Help with poor appetite

[Dora86]

I have had kidney disease for a while now and I'm also on dialysis. I have never had a good appetite but now I feel like I'm hitting a new low. I just don't enjoy food anymore, I wouldn't eat if I didn't have to. The portion sizes I have are tiny. I have lost 3kg in 3 years. I need to put weight on before I lose muscle mass. I'm eating junk food and I know it's bad for me but It is a temporary comfort to me.If I could live on a diet of tea water,toast,fortijuice and plain digestive biscuits I would. I am embarrassed and ashamed to ask the dietician for help. Has anyone got any suggestions?

[DaveThebe]

Pls approach your dietician about your problems don’t be embarrassed. These people have seen or heard everything under the sun and they are not there to judge anyone.

[Samia1942 in reply to DaveThebe]

Don’t be ashamed to ask for help that’s what dieticians are paid for “ to help”. How about some nice fruit smoothies , can you add a small scoop of ice cream.?

[2sday]

This is a common problem. Your dietician will understand.

[Calebzztop]

This is really really super common .I was on dialysis for years and have had 3 transplants and right now I have been telling my family "I just have no appetite ,to the point where I "forget"about needing to eat unless someone literally brings me food or says "What have you eaten?" I have lost 8-10 lbs and I usually weigh 128-130 lbs ,so its alot for me. I asked the dietician for some tips and she gave me a few sheets and we spoke for about 5-10 minutes. Plus she put in for a prescription of Strawberry Ensure plus, 3 a day to help me gain weight back. Have you tried supplements like ensure plus or boost? Your Dr might be able to get your insurance to pay for them. Feel better and please don't feel bad at all about talking to dietician. Take care!

[Darlenia]

Hi Dora. I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with appetite. I don't know your age, but I do know that as the years go by not only the kidneys but all our organs, including our stomachs, age as well. It's not unusual at all to lose appetite due to gastritis, ibs, and more in that regard. But it's also possible to contract these conditions when younger. Please consider checking in with a gastroenterologist (not only a dietitian) who can help restore things to a more normal situation. You deserve a quality life.

[Dora86]

Thank you everyone for your kind and helpful messages. It's comforting to know it's not just me.

[Sophiebun11]

Hi Dora86,

Never be embarrassed to ask for help from your medical team.

Thinking of food as medicine may help. Just as you need your dialysis, you need to eat food.

You can add in protein drinks and high calorie shakes.

Please do what you must to take care of yourself.

Best wishes.

[RhenDutchess123]

If you are on Dialysis, then you know how important it is to eat protien....You need it to fight off infection and keep you strong.....I understand what you are saying about eating...I struggled with the idea of eating meat after so many years of not be allowed to...I started by cutting a small portion from my Husband steak...eating it in between something I liked * blueberries and strawberries*...You dont have to get use to eating the recommended 6-8 ounces all at once...just work into it slowly...it took me almost 10 months but I am finally in the low normal range