Navigating Meals

[bazooka111]

Mornings are her favorite. As most of you already know — a picture does not offer a realistic view, however the stains on her covering tells the real story.

Mom loves coffee, but I’m not sure how much longer we can continue this. Feeding can be a real interesting experience - I have learned to be a “catcher” — meaning if I don’t catch the sporadic cough, I will have the meal on my face — lost count how many times this has happened. She pockets food, so I have to remind her to chew and swallow.

Do you know what I’m experiencing?

[Beads0122]

Kim,Unfortunately, I can relate to what you are experiencing. It brings tears to my eyes know that you and many others are experiencing this phase of the disease. My beloved lost the use of her left hand a few years before she passed making eating difficult, but lost the use of her right arm a few months before she passed making feeding herself impossible. I think the inability to feed herself caused her to loose her desire to eat and some of her will to live.

My wife loved coffee also, but as the disease progressed she wanted her coffee weaker and weaker, saying it was too strong. It got to the point it was basically hot water, but I think she liked the social aspect of a coffee.

My thoughts and prayers are with you,

Bobby

[Hidden in reply to Beads0122]

Was there a certain type of cup that helped your wife? Mom had an unbreakable lightweight cup with a lid & 2 handles. I am searching for myself because my Alien arm is not to be trusted. Sending hugs... Granni B

[Beads0122 in reply to Hidden]

Granni B,I’m sorry you are looking for one yourself. The only type of cup that worked was a straw in a cup where she could lean forward and drink. Not very helpful with coffee.

Bobby

[oilman1]

My wife is on a similar tract. She can still eat 50% by herself as long is it all cut up and fits on a spoon. I normally have to load the spoon though. Her favorite meal is dinner especially if it is finished off with cake and ice cream!

[mjtogether]

My hubby can still manage some eating by himself but just yesterday had a coughing fit while still trying to drink a chocolate protein drink and ended up spewing a huge amount all over the TV. No, he wasn't that close; he actually spewed it that far. He can be coughing and will still try to put food in his mouth or drink and he has to constantly be reminded small bites and small sips, chew and swallow before putting more in....he has developed mouth stuffing for sometime now. I have to cut everything up for him and he has started using his hands more to pick up food. He has recently started to lose a large amount of weight and his portions of completions getting smaller so I try to give him food every 3 hrs during the day. Some days he will eat, some days only a protein shake, some days refuses anything. Breakfast is his favorite too! He was a big ice cream lover but now he eats only occasionally mid day as the ice cream makes too much phlegm if he has it late in afternoon or evening and then tries to sleep.We learn as we go that's for sure!

[Sebuly14]

I have had some success using a large Nosey cup. I fill it 3/4 full with coffee and he can drink successfully most of the time with minimal spills.

[Abrecheisen53]

I just read your post about eating and drinking problems. Mealtime was always a challenge. As the disease progresses, I swear somedays our meals took hours, but always the highlight of Johns day. I noticed your mom is still using a coffee mug. One thing John used that was a godsend was a Provale Cup. It allows them to drink normal liquids; coffee, wine, water. It regulates 5 cc's (1 tsp) of liquids dispersed at a time. He of course would try to chug it, but the cup would stop it. This GREATLY decreased the amount of choking and coughing. They are a little pricey ($36) but so worth the price. This allowed us to have regular liquid without having to use that god awful thickener. John loved wine. Our last anniversary, he had a $36 glass of wine in it - and it tasted just fine!! Bought on Amazon. ❤️ Alice

[bazooka111 in reply to Abrecheisen53]

Thank you!!! Ordering now!!!!!!

[Este]

The Provale Cup sounds ideal. We used something similar for my mom only it was a straw adapter that allowed only so much fluid to pass through at once. My mom's arms are drawn tightly inward so this way she could just lean forward for a sip. Not ideal for hot liquids unless they are allowed to cool a bit first.