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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?

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Will she drink at all? Our family has always sworn by Welch’s Grape Juice. High in vitamins, and even when sick and nothing tastes right, the taste is still there. If she can take sips in the meantime, that’s something that will definitely keep her going. Staying hydrated is the main thing for the short term.

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.
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OldArkie Dec 2021
Lizbitty, it is a compound problem, exacerbated by the LPR from her stomach being entirely in her chest cavity. This constantly keeps her esophagus coated with stomach acid/enzymes and nothing tastes the same so her mind can't convince her it is same food she has been eating and because it tastes different, she doesn't like it! I recognize that she doesn't need as many calories because of her sedentary lifestyle, so I try to get her to eat as healthy as I can with what little she eats. I also try to manage her digestion and keep her somewhat regular with supplements when necessary. Seems to be working for now, but tomorrow is a new challenge!😉 thanks for your input. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
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Maybe her condition is deteriorating? It's nearly impossible to try to force people to eat. Keep offering her good food. Stop with the pleading and threatening - they're not going to work and it's a lot of stress on you too. Will she drink smoothies? You can sneak some extra nutrition in there if she'll do it. Ensure?

Good luck!
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OldArkie, as we age our taste buds slow down so nothing except sugary items will taste good. Oh how my Mom loved ice cream, pies, cakes, soft cookies, muffins, etc. Experiment with those items. It may not be the healthiest of choices, but at least your wife will be eating. It's worth a try, as long as your wife doesn't need to limit her sugar intake.
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OldArkie Dec 2021
Thanks for suggestion. She will not eat anything sweet, including the things that have long been her favorites. It reacts with the enzymes from her LPR and generates mucus in her throat, which, in turn, makes her nauseated! Every time she eats something it is new experiment!
Happy Holidays!
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OldArkie, I would try aloe Vera juice. It helps so much better with reflux then anything else we have tried.

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.
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OldArkie Dec 2021
Sounds like a plan. I will surely try it (in small amount at first) . I have to wonder if the acid in the apple juice would cancel the benefit of the Aloe Vera? I will surely try it, and may try other additives that may make it more palliative. Your approach sounds encouraging and I am anxious to try. TY. Have a nice day.
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