Spencer Won't Eat

Kirstenmumof3 wrote: I'm getting so frustrated! I just wish he would eat something! We can't go home until he eats or takes his medication and he is refusing to do both. Since he is off of the IV nutrition supplement (TPN), his magnesium is low. This is do to the cyclosporine (anti-rejection medication) that he is on. He will be going home on both of these medications. So I've made up a chart for 10 weeks, each week has 7 days, I'm going to buy smiley stickers from the Dollar Store and everytime he takes his medication without a hassle he gets a smiley sticker, everytime he fusses and gives us a hard time he gets a frowning smiley. If he has 4 smiley stickers each week than he gets a treat from the box. I'm going to buy 10 little things and put them in a box and see how he it goes. I'm so disappointed and I know I shouldn't be, I'm just so homesick and really want to go home. I hate the idea of bribing him to take his medications, but I don't know what else to do!

A&A'smommy replied: aww hun try not to get too frustrated because he will sense that.. and i think the chart is an awesome idea.. you got to do what you got to do have you tried talking to him.. telling him how proud you are of him for doing so good during this time, and for fighting so hard to get better and then tell him how happy it would make you for if he ate and just be as sincere as possible I hope he eats soon!!

moped replied: I think that is a great idea, I think you will see results from it.

Can I ask........has he lost a lot of weight? What does he weigh? Do they expect him to start gaining soon??

You don't have to answer................

kimberley replied: sorry things are still rough on the eating front. your frustration is very understandable, Kirsten. the sticker thing sounds like a good motivator for him.. at this point anything that will work is fair game continued p&pt to you both. i hope you can get home soon!

amymom replied: Ohh I hope you get home soon. I think the sticker idea is great!

Good Luck. Lots of p's & PT's

ashtonsmama replied: I'm so sorry to hear that, Kirsten. I hope he improves soon...and starts taking his meds again on his own...I'm sure it's hard right now. Love ya hun. I'm praying.

Kirstenmumof3 replied:
Unfortunately he has lost weight. When they weighed him last Monday he was 42.9 kilograms and when they weighed him on Saturday he was 40.7 kilograms. They are hoping with the feeding tube that they can maintain his weight, but ultimately he needs to eat to start gaining weight.

coasterqueen replied: I'm so sorry Kirsten. It has to be so frustrating for all of you.

AlexsPajamaMama replied: The sticker chart and reward box sound like a great idea!! You're doing such a great job! Im sure its all so frustrating but just know you are being such a good mommy through all this!!

gr33n3y3z replied: I hope the sticker box works

I dont want to be the bad one in all of this But
If the stickers do not work pull the TV out of his room and its gone soon he will be sick and tired of doing nothing and he will eat and take his meds.
I know it sounds very harsh but he has to eat and take his meds.

b&bsmom replied: I think the stickers are a great idea. I also think talking to him is a good idea too. I hope everything comes together for you soon. You are doing a great job. Hang in there!!

PrairieMom replied: Has he talked to a counselor or anything like that? it sounds to me like he is haveing some control issues. he is going through this major thing, and has no control over anything. Is he just miserable and striking out in the only way he can? maybe talking to someone would help him?

Bee_Kay replied: Kirsten-

I have a question (and maybe it's been asked before) but does he give a reason why he won't eat?
Is he just not hungry? Is he afraid of getting nauseous(sp)?

Sarah&Mackenzie replied: Poor Spencer, I hope that the chart works!!

mom21kid2dogs replied: It's so hard to know which way to play these kinds of issues, Kirsten. Maybe a social work or psych consult could provide a nice, neutral perspective on it for you! Here's hoping he eats and takes his meds soon!!!

jem0622 replied: Continued strength, hugs, and prayers. I second taking the TV out or disabling it. Sounds harsh, but he truly would be happier at home! So sorry that he is losing weight. Glad to hear that he is getting a supplement! Malted anything is good for packing on the pounds!

MommyToAshley replied: Oh Kirsten, how frustrating this must all be for you. I know how badly you want to see him get healthy and go home. It sounds like you have tried everything.. tough love, positive reinforcement... everything. I agree with the others that maybe talking to a professional might help.

Sending you continued prayers and lots of HUGS!!!