First did another call to cardiologist since Lasix dose is not taking enough fluid off him. He's short of breath and unsteady on his feet. Likely cardiologist will increase dose and have me continue. Waiting call back on that subject.
Second, made appointments for flu shots. Got to keep up with all the immunizations they want us old folks to have.
Third, talked to sister-in-law about her painful hip and back. Told her to do what the doctors recommended or keep that subject to herself.
Fourth, began researching extra nutrition for Bob. He's continuing to lose weight. Called anti coagulation lab to see if any truth to what I'd read that people on blood thinners should not use commercial high nutrition drinks because they often do not play well with blood thinner medications. Yes, that is true because most of them contain vitamin K. Can use those drinks but must notify lab and take him in for blood tests to see how it's affecting his clotting numbers. They will adjust medication accordingly.
That seems like a lot of trouble. Suggested I make high nutrition shake at home, and maybe add protein powder. Nope, they're also concerned about how much protein he's getting.
Taste buds don't work as well in the elderly. They often begin to crave spicier foods, and like the taste of salt and sugar. If you visit a nursing home at mealtime you will often see workers opening packets of sugar to sprinkle over patients' food trays. They may not know what they're eating but will enjoy the sweet taste. Other things that affect appetite are medications and dementia.
This afternoon I'll be researching juicing, high nutrition shake recipes, extra nutrition through snacks and hiding foods from a food processor to regular recipes. Probably need to move to several small meals a day rather than normal three.
I'm thinking having him in the kitchen may be a problem because he will see when I'm slipping in extra nutrition and may disapprove. If he doesn't see it, will probably never know it's there.
This is all very opposite to what I need to be eating. He'll never remember to eat multiple times a day because that will be new to him. He can still do a little cooking if it's an old recipe with few ingredients and directions. Anything new will be beyond his ability.
Have call in to hospital education department in hopes they'll have some recipes and suggestions for me.
I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I can be nurse and caregiver, I think I have a handle on that. Nutritionist food shopper, and cook, not so much.
