Update on my mother

[katepoet]

The most I can offer is an idea about the rotten egg smell and taste. First we tend to taste less of something if we drink it through a straw. You can put the straw a little further back in your mouth and avoid some of the taste buds. Second, why not try to overwhelm the taste buds before drinking it? Get some altoids of whatever flavor she likes best and have her suck or crunch one up right before taking it. If she can't eat before the test, check with the doctor but she should be able to suck on it for a minute, then drink, then suck, then drink - might make it a lot easier. Also be prepared with a swimmer's nose clip or a cotton ball. Blocking off the nose minimizes taste. Or try the scent of an orange or vanilla on a hankie for her to hold in front of her nose between sips. Orange wakes up the brain, vanilla is calming - both are strong scents that can help and both give a sense of well-being.