a bite or two, she pushes it away and won't eat. I tried protein shakes with no success. I will have to consult the doctor if she shows sign of weakening but wonder if anyone had any experience with this?
From what you have said, it doesn’t sound like she is in pain, which is good. However, if you were to take her to an ER, and it’s been a few days of her not eating, I’m sure they would probably do a abdominal CAT scan as well as an ultrasound to see if there is any kind of growth or obstruction. That really will need to be done first. If nothing is wrong, they may discuss with you putting in a feeding tube. My father has one. He eats real food, but is supplemented with a feeding tube.
Don’t wait too long, especially if she’s not staying hydrated. If she hasn’t eaten or drunk anything in 24 hours, go to the ER.
Happy Holidays!
Good luck!
I buy it by the gallon at Sam's club and mix it with honey crisp apple juice. About 50/50 because it tastes horrible and this is the best stuff I found to make it palatable. Get the whole apple juice as it has fiber to help too.
It has truly been amazing and it doesn't stop the acids, just naturally alkalizes them, which is really helpful for many things. It does stop the reflux.
My stepdad stopped taking anything else for his continually burning digestive tract after being put on this.
It is something she can sip on throughout the day or do 1 to 2 ounces as needed.
Best of luck, this is such a difficult situation.