Dear Counsellor:

I am 65 years old and have pains all over my body. The pain is worse in my hips. I have taken a variety of painkillers with minimal relief. I am getting angry and frustrated.

- Sonia

Dear Sonia:

Chronic pain in the elderly is very common. As we grow older, we tend to get arthritis of the joints. There are a variety of painkillers which can be used.

There may also be a component of depression associated with the pain. Are you depressed or anxious? Coping with chronic pain is difficult. Sometimes the pain limits function and so daily chores cannot be done. It has been found that taking antidepressants is helpful in pain management.

It is natural to get angry and frustrated because of the inability to get rid of pain. See an orthopaedic surgeon for the management of your arthritis and see a counsellor to help you deal with your feelings.

Appetite

Dear Counsellor:

My mother has Alzheimer's and is deteriorating. She seldom eats, and spends the day in her bed. What can be done to improve her appetite?

- Mary

Dear Mary:

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease which affects memory and functioning. She needs to eat, as she will waste away. Give her food that she likes. Liquid meal or foods may be ideal.

It is good to work with a dietitian to get the required calories and nutrients. She will need variety in her meals and patience to feed her. Divide her meals into six portions for the day so she will be able to complete a meal. You can make fruit juices she likes. Coconut 'jelly' or coconut water is also healthful. Also, give her a lot of water to drink.

Ensure she drinks omega oils and vitamin B-rich products. Continue her regular medications. She may be depressed because she is confined to bed and many family members and friends have died. She may need antidepressants to help her cope.

Forgetfulness is part of the illness so she needs to be supervised at all times. You may want to go down memory lane with her. Short- term memory is usually affected before long-term memory.

Her financial state needs to be sorted out by a lawyer. When individuals develop dementia, they need a legal guardian to help them daily. This guardian will sort out her daily affairs.

Have you got personal or family problems? Call Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8602 for advice or email her at yvonniebd@hotmail.com.