Nutrition with Short Bowel Syndrome
Fri, March 09, 2012 11:39 AM
We have 3 generations of Crohn's Disease, my Mom, myself, and my daughter. My question is concerning my 83 year old Mom. She has about 3 feet of small bowel remaining and at 5' 4" struggles to maintain a weight of 85 pounds. She takes multiple vitamin supplements, glutamin, monthly B12 shots,Rehydration Salts, periodic Vitamin D Shots, and eats about six times a day. She had been drinking a elemental supplement from Nestles, but they have discontinued it. Even with that her weight was difficult to maintain. She has done TPN but developed an infection and is fearful of ever doing that again.
Any thoughts would be welcome!
Joined Mar 9, 2012
Sat, March 10, 2012 11:29 AM
Reply posted for Lizzies Mom.
my heart goes out to you. the hardest part is having a child with this insidious disease. not sure how old your daughter is, but my daughter's story is inspiring. she was diagnosed at age 8 and is now 36. she has been hospitalized almost once a year ever since diagnosis, multiple resections, tube feeding, you name it.
here's the encouraging part. she graduated summa *** laude from duke, on law review at georgetown, climbed killimangaro, ran the chicago marathon, is a litigation partner at a very prestigious firm, is married and has two wonderful daughters. she is my hero. she doesn't let crohn's define her and she rages against it.
my mom is pretty set in her ways and while she does most of the things you have suggested, she eats the foods she loves, not all of which are great for her. she is always "starving" and lives to eat. she is a walking miracle. i just worry that she has so little reserve in case she becomes ill. the slightest infection/ cold causes her to lose weight.
good luck to you
Joined Mar 9, 2012
Sat, March 10, 2012 10:48 AM
Reply posted for EllenO.
We are also a multi-generational family (great grandmother, grandmother, myself and one of my daughters).
My daughter struggles big time with gaining weight/thriving. It has taken us some time, but with the help of our pedi gi's nutritionist, we are slowly but surely getting there.
One of the key things and it sounds like your mom is already doing it is the more frequent meals. It helps Liz so she doesn't feel overwhelmed. Another thing was to kick the whole grain everything, and lastly is to enrich those frequent meals with more calories. For example, adding olive oil to well steamed veggies, gravy to meats, and creams to soups, cereal, and protein shakes (provided there isn't a lactose issue).
God bless you for reaching out ......your Mom is very lucky to have you!
Be well
Lizzies Mom
Joined Sep 9, 2009
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