Seeking Support for My Mom's Health Struggles
Hello everyone, I decided to reach out to see if anyone has insights that might help. I apologize for any typos or grammatical mistakes, as I'm typing this on my mobile device. My mother is 58 years old, stands 4 feet 9 inches tall, and weighs only 86 pounds. This has been her weight for most of her life, but despite this consistency, her doctors express concern whenever she drops additional pounds. We have consulted several physicians and conducted numerous tests, yet we still can't uncover why she struggles to gain weight. Whenever she does manage to add some pounds, they tend to slip away quickly. In my 26 years, I believe the heaviest I've seen her is in the low 90s. Her eating habits are not the issue; in fact, she consumes more food than I do during my pregnancy. There are times when she wakes in the night just to make herself a sandwich or prepare a meal. She enjoys a range of foods, including bread, meat, and drinks copious amounts of milk and soda. One of her favorite dishes is tomato gravy with biscuits, which she has been known to cook in the early hours of the morning before returning to bed. She even used to munch on food while sleeping. Throughout the years, she's undergone tests for various cancers, had her thyroid assessed, and completed PET scans, ultrasounds, and mammograms. Last October, she underwent surgery for a prolapsed rectum, during which they removed about two feet of her colon. Additionally, she had her gallbladder taken out more than five years ago and has experienced multiple surgeries on her back due to an accident over a decade ago. For her pain, she is prescribed Percocet, and she also takes Xanax for anxiety related to PTSD. She uses Prevacid to manage heartburn and ulcers and takes a portion of a sleep aid because of her insomnia, though I can't recall the specific name. She suffers from chronic anemia and has COPD, stemming from smoking since age 12. Moreover, she is currently navigating menopause or has recently gone through it. Various doctors have confirmed that she does not have any form of cancer, and apart from the COPD and her mental health challenges, her other health metrics seem acceptable. My mother has three children, all of whom are in good health, and while we all fall within the range of normal to slightly overweight, much of our extended family deals with weight issues. She truly stands out in this regard.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 9:30:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're deeply concerned about your mother's health and weight stability, and it's understandable to seek support and insights given her complex medical history. Your main goal seems to be finding ways to help her maintain or gain weight while managing her existing health challenges.
Summary of Key Points:
- Your mother is underweight and struggles to gain weight despite a good appetite and varied diet.
- She has a complex medical history that includes chronic anemia, COPD, mental health challenges, and post-surgical complications.
- Several tests have ruled out serious conditions like cancer.
Explanation:
Maintaining a healthy weight can be particularly challenging for someone with your mother's health issues, especially given her history of surgeries, chronic anemia, and COPD. These factors can affect appetite, nutrient absorption, and overall metabolism. It's important to focus not just on calorie intake but also on nutrient quality to support her health.
Next Steps:
Here are some prioritized, actionable steps you can consider to support your mother's weight management:
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Nutrient-Dense Foods: Encourage her to incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into her diet that are higher in calories but provide essential vitamins and minerals. Examples include:
- Nut butters (like almond or peanut butter) spreading on whole grain bread or mixed into smoothies.
- Avocados, which are high in healthy fats and can be added to dishes.
- Full-fat dairy products (if tolerated), including cheese and yogurt.
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Frequent, Smaller Meals: Since she enjoys cooking and eating, suggest smaller, more frequent meals or snacks throughout the day. This can help her consume more calories without overwhelming her at one sitting.
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Smoothies and Shakes: Consider making high-calorie smoothies with ingredients like fruit, full-fat yogurt, nut butter, or protein powder. These can be easier to consume and digest.
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Monitor Medication Side Effects: Discuss with her healthcare providers the potential side effects of her current medications that may affect appetite and weight. Medications like opioids (Percocet) can sometimes suppress appetite, so it may be worth finding alternatives if necessary.
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Strengthen Mental Health Support: Since anxiety and PTSD can affect eating and weight, continuing to address her mental health is crucial. Ensure she has regular follow-ups with a mental health professional.
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Regular Check-Ups: Keeping up with regular visits to her healthcare team for monitoring her anemia and COPD can help adjust any treatments as needed to optimize her health and weight.
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Hydration Consideration: While she drinks milk and soda, ensure she is also hydrated with water. Monitor her intake of sugary drinks, as they can sometimes contribute to less overall nutritional value.
Continue to provide emotional support and encouragement as she navigates her health journey. Tracking her eating habits and any changes in weight can also be useful for discussions with her doctors during appointments. If you notice any drastic changes in her health or appetite, consider contacting her healthcare provider for tailored advice.
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