Input please - ThinnerTimes

bloomer001 · 02-24-2007, 08:18 PM

Ok, this is going to be a confusing thing, but I need some input. My sister had GBS about 4 years ago. She had a Kidney/Pancrease transplant 6 years ago, put on so much weight between dialysis (sorry about the spelling) and the transplant meds, he transplant surgeon did GBS. She was doing pretty good, but to be honest has always been somewhat of a 'baby'. She is not good at taking care of herself. She was that way with her diabetes, and now with this.

The problem is, she is not eating enough. Part of it is she is so 'afriad' of eating I think. She doesn't tolerate meats very well, just a little chicken or pork, red meat does not work for her. She can't have much salt, so ham is usually out for her. She will take a bite or 2 of something and says "It hurts" and stops eating. She is now suffering malnutrition and called me yesterday to ask what Protien I eat. I told her I can tolerate ground beef and just a little chicken. She can eat cheese, but no eggs. I told her to add dry milk or egg white powder to everything. She just doesn't do it.

She has to have almost 2 gallon of liquid a day (for the kidney) and she is supposed to be getting at least 180 grams of protien a day (again for the kidney). I know it must be harder for her, she has to take a lot of pills each day for the anti-rejection meds. But I don't know what to do to help her. She does not attend any support groups, and I have tried to convince her to come here, but again, she just doesn't.

Does anyone have any suggestions, not just about food, but how I can help her???

Thanks in advance, I know you guys can help me

trickychick68 · 02-24-2007, 08:22 PM

I don't want to tell you to throw your hands up, but you are making gentle, positive suggestions, and she is seemingly ingoring them, for whatever reason. She is going to end up really sick if she doesn't get her proper nutrition. Perhaps you could suggest she go talk to someone, if you put it to her in terms that are kind of grave? It sounds like she is needing attention of some sort, and short of putting IV nutrition in her, there's not much you can do for her unless she steps up and does some things for herself.

Good luck figuring things out and being supportive to her. And sorry I don't have any other advice....

bloomer001 · 02-24-2007, 08:28 PM

Yes, I try to just keep makeing all the suggestions I have been making for about 2 months now. My mother, God bless her for putting up with the both of us and our medical problems, used to be a trauma nurse. She is the one who is well 'blunt'

She actually told my sister tonight "you have 2 choices, eat or die" (You don't get much sympathy from my mother)

trickychick68 · 02-24-2007, 08:29 PM

Your mom and I have alot in common. She is right, you know? What is your sister thinking? Is she depressed and despondent or is she just not realizing how serious this is and being a "baby"?

bloomer001 · 02-24-2007, 08:34 PM

Honestly, I don't think she is depressed. I think she is just being a 'baby'. My grandmother (oddly enough my mom's mother) was the same way. It was always the 'Whoa is me' type thinking, like they are the only ones who have any problems and no one can understand what they are going through and everyone should stop what they are doing and cater to their every need. After her transplant my sister seemed to get much better, and actually hasn't been like this for some time. I hate to think this way, but I really am starting to wonder if it isn't some sort of jealousy thing. I had the surgery and am doing pretty good, and for a while some of the family wasn't paying attention to her, they were helping me through those first few months.

trickychick68 · 02-24-2007, 08:36 PM

Yep, I agree. But when she is taking her health into this kind of jeopardy, it makes me think it's even deeper than mere jealousy. I hope y'all figure something out that isn't too dramatic.

bloomer001 · 02-24-2007, 08:37 PM

How about a good slap upside the head

trickychick68 · 02-24-2007, 08:41 PM

Haha! Now now, we musn't resort to those types of behavior, missy. Although, I think your maw could do the slapping and you could watch.

JenBear7 · 02-24-2007, 11:02 PM

The old addage "you can lead a horse to water, but you cant make them drink" comes to mind. If she called for your opinion, and advice.. and you gave it to her.. and she doesnt take it.. not real sure what you can do... cant force someone to listen unfortunately... hopefully she isnt putting her life in jeopardy though..

I hope she finds a way to get the nourishment she needs.

bubbasmama · 02-25-2007, 04:18 AM

Sounds like she wants the attention.I hope she doesn't wait to long.Barb