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Encouraging appetite

(17 Posts)
Daddima Wed 18-Dec-19 17:46:02

Now, the Bodach is very poorly with spread from a malignant melanoma, and is not eating or drinking. I’m trying to keep him at home for as long as possible, and so far am managing to keep him drinking. Our GP has prescribed Megace ( steroid) to increase appetite, but prior to his illness his diet was poor, to say the least. So far, salmon, mashed potato, Heinz tomato soup, home made soups, rice pudding, custard, and toast have all been rejected. Any ideas?

tanith Wed 18-Dec-19 17:50:57

When my DH was only eating very little full fat flavoured yoghurts were the only thing he’d eat. I used to buy the small children’s ones as he only took a few teaspoons at a time.

JackyB Wed 18-Dec-19 17:50:59

It's difficult to say as, even if you know his preferences at normal times, they may have been distorted by the meds. Some kind of enriched drink, like a broth with mini pasta bits in it, or something with a strong taste like Marmite on toast.

nanaK54 Wed 18-Dec-19 17:53:45

Scrambled egg?

Nortsat46 Wed 18-Dec-19 17:55:59

Gosh, this must be so difficult for both of you, so sorry to hear this.
What were his favourites in the past? How about -
Ice cream?
Mousse?
Little slice of a light creamy cake / gateaux.
Scrambled egg
Boiled egg and soldiers
A little taste of an omelette.
A small alcoholic drink.

My father in law enjoyed a soft boiled egg with bread and butter, a cup of tea and then a tiny nip of whiskey.

I am sorry I can’t offer anything useful.

Sending good thought to both of you.

SalsaQueen Wed 18-Dec-19 19:46:40

Milkshake?
Yoghurt?
Blancmange?
Apple crumble?

Ariana Sun 22-Dec-19 12:33:05

Daddima, when my husband was really poorly, I could get him to eat a small pancake with sugar and lemon. The dietician arranged for some supplement drinks, he found them very sweet. Also, as others have suggested scrambled egg.

grannyqueenie Sun 22-Dec-19 12:39:21

Sorry you’ve this added worry in caring for your dh. When one of my gds needed building up her mum added full fat creme fraiche or cream cheese to everything possible, e.g. soups, scrambled egg etc. That way she got the extra calories without having to eat larger quantities

Feelingmyage55 Sun 22-Dec-19 12:42:16

Small sherry or similar an hour before trying to eat. Gravy with the mashed potato, chicken stock, soft boiled egg and toast soldiers, porridge. Take care of yourself too.

Teetime Sun 22-Dec-19 12:46:06

daddima I am so sorry. It sounds as though he will only tolerate small amounts of soft and fluid foods and there are many suggestions here. I'm sure his medical team have encouraged you to keep him drinking and not too worry about the food too much. I hope you can keep him with you at home. As someone else said take care of you too. flowers

Daddima Thu 26-Dec-19 12:11:31

Sadly, the Bodach has deteriorated rapidly, and has been in hospital since Monday. He has a drip to rehydrate him, and refusing all food, and only taking drinks ( under duress, and with much foul language) with his medication. It’s awful to watch.
Thanks for all your suggestions.

cornergran Thu 26-Dec-19 12:23:25

I’m sorry, don’t have any helpful suggestions daddima, so sending a gentle hug, it’s an awful situation for you both.

grannyqueenie Fri 27-Dec-19 22:24:04

I’m sorry to read how things have developed, daddima A very sad position for you both to be in. Thinking of you flowers

dragonfly46 Fri 27-Dec-19 22:33:28

I am so sad for you both Daddima sending virtual hugs.

lemongrove Fri 27-Dec-19 22:45:41

So sorry Daddima
When DH was recently very ill he was given something called ensure by the hospital.It came in a few different flavours and had 300 calories in a very small bottle.He could drink it.

Feelingmyage55 Sat 28-Dec-19 00:04:01

Very sad for you both. I hope your husband is on a quiet ward and you have some privacy to sit with him.

crazyH Sat 28-Dec-19 00:41:02

Thinking of you Daddima. May you find the strength to cope with this sad situation flowers