Theo - that's so hard. Lots of ~ma and patience to you.

Oh, Theo, how awful. You're a very good caretaker; your mom is just resisting all caretaking right now. You've been there, giving time and energy and all your best efforts to connect, to someone who's so very unhappy and struggling with it. You're a great caretaker; it's just a rotten situation.

(Also, what msbelle said about coffee [sorry, prune juice is what evil tastes like], and maybe apple juice too, especially if you heat it up.)

In their continuing rebranding efforts, the prune people have new "plum juice" products I have seen advertised....

So ridic. We tried to make plum jam once, since we had a surplus of lovely local plums. Forgetting that plums turn into prunes. Prune jam is nast.

And Theo, I'm so sorry about your mom. I feel for you since we did the caregiving thing with my grandmother and it had its equally painful moments. It's just hard, and it's an adjustment for you and for her.

No matter what else, make sure you look after yourself, too.

In their continuing rebranding efforts, the prune people have new "plum juice" products I have seen advertised....

I've seen prunes marketed as "dried plums." Doesn't make them taste any better.

My aunt has managed to talk my mom into eating small portions of solid stuff, at least, after I had a private phone brainstorm with her (my aunt). I'm off to get the OTC stuff that Mom promises to at least take, like the magnesium citrate and suppositories.

I'm glad there has been some ease, Theo.

I hope the inspection is going well, Sarameg!

My entire face hurts, and none of my sinus meds seem to be touching it.

Theo, can your mom eat strawberries? When I've tried the Atkins diet in the past the 5 grams worth of carbs I could get in strawberry form made for much less frustration in the bathroom. And they're tasty enough that they might tempt her out of the all-liquid decision.

I've seen prunes marketed as "dried plums." Doesn't make them taste any better.

Speaking of strawberries, when they (or apples, or bananas) rot, we throw them away instead of renaming them and trying to market them as a different fruit! Why do plums get the special treatment?

I like prunes, actually.

{{Theodosia}} You do not suck as a caretaker because you care. It is caretakers that don't give a crap that suck. I'm sorry it is so difficult. I had so many fights with my dad and husband over getting them to do what they were supposed to do when caring for them. Fighting with those you love when they are sick, that sucks.

My mom used to can plum preserves that were very yummy. We had a tree that produces zillions of them. They were tart and sweet and delish. I'll have to ask her how she managed that.

Did we hear how ita made out with her procedure? I did some skippage. I really hope it helps.