Malnutrition

[Digger55]

Hello, I am getting more worried about my husbands malnutrition. He has been referred to dietitians but that was a while back, I chased but they he’d no record of the referral so I emailed the letter and they have said he has been added to the list to be triaged. Has anyone used a private clinic either outpatient or inpatient to help stabilise continuing weight loss. I know the advice is eat little and often but he wakes late, just getting up now at 1.00pm and goes to bed early as he is so exhausted. Because he struggles to eat much at all this is just getting worse and worse. Looking for any advice to try and end this cycle. There are so many different protein powders and dietary supplements I am not sure what would be best to try. So far just using Complan and fortified milk but this is obviously not enough. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Shep666]

Hi

I can quickly throw in what they gave me (18st down to under 12st)

Both powders

Renpro (only from pharmacy I think)

Meretine (Amazon as well I think)

I was on 4 of each a day ( took two mixed together at once) so 4 “super shakes” a day. If too thick water can be used instead of milk. This is not advice but maybe a short term stop gap till you see the dietitian. Low in “bad calories”, high in protein. I am still on 2 a day post transplant.

They do a yogurt pot version of repro but i found them too thick and hard to face.

[Digger55 in reply to Shep666]

Thanks, I cannot find any thing about Renpro, do you know who makes these?

[Shep666 in reply to Digger55]

Hi

The shots are not the same as the powder in looks/taste/consitancy.

Renpro are pescribed to me in powder form and are not intended as energy drinks. They are a protein suppliment. (20g a sachet). My original dose of 4 a day + 4 of the meretine powder (which whilst still protein loaded is more energy focused). This dose was set by my liver consultant after taking the dietician's advice.

As far as I know Renpro powder is available only via the hospital/doctor (no proof of that). The Meretine is tastier and available online. Mixed together they made hitting my intake targets a lot less daunting.

My protein value needed to be very high - as a quick example using redpoints Ensure plus cf to renpro as a protein comparison, 6.25 cf 18g. There are loads of other numbers (minerals, energy etc) - it really depends on what you really need.

It really is best to get a professional to asses and advise on what type/quantity of suppliments to take based on your actual needs rather than self suppliment. There are so many off the shelf types that are not really focused/suitable to liver type weight loss.

[redpoint72]

Hello digger. Could you not chat with his consultant, to explain fully the weight loss situation?.

Or gp?.

My liver dietician prescribed Ensure Plus protein shakes, there on prescription, otherwise quite expensive to buy.

Take care.

Chris

[Digger55 in reply to redpoint72]

We have spoken with the consultant who has referred to dietitians, did say use Complan and whatever he will eat at the moment until we see the dietitian.

[Chick_atee]

I was like that and I had to really make myself stomach fortisips ( vanilla is just about tolerable ) the others are fine if you can handle sickly sweet. The other was a powdered shake from Nualtra. The dietician prescribed them though. They really do work if you can think mind over matter. I’m still taking them if I’m out and won’t be able to eat my prepared food. Very handy when he gets to that stage.

[Hidden]

Yup, not a fan of renpro, nor complan, could barely stomach Fortisip pre-tp, post tp am fine with fortisip, though some of them I really don't like. Mainly I used protein powder I bought from Amazon, largely bc I had to eat 133-166g of protein per day and I was veggie back then.

[wp69]

Im on Ensure plus Juce (thats how its spelt) 10 G of protein per pre mixed shake , I think its good stuff.

[Digger55 in reply to wp69]

Thanks, I will take a look