Liquid diet for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

[HuwieHex]

I am in the latter stages of IPF and have almost totally lost my appetite. Has anyone any knowledge of liquid meal replacements, such as Fortisip, and would they be suitable in this type of situation.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

When I was really under weight and had no appetite I was given fortisips they worked really well for me I was on them for about five years. I would recommend that you speak to your GP as I had mine on prescription every month, and there is a lot of different flavours. Your GP may send you to see a dietician but that really helps also. Please let us know how you get on. Have a lovely day and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette xx xx 🌈

[skischool]

Food link complete in various flavours and Aymes vegetable soup have enabled me to maintain my weight during a 6 month spell of dysphagia.Both are avaiable on prescription through your GP and dietician service and both are reasonably paletable.

Good luck with those as they contain both essential protein and vitimins and minerals.

[CDPO16]

Liquid dietary supplements will help you. Contact your GP. In some areas they can prescribe supplements, in others a referral to a dietician is required. In my area assessment is required by a dietician and they then advise GPs on prescribing supplements.

I used to be prescribed Fortisip which comes in many different flavours and which I found very palatable. This was taken off the prescribing list in my area 2 years ago and replaced with Fresubin (probably much cheaper) which comes in very limited flavours and which I don't particularly like.

I hope that you find something that helps you.

[Bkin]

Fortisip is not designed to be a meal replacement. Its something the doctor will perscribe if someone is not able to eat enough solid food to help maintain weight and nutrients. It should be in addition to solids.

A total liquid diet is not really suitable for everyone, it can lead to diabetes and those already diabetic would be likely to get into trouble on a liquid diet.

My suggestion would be speak to your professional medical advisers for help with this, also the BLF helpline.

You may already be aware of the other support available to you.

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

Having said all of the above, anything is better than nothing, and fluids are particularly essential.

Take good care of you.

[CRP386]

Hi, I realise you dont have the same condition as my father, he had a tumour growing in his foodpipe which it made it difficult to eat solids, but you both had to rethink food in a soft/liquid form. He also went down the Fortisip route, and was able to maintain a soft/liquid food diet. Fortisip have some recipes on their website - some of these may be suitable for you depending how much you can eat. nutridrinks.co.uk/recipes/f...

Here is some advice about soft/liquid food diet from The Christie, christie.nhs.uk/media/2321/...

My Dad also used another brand, Build Up, which I think is powedered, they also have receipes, a quick google gives me this, you should be able to find other websites etc: chemistdirect.co.uk/build-u...

The key is getting enough nutrients in via liquid. It is difficult but not impossible.

Although you can use a blender, my mother found a Ricer (kitchen tool) was better at making thicker consistencies for certain foods. You will have to experiment! Good luck.

[Ergendl]

See if you can get a referral to see a dietitian virtually. We used to prescribe Ensure and Ensure plus for people in your situation. There are also other meal replacement drinks available on the NHS for those who don't like the taste of milk or the flavour of Ensure products. Your GP is also able to prescribe these.

In the meantime, you can investigate Complan and Build Up soups which can also be taken as meal replacements.

[HuwieHex]

Thank you all for the helpful replies. My GP is happy to prescribe Fortisip.