Drastic weight loss

Hi Maxine, Sorry I can’t really help as I don’t know anything about feeding tubes.  Is there any food at all that might stimulate your appetite that you could mix with high calorie things to try to gain a bit of weight?  Please don’t feel ‘abandoned’, if you haven’t already done so do get in touch with your medical team and persist until you get help. J x

Hi Jayceeh5

Thank you for your reply. I am trying to eat different foods but find I have no appetite and start to get annoyed with myself. I have spoken with my dietitian who in turn has spoken with my oncologist. I have an appointment with my oncologist on  the 2nd of September but get the impression from the dietitian that he might rule out having a feeding tube fitted. I will like you say persist with trying to get help. The annoying thing is I feel well in myself still shopping and doing housework albeit a bit slower.

Wishing you all the very best

Maxine

Hi Maxine

I wonder if you have tried drinking smoothies, you can add cream or avocado to these which help with maintaining weight, also there are normally supplement drinks that dietitians offer, are you taking these?

Normally I believe that people who have some difficulty swallowing will find that they lose their appetite as their anxiety about the swallowing concerns controls the mind. I am not sure if this would apply to you, but it may be worth setting an alarm for every couple of hours and having some fluid type food which will not cause any swallowing issues. 

It may be an idea to speak to one of our Macmillan colleagues regarding the feeding tube as they may have some information that will help you in making the decision on whether this is right for you; if you think you would like to, the number to reach them on is in my signature. 

Best of luck. 

Lowe'

Thank you Lowedal for your advice. I think you are probably right with the anxiety over swallowing. I have recently had to go into hospital for a few days and for the first time in 6months I ate some chocolate. I am going to order a few pre done meals that are suitable for people with stents. I think these might be  handy for when I have been out and don’t have the time to prepare myself a meal. 

All the best

Maxine