Food/Surgery Question

[Cliffie]

Originally Posted by Missy2U

Hi, all! In June, I had hip surgery (I fell and broke it). The surgery was rough - previously undiagnosed heart problems) and I almost died. Afterwards, I went through a period of ICU Dementia. I'm still suffering with PTSD related issues - I've had it for years, and this whole episode has exaserbated it. On top of that, I have no insurance (can't afford) so am STILL trying to walk without a walker. Not looking for sympathy - just giving background.

Ever since then, my taste buds seem to have really changed. Things I used to like such as steak I don't even want to look at anymore. I try to force it down for the protein (and to make husband happy) but I can only tolerate a small bite or too. My apetite is almost non-existant too. is it likely the two events are somehow related? If so, how do I fix this?? I can't afford to see my doc to follow up for at least another month, and I'm losing weight. I'm scared I'm going to turn into something out of Stepen King's novel Thinner!! Any ideas on a fix or at least someone else who knows if this will go away or, if it could be related to the anasthesia? If it is, then at least there's hope it will wear off soon???? This all happened at the end of June (been home since mid-July).

Could it be you simply didn't eat very much when you were sick in the hospital, maybe for a period of weeks? If so your stomach may have shrunk. The only answer is to practice eating more -- either slightly bigger meals, working your way up a few bites at a time, or more grazing between small meals.


Have you lost a scary amount of weight? With the heart problems, did they recommend a new diet that you've been following?

[Gingercoyote]

Is there anything that sounds good? I would try mac n cheese, omelets, milkshakes, ice cream, smoothies. Any good delis with soups that you like? Pasta, puddings etc. At this point I would try to eat a small amount every couple of hours. A few bites of anything is helpful. Eggs, cheese ,pb and j, fruit with cottage cheese, tuna, chicken or egg salad would provide protein and go down easy.

[Missy2U]

Originally Posted by Cliffie

Could it be you simply didn't eat very much when you were sick in the hospital, maybe for a period of weeks? If so your stomach may have shrunk. The only answer is to practice eating more -- either slightly bigger meals, working your way up a few bites at a time, or more grazing between small meals.


Have you lost a scary amount of weight? With the heart problems, did they recommend a new diet that you've been following?

I'm at the thinnest I have ever been, but still able to do things - just not for as long as I used to They told me to drink the Ensure every day, but beyond that, they didn't say anything. I think you're correct that my stomach shrunk.

Originally Posted by Gingercoyote

Is there anything that sounds good? I would try mac n cheese, omelets, milkshakes, ice cream, smoothies. Any good delis with soups that you like? Pasta, puddings etc. At this point I would try to eat a small amount every couple of hours. A few bites of anything is helpful. Eggs, cheese ,pb and j, fruit with cottage cheese, tuna, chicken or egg salad would provide protein and go down easy.

This (and those foods) are EXACTLY what I'm focused on currently. We must think alike!