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Dear Friends--This is the 2nd day that Peter has been walking, since the traumatic episode on 8/5. It's great to see him "vertical" instead of "horizontal"! ;-) (especially as hethought he'd never walk again!) The appetite he lost with Aricept is gradually being coaxed back, and he's eating a bit more. In this regard, I must confess to Kathrynne Holden, our faithful RD, that I broke a lot of rules in getting him to eat--he had Ensure, despite the protein, at any time he'd swallow it--but I did try to supply some fruit with it for balance...we'e talking spoonfulls here, not cups! I gave him several small "meals" whenever he was willing to take even a few mouthfuls, and didn't worry about "balance" as much as usual, just working to get calories in that skinny guy--down to about 120 lbs. The intake of nourishment has helped strengthen him to where he can be mobile again, I'm sure--the problem was to break through the vicious cycle of "no appetite--nothing tastes good-- why eat anyway, I'm not going to get better--I'm weaker" etc. The support of the Home Care nurses and aides has been wonderful. Today he's to be evaluated by Occupational and Physical therapists, which should help. I rejoice that our Medicare premiums are providing this reward now! One more thought re:food. The "Unifiber" Kathrynne suggested is still a big help. I mix it into mayo on a sandwich, or yogurt, and have discovered that I can add it to Ensure (regular) rather than paying extra for "Ensure with Fiber". It doesn't changethe taste, and I follow the proportion on the "with Fiber" can as a guide. Our pharmacist special orders it for me, and if anyone is interested, I can supply the info about it. I'll be picking up on the things I've done to lighten Barb Patterson's load (giving info re:list) and adding folks to the CARE list,which Jeff Jones has done for me since our crisis. Thanks to Barb and Jeff for taking over. (P.S.--has anyone bought an "Ali Knockout Collection"necktie yet ?? ) Camilla Flintermann, CG for Peter, 78/7, Oxford,Ohio [log in to unmask] * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "Ask me about the CARE list for PD caregivers!" * * * * * * * * * * * * * *