Since my heart attack & subsequent failure I have very little appetite. Never feel hungry - but naturally feel dizzy, tired & weak.
I really do not know what to do & worry as no food - poor muscles. Most important muscle being my worn out heart.
Any ideas on how to stimulate appetite please and has anyone else had this problem?
Many thanks Batty55
Hello 
It can be quite common to go of food after a life changing event as we have and the more we focus on it food starts to become a problem because we start getting either worried we are eating to much , to little the wrong things and so on
I would try and eat little and often even when you do not feel like it like I said if it is just little it soon mounts up to having enough
Give yourself time and your appetite will come back
I am sure others will have better advise and will share that with you as they come on but try not to worry as the more we worry over something the more an issue it becomes , know that this can be normal x
Ty for replying. It’s been 6 weeks now & all I can manage is piece of cheese, a couple of crackers & small piece of tinned fruit. I try not to worry but my HF nurse is concerned too.
Hello
If your HF nurse is worried to I would ask if she can support you getting an appointment to see your Consultant and get you some support with this and answers x
A dietitian is going to be involved at some point- I will though try & take comfort from what you’ve said about it being maybe a natural part of the process. It has been such a shock - as it must to have been to everyone. X
Hello
A dietician will be a big help so hopefully they will be in contact soon but yes it can be quite common to lose your appetite and of course this will be on your mind and the more it is the more you will not feel like eating but it will come good again give it time x
Dear Batty55
Its a worry when you are trying to recoup after a major event in your life and that you recognise the importance that a balanced diet is to you and that recovery.
May I be as bold to suggest the use of purpose made milkshakes to get both protein and the vitamins you need into your body?
Depending on your circumstances they are available via your Dr, who I’m sure will be more than pleased to place you on them.
You can buy them at most pharmacies and the pharmacist would help you choose the right one, if you wanted to try them out first.
Take care
Thank you for replying. The problem I have is that my throat says no & I just can’t swallow. It’s certainly worth mentioning to my GP - although he is aware - just seems unconcerned!
Hi
Are you on any dietetics? Quite often fluid retention can cause a loss of appetite?
Hello Batty55.my husband is exactly the same.heart attack and failure a year ago and no appetite.his weight is up and down like a yoyo and he struggles swallowing.as others have suggested we tried little and often as his stomach has clearly shrunk.dietician may be able to help.we tend to just go with what he does fancy eating that day and even if we have the same meal for a week it doesn't matter.at the moment we are in our shepherds pie phase and soft puddings and custard.just small portions.good luck.x
I can only eat a very limited, very small amount. I do try - and worry that it’s totally inadequate, but am taking heart from what people have contributed to this thread. Thank you
Hi Batty , try and keep a food diary so you can see your food intake daily , you may be suprised to find you are eating more than you think and calorie wise your intake is enough to keep you going . As a chef who’s studied dietary needs and intakes the human body can survive really well with a small amount of food, as long as your fluid intake is good you should be fine until your appetite comes back and it will m come back in a few months so please don’t be so worried . Much love . And you can message me any time .
Thank you for your reply. I have started doing just that. It’s about 250 calories per day. Same items every day - but it’s what I can eat & that’s the main thing. I have increased fluid intake - mindful of need not to overload kidneys. Will keep trying to increase intake. 🙂
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