Thread by @Mangan150

A few years ago my mother had a stroke and was in ICU. After discharge she went to a convalescent hospital for a few weeks.

The food there was appalling. Sugar and cheap carbs everywhere. Imagine oatmeal with maple syrup and a glass of OJ for breakfast.

So I requested a meeting with the lead dietitian. I told her that I wanted my mother to get bacon and eggs for breakfast, and none of that sugary stuff. Meat or eggs at every meal.

She looked at me like I was from Mars, but ultimately she complied.

Meanwhile, twice a day I brought my mother a whey protein drink I devised, giving her an extra 30-50 g/d protein, plus some NAC and magnesium and creatine.

My mother is still alive today at 99, and probably would not be if she continued eating hospital style.

It's within your power to change this stuff.

Raise a big stink.

The life of someone you love may depend on it.

When my mother was in ICU in a prestigious, big-city hospital, the doctor in charge of her care called me on the phone.

"What do you want to do if her heart or breathing stops?"

We discussed this.

My mother was in her mid 90s, but had been active and giving music lessons up until the week before. I knew she wasn't ready to leave this earth.

I told him this.

A few days later, another doctor called with the same question, evidently having failed to get the message.

Now I was pissed off. I had the distinct impression that these doctors were more concerned about a "do not resuscitate" order than caring for my mother.

Due to her age, it seemed they were ready to write her off.

I told the doctor, "DO YOUR JOB. DON'T LET HER HEART STOP."

Maybe I was unfair to the doctor, but someone had to say it.

Don't take medical treatment of a loved one for granted.

Don't be reluctant to get involved.

No one cares as much for your family members as you do.