my poor dad is suffering from reoccuring chest infections and has lost 3 stone quite rapidly.

[haydon]

Suffering from panic attacks and has no energy and loss of appetite......has to use an oxygen machine for breathing and very depressed,,,,,just dont know how to get him motivated or help eating again????

[kimmy59]

I'm sorry to hear he's feeling so bad, I would ring the helpline here they will give you the advice you need.

Kim xxxxxxxx

[Hidden]

So sorry your Dad is dealing with all this, as Kim suggests ring BLF helpline for further advice about who you may need to contact and what help you can access at this time.

You can buy a tonic drink from Boots the chemist which may help him to get some of his appetite back as well as providing some good nutrients, I think seven seas do a tonic for people convalescing but check with pharmacist to see what they recommend. Your Dad's doc should also be able to prescribe something like fortisip in addition the doc needs to be aware of your Dad's current situation to help prevent further weight loss etc. A referral to a nutritionist may be of help also.

All good wishes Zoee x

[libby7827]

Hi haydon, although I'm end stage emphysema I don't have oxygen but did have quite severe weight loss a couple of years ago. (I also have panic attacks when my breathing is bad and am just getting these under control now). I was prescribed some nutritional drinks (which aren't that nice, to be honest), and just tried to gradually eat a bit more and eventually put the 2 stone back on over about a year. There is no rule that says your dad needs to eat 3 meals a day or even "sensibly" to begin with, If I felt like tinned fruit I'd have it, if I felt like some cake I'd have it, cereal with plenty milk is a good thing to have, I started off with porridge as it's easy to get down and the Oatsosimple are really nice and easy to make. I'd often not have a savoury meal, but it got me back into eating properly eventually. When you don't eat enough your stomach shrinks and you don't feel hungry; it needs to gradually grow again so you feel hungry Also, with depression (which is something many of us copd sufferers have from time to time) your appetite is suppressed and I found that with the medications I take (8 a day, some multiple times), food sometimes doesn't taste nice and puts you off eating it. You need to either take your dad to his doctor or get him to see him at home when you are there and go through it all with the doc. All the best! Libby x

[haydon]

thankyou so much for replying .....kimmy 59, zoee, and libby7827 its very much appreciated.