Heidi: Re your answer to my questions about my mom/panc...

[Guest guest]

Heidi,

Thanks for your quick reply. Regarding your reply to my stating I

had gone over the limits for wording, the 1st time I attempted to

post on this discussion board, I did write quite a lengthy

explanation, then when I hit the post button I received a reply back

that I had gone over the limit(?) and it just erased everything I had

typed. So, I tried again and just shortened my question. I probably

just didn't do something right as it was my 1st attempt. Anyway, my

Mom was diagnosed with Pancreatitus in November of 2002. We are

pretty sure it was caused by years of drinking. Fortunately (or

unfortunately - however you want to look at it) she finally quit!

Her husband died the following August of 2003. She was in and out of

the hospital numerous times after that (she is 71 years old), mostly

due to not taking care of herself. She lived almost 100 miles away

and it was proving to be too much on me and my family for me to

continue going to her home and caring for her. I was diagnosed with

CHF in March 0f 2004 so it really was starting to wear me out. She

put her house on the market for sale and moved her motorhome on our

property and moved in " temporarily " until she could buy another in

the same town as I live in. Phew!!! She does have a specialist, but

the problem is I can barely get her to get out of bed much less go to

see her doctor. Most days I cook 3 meals for her. I try to provide

her with healthy choices - she just won't eat!!! I threatened her

with taking her to the hospital and all of a sudden she started

eating, although I really think she is throwing it out in the

garbage. She refuses to eat in our house, prefering instead to eat

in her " smoking room " . Her doctor also advised her to quit smoking

because he said that smoking aggravates her condition - but again,

and to the doctor's face she refused to do so. I guess that I am

just looking for some kind of support. I've tried everything I can

think of to help her, but she just refuses to help herself get

better. She takes " tons " of pills, and not just the ones for her

pancreas. She takes alot of vicodin daily- she says it's for her

back pain. She sleeps most of the day, then complains she can't

sleep at night. When she is up, she drinks alot of coffee, orange

gatorade and canned tea, preferring to drink fluids to eating. I

guess I'm just at the end of my rope and needed to vent. I know I am

going to have to insist that we either visit her specialist or find a

psychologist to help her through whatever she is going through.

Anyway, I really don't know what you can tell me to help me out other

than having let me rant. thanks alot and I guess I will continue to

monitor the messages and perhaps I will find some useful

information. Your prayers are really appreciated!

Sincerely,

Lynda