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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Cure At A Advanced Stage Of Failure To Thrive?

My mother in law is 89 years old and and may be in advanced stage of failure to thrive. At 5'6" she has gone from 115 lbs to 105 lbs in the past two weeks. She lives at home alone. Is it adviseable to bring her to our house (a trip of 150 miles)and make an effort to feed her as much as possible? Is it too late for that? Should we explore hospice care at her locale. Please advise. Thank you.
Tue, 15 May 2018
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.



It is very much advisable to have her evaluated for her nutritional needs, to make sure she is not suffering from a metabolic or infectious problem that could be contributing to her decline. Bring her in to an environment, where the rest of the family is around her. Loneliness and caring for oneself at 89 is not easy and she obviously is not the type of person to ask for help. You need to initiate some action right now. I would never counsel hospice in this situation unless it was the patient's own wish and that only after a thorough medical consultation, to determine the underlying pathology to her inability to maintain weight.



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How To Cure At A Advanced Stage Of Failure To Thrive?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. It is very much advisable to have her evaluated for her nutritional needs, to make sure she is not suffering from a metabolic or infectious problem that could be contributing to her decline. Bring her in to an environment, where the rest of the family is around her. Loneliness and caring for oneself at 89 is not easy and she obviously is not the type of person to ask for help. You need to initiate some action right now. I would never counsel hospice in this situation unless it was the patient s own wish and that only after a thorough medical consultation, to determine the underlying pathology to her inability to maintain weight. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.