Eating problems

Hi, I'm sorry to read that your finding trouble eating due to food tasting horrible

Was the diet information your nurse gave you

Low Irritant  - High Fibre Diet

I am assuming that when you say food tastes horrible you are experiencing a metallic taste in your mouth which can be caused by chemo. Also surgery can have the same effect and the best way round it is to keep a food diary and record everything you eat and what you experienced (food and drink should be recorded) when you have a horrible taste (metallic) in your mouth record in the food diary and leave it out of your menu for a week or two then introduce it back into your menu and record the effects in the diary. It could be you that experience the same or it maybe okay but the next time you try the food it good be different again. Unfortunately as we are all different so are the reactions we have to individual foods and it really is a matter of trial and error. 

To make sure you can identify foods that cause the horrible taste in your mouth if you can section off the food on your place and try, if possible, to keep different foods apart and not touching, this way if you're having something like minced meat, potatoes and vegetables you will be able to identify the foods easily that are the problem.

This article might help you a little more

tasting food

The good news it doesn't last forever it's just annoying when you like a particular food and it tastes horrible. The one I remember vividly tasting horrible was Fish and Chips when in a care home and couldn't eat them but my wife who was visiting ate them without any problem and I could only look on with belly rumbling.

I hope this is of some help to you, if I can be of any further help, please give me a shout I am always about to answer questions and give any help I can.

Ian

By clicking on any of the green text above will open up new pages for you.

I was like you. Things either tasted awful or had no taste at all. I ate a lot of potato croquettes, pomme noisettes (small croquettes) and crisps. I was told not to worry about a balanced diet and eat what I fancied. I found sticking with quite bland things was the way to go for me. Things do improve and your taste will return to normal. I really missed a good cup of tea and a bacon and egg sandwich, but things are now back to normal. I think I'm the only person I know who has gained weight whilst having cancer . Sorry about the random smilies.

It's a sheet that says "low-fibre and low-residue" at the top, some of which I can eat. Yes the eating issues are partly due to that nasty metallic taste, but also I just don't feel hungry at all, and I'm having to basically make myself eat. That tasting food link is great though, and I generally keep a food diary anyway so I'll start adding extra details to it - thanks very much for that advice!

And @Reetpetite58 (love that song lol) - potatoes and crisps have been the only thing that I can eat that actually tastes of anything so far!

Happily I am a year on but you remind me of those dark days when eating was so strange and unpleasant.

I made my own chicken broth from bones- very easy. Did batches for freezer/fridge so always there for a cup or bowl. Actually it was the only thing I looked forward too, and full of goodness. 

Then oncologist told me to get whey protein (Like complan). Tastes a bit powdery to me but great easily- digestible, essential nutrient. Used by body builders!

Many different types/strengths/flavours- and prices. If you go that route, choose carefully and try different flavours. Vanilla best for me. Often cheaper online.

Best of luck. Gotta work through it. It will seem a long haul, but it will get better.....

Steve