Fear of eating?

[Wizard1]

My mother in law has been having some digestive issues of late. One year ago she was diagnosed with diverticulitis. She was treated for this and improved. Over the last few months she has had almost daily issues with diarrhoea. The doctor prescribed a medication a few weeks ago which helped with the diarrhoea but she now vomits almost daily. The doctor has not found a physiological cause for this. She has lost about 20kg in the last year (now about 45kg). We are wondering if the nausea may be due to anxiety. She has no hobbies (she doesn't seem to want any) and spends her days alone at home.

We suspect that she may now have a fear of eating food due recent experiences. Are there suggestions on how we can confirm or rule out anxiety as being the cause? Has anyone come across similar problems?

Although we are still investigating possible physical problems, assuming it could be psychological, how do address this with her when she likely to not accept the possibility of psychological affects?

Thank you.

[Croix]

Dear Wizard1~

I do not envy your mother in law at all. I frequently have diarrhea due to anxiety. This is not a new thing -and has been very thoroughly tested on multiple occasions to ensure there is no physical cause. It can be accompanied by nausea

My psychiatrist treats this symptom by prescribing a drug that is very effective in stopping the diarrhea (though not the nausea). Actually it is an over the counter drug however having it prescribed allows for control of its use, interaction wiht other medications and reduced cost.

I am reluctant to eat on those occasions, however when things return to normal so does my appetite.

Treatment for the root cause, anxiety, continues.

I'm not suggesting that there is no physical cause for your MIL's condition, simply that excessive diarrhea may reduce the desire to eat (as may nausea) so as not to make the  condition worse and that there may be alternative medications for her to ask her doctor about.

The loss of weight is a worry and more prompt clinical advise cannot hurt.

Croix

[blondguy]

Hello Wizard1

Welcome and thankyou for being a part of the forum family

Our digestive system is the most sympathetic to anxiety or many other types of mental health issues.

After seeing a health professional (and good on you for checking for any physiological problems) our mental health has a direct affect on our digestive system.

May I ask about the the quality of your mother-in-law's sleep? 

I have just been through similar with a close friend who lost 20kg over a year and ended up being 45kg. My close friend suffered from ongoing vomiting/diarrhoea over a long period of time.

I noticed a possible 'Red Flag' in your post Wizard when you mentioned "She has no hobbies (she doesn't seem to want any) and spends her days alone at home"

Any questions are always welcome Wizard. If your MIL has experienced and recent loss or life event may be a catalyst for various symptoms including what you have mentioned.

my kindest

Paul

[Wizard1]

Hi Croix,

Sorry to hear about the problem you've been having but we do appreciate you taking the time to tell us about it. Your story has given us an idea of maybe asking the doctor whether anti-nausea medication may help. 

We have taken her recently to a nutritionist. She basically told my MIL to go nuts, don't buy low fat anything and recommended some high energy nutritional replacements. Despite the advice from the nutritionist, she is trying to cut corners and only eating half of the recommendations. Whether she is limiting this because of something physiological or psychological, we really don't know.

She has also been told on many occasions by us, the specialist and the nutritionist to have lots of snacks throughout the day but still insists on only having three meals a day. Considering she can only eat a small amount at once, this results in three mini meals a day, which is not enough. I'm beginning to wonder whether this is OCD.

Many thanks,

Wizard.

[Wizard1]

Hi Paul,

Thank you so much for responding and I'm sorry to hear about your friend. It is terrible thing to go through.

My MIL's quality of sleep, as far we know, it is average.

In regards to her being on her own, yes we identified it as a red flag and have been encouraging her to get out more. Even if it just a short walk, returning to bingo or meeting with friends in the retirement village. We are even making efforts to get her to come along with us when shopping and going out to eat if she is willing.

My thoughts on what could be going on here is that she always had certain behaviours prior to this incident. For example, spooning out oil from a soup, avoiding any fatty or salty meals and insisting on eating at particular times. In other words she also seems very concerned about her health and as a result is picky with her food. I cannot help but think whether these behaviours are just coming out stronger now that she is unwell. 

Her behaviour just seems so confusing and we cannot help but think that something psychological is happening here on top of the physiological problems.

Many thanks,
Wizard.
 

[Croix]

Dear Wizard~

It looks as if you have been keeping an eye on your MIL for some time and have observed some very significant habits. It is unfortunate she will not take clinical or other advice to try to gain weight. I would imagine, as you do, that there may be an underlying cause that have not been identified as yet.

I doubt it is a simple thing. At school the stew always had a layer of fat floating on top, which has put me off stews even now unless very carefully cooked. That is simple and easily explained, your MIL's habits are much wider reaching and more complex.

As a Community Champ I'm allowed to put links in my posts and if you have not already done so I'd recommend the Butterfly Foundation as the most comprehensive on eating disorders

I hope they can steer you towards the proper course of action -difficult I know without her cooperation

Croix