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Caregiver's changes in appetite
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Jun 18 2:05pm | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
@chris20 I am so sorry that you feel the way you do. You may be experiencing some depression. I’m not a doctor so don’t take my word for it. But, I would suggest that you speak with your primary care physician. You may not like the idea of depression, but it’s so real. With all that you have been dealing with these years, a case of depression would not surprising. I was also diagnosed with depression and prescribed antidepressants. The medicine hasn’t changed my personality or my ability to function. Quite the opposite, they have made it possible for me to be myself without crying and having no energy.
Or maybe you just need a day or two of respite care. A day to do something fun, visit with friends, or just do nothing. Let yourself heal.
What do you think your doctor would advise?
Replies to "@chris20 I am so sorry that you feel the way you do. You may be experiencing..."
Hi @chris20, I'm caregiver to my husband who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2019.
In 2020 I started experiencing a number of strange symptoms, which lasted over a year before I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Two symptoms are anorexia, a complete loss of appetite and malaise, an all encompassing feeling that sucks all energy and enthusiasm. I lost about 13 pounds, and basically forced myself to eat.
GCA is treated with steroids, which increase appetite. Type II diabetes can result - so I still watch what I eat.
My husband is very food oriented and he's started to forget that he already ate. He's always looking in the fridge, hoping that some new food will magically appear. He loves everything. I make our meals from scratch and have healthy snacks on hand. He's gained about 10 pounds, but he was skeletal before so he's healthier now.
I make numerous stupid jokes throughout the day as he gets the jokes and we laugh a lot together. I'm grateful for his good disposition.
I can leave him for a few hours so I volunteer in the Archives of the local museum once a week, which I enjoy.
This isn't a sprint or even a marathon, it's a test of endurance.
I wish you the best.
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I see what you are saying, and I appreciate it very much. Yes, I have talked with my Dr. about this, and faithfully took antidepressants for over two years, Zoloft which after a year and a half hadn't done much of anything, Lexapro with the same disappointing results, and more recently Trazodone to help with the insomnia. Had some psychological counseling as well, when I could arrange it. I take all prescribed medications religiously and administer my wife's the same way. Not sure what I am missing...