How do I bring up this awkward concern to MIL?

[Anonymous]

I'd be more worried she's losing her sense of smell.



Also, "you did a couple of premed courses"?

Please. This doctor is telling you to relax.

[Anonymous]

Can you bottle it and sell it? There’s YouTube videos that teach you how.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would suggest you never EVER address a group of people as "Hi there mommies!" again in your life under any circumstances.

100% this are you 5 years old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi there mommies! My MIL hasn't been doing great, her husband passed away back in December and it's been hard on her. She hasn't always been able to really take care of herself since then, including health-wise. And that's why what I'm about to describe worries me.

She's been passing gas a fairly abnormal amount. No, I'm not a medical professional, but I did take a couple of pre-med courses in college, and it doesn't seem like something to ignore, especially at her age. DH has mentioned in the past that pretty severe stomach conditions are common in their family, and I'm getting quite worried for her health. I've brought this up to DH, but he just acts like I'm mocking his mother when I'm doing nothing of the sort. I love my MIL and I'm scared. What would you suggest doing?

If you two get along well, just mention your concern directly to her and offer some solutions like over the counter remedies or an appointment with PCP or a gastroenterologist. This problem is common past midlife but needs to be investigated as it can be due to an illness or side effect of medication. She is probably aware and embarrassed but doesn't know what to do.

Have her read or listen to some material on this topic. Taking Gas-X, Tums, Phazyme, Miralax, good probiotics and avoiding gassy foods can help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No matter how much YOU are concerned, your husband ONLY mentions. If he's not willing, not concerned, or MIL doesn't take it seriously, YOU as DIL do not mention it to her.

This. She’s not your mother
Let your husband triage.

[Anonymous]

You can’t really control her, so maybe just focus on what you can control - open windows, turn on ceiling fans, so there’s always a pleasant breeze. Then it isn’t an issue.

[Anonymous]

Stress can cause stomach distress

She may be eating different food - either out of comfort or change of lifestyle (cooking less, eating more prepared goods).

She may have always been gassy and no longer cares if she holds it in.

Regardless, this is not your business.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can’t really control her, so maybe just focus on what you can control - open windows, turn on ceiling fans, so there’s always a pleasant breeze. Then it isn’t an issue.

+1

Maybe give her some Tootles for Christmas.

https://weartootles.com/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m v gassy as I’ve gotten older and I think it’s dairy related. There’s a definite correlation lol.
Don’t say anything OP unless you bring it up in the context of yourself and gas issues.

Most people become lactose intolerant as the age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd be more worried she's losing her sense of smell.



Also, "you did a couple of premed courses"?

Please. This doctor is telling you to relax.

The “couple of pre-med courses” made me chuckle too.
Maybe the OP went to college in another country where pre-med classes are more practical, but I can’t think of anything in my pre-med courses that would have given me insight on this.
Did the OP put the gas in a mass spectrometer?