[Ruth Cuadra]

Hi, Amy.

Learning to eat again after transplant can indeed be very difficult. I remember how hard it was for me because, as your mother says, nothing tasted good. I lived on popsicles for a while because the coldness kept my sore mouth from hurting. You might be able to help your mother by focusing on hot vs. cold or a texture she is comfortable with rather than how the food tastes and whether or not she's hungry. Right now it's probably more important that she gets calories than a full range of nutrients, so look for calorie-laden foods. Will she drink Ensure? Carnation Instant Breakfast? Either can be served very cold.

I think you're right to ask about antidepressants. There are also appetite stimulants that some patients take after transplant. Ultimately, I knew I had to eat in order to be released from the hospital so I was motivated. If her motivation is to stay out of the hospital but she's still unable to eat, then reviewing the situation with her doctor is the right course.

Hope this helps.

Ruth