Problems Eating

[jmeg24]

My mom was diagnosed with HSV1 encephalitis in July of this year. Since coming home four weeks ago, she has no appetite. We are lucky if we can get her to eat 500 calories in a day. Food does not taste good and often makes her nauseated. Have others had similar experiences.

[EncephInternational Partner]

Welcome to the community jmeg24, we are so sorry to hear of your mom's problems with her appetite since her discharge. There was a paper published this year where some doctors in Singapore had some successes with increasing the food intake of a post-encephalitis patient with appetite problems. They tried giving her her favorite foods, to increase the appetite, and introducing smaller portions at first, to make the food seem more manageable. I hope these tips are helpful but please don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly support team at [e-mail], or call us on [phone] if you would like to talk it through in more detail.

[Paula-38]

I had HSV encephalitis, but no I can't empathize.

[Hidden]

I am also recovering from Encephalitis that I had in July and I am having the same problem. I was thinking it is from the meds I am on, anti seizure and they also put me on a stimulant since all I did was sleep in the hospital. But even when I don't take the stimulant I don't have an appetite, the thought of food makes me feel sick.

[Lottie1706]

Hi jmeg24, I had HSV encephalitis in October 18. I was very sick and lost my appetite for months after. Im still off food now as things taste different but will eat more. But I do get sick with the anxiety that has happened since I got the encephalitis.

[Paula-38 in reply to Lottie1706]

As a 1 year old, I believe that I wouldn't take my bottle and was being sick (in the acute phase of the illness) but when I was discharged I was taking my bottle again and 3 anti-epilepsy medications, so my appetite was ok after being in hospital for six weeks.