Rectal polyps

FormerMember over 3 years ago

2 replies
174 subscribers
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My 88 year old dad was diagnosed with rectal polyps that could potentially become malignant, early this year. His main symptoms are irregular bowl movements (severe diarrhoea), abdominal pain and extreme breathlessness.. He has lost a lot of weight and doesn’t have much appetite. Because of his frailty he was not given any treatments and was sent home for symptom control in the community.

He’s becoming very very frail. He can not swallow so he is on liquid diet. He’s taking upto 12mg loperamide to control his diarrhoea. I am trying to add extra calories to his liquid diet but it doesn’t seem to help him gain weight. Can you suggest anything to boost his appetite and help him gain weight.
Many thanks in advance.

Kareno62 over 3 years ago

Hi and welcome to the board although I’m sorry to hear that your dad is struggling. I’ve attached a really good link from the board about getting more calories into food.
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/building-up-diet/adding-protein-and-energy

I was prescribed high calorie drinks from my doctor to help me put weight on after my op. I think they were called Fortisip and they’re about the size of those little Actimel bottles but have about 250 calories in. Some flavours are nicer than others so see if you can get a selection and find 1 he likes. Can you bulk up soups with pulses and cream then liquidise them or does that make his bowels worse? Can he manage full fat yoghurt or something like Angel delight made with full fat milk?
Hope the link above helps and you could also trying ringing the support nurses on here on 0808 808 00 00

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

FormerMember over 3 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Hi Karen,

Thank you so much for your message, the link and your advice regarding protein drinks. He’s been taking these for some times now and I try to add cream to boot calorie intake.

Regards