A Diet to Suit Multiple Conditions

[selrey]

My wife was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy several years ago; since then she has been diagnosed with COPD, kidney failure and recently Diabetes (2). Like medication, various diets conflict with each other. In addition, exercise is out of the question because of the COPD (she cannot walk across the room without becoming breathless). Advice on diet seems to be: "Maintain a balanced diet" etc.. Can anyone point us to a dietician who might be able to advise on some direction. Thanks

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, selrey

Unfortunately, we are not medically trained, just a group of people that are also on a weight loss journey. Whilst we can encourage and support, we can't give medical advice, only say what's worked for us.

My advice to you, would be to go back to your GP and tell them they've been less than helpful and that you wife needs a referral to a dietician. I'm afraid it's generally a case of those that pester loudest and longest, get the most.

I will, however, give you all the information that we give to other newbies and you can read it all and make a decision as to whether you think this is a good place for your wife to start her journey

Take a look at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), read the Welcome Newbie thread, then move through to the challenges, where we hope you'll find at least one that will appeal to you.

Move down to the Topics, to find a variety of threads, collated into specific topics for ease of access and we ask that you also 'file' your own threads, so that others won't miss your important news.

Take a look at the NHS 12 week plan, as a lot of people have been successful with it, making sure to enter your details into the BMI calculator, to get a calorie allowance tailored to your personal requirements. Don't forget to take your starting measurements and a 'before' picture, as they can be very motivating on days that the scales refuse to co-operate.

We run daily weigh-in's and you'd be very welcome to join us. The threads can always be found in the Events section, to the right of the HOME page, bottom on a mobile.

We also run a Daily Diary, where we share our meal and exercise plans for the day. It's a great place to get ideas and to keep us focused. The link can also be found in Events.

Be aware, that the HU app doesn't give you access to all of our important features, so we advise that you use the full website page.

We've found that to get the best out of this community, we need to be active on the forum, as it's where we exchange information, get motivation and inspiration and make friends. We hope that you'll join us here, regularly, too.

It's only left for me to wish you well on your journey

[IndigoBlue61]

Dietary advice can seem overwhelming can't it? Have you spoken to the nurse at your GP practice as she should also be able to advise you on a sensible balanced diet 😊

I hope you receive some help soon.

Best wishes

[selrey in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Thanks Anna

The nurse at our GP's surgery was our first port of call - a very helpful lady but unable to assist given the numerous conditions Elaine my wife is suffering. Our GP likewise referred us to a diabetes forum at a local hospital, which has unfortunately been discontinued. Our local private hospital has nothing. I've scanned all the clinics but only one can offer a group consultative meeting early in the day, which is inappropriate for my wife because of her physical condition. Bearing in mind the effects of her COPD, we are somewhat limited.

What we think we require is an holistic dietician/medical practitioner (NHS or private) who can work through with us the dietary options that would suit a person suffering Elaine's conditions. Surely there must be someone else who suffers multiple medical conditions for which a diet as far as possible might be suitable. For example, potassium is contained in many vegetables and other 'healthy' foods but which are unhealthy for people suffering kidney disease.

We are eating plenty of fruit and veg and avoid weight-gaining carbohydrates: in respect of the veg, we soak it in cold water and then drain before cooking so as to reduce the amount of potassium. There are many other examples but we do believe there must be someone out there who can put us in touch with an appropriate dietician/medical practitioner.

One final thought: Elaine is seeing her renal consultant later this month to discuss her kidney function (which has risen slightly but not alarmingly) and diabetes, so we shall see whether he can provide any advice. Perhaps I can write again following our visit so as to contribute any ideas to your forum.

Thanks again for your help.

Selrey

[Penel]

Hi selrey,

Sorry to hear about the difficulties facing you and your wife. This is the NHS website which suggests how you might go about finding a dietician.

nhs.uk/chq/Pages/find-a-reg...

Hope you can find someone with the appropriate knowledge.

[RG07 Maintainer]

have you asked your GP to refer her to community dietician? Also the UK dietician association produce various information sheets whoch may help. Google BDA and it should have a link to the The association of UK dieticians. Does she see any hospitals Drs for any of her conditions? They maybe able to refer her to hospital distician if you get no joy from your GP- but try your GP first since the hospital will direct you there first but if she says she has and has had no luck- the Dr may state in the clinic letter than are automatically sent to GPs that they reccommend you be referred to the community dietician

have you looked on the diabetes uk website- they may have a group local to you that your wife can go to?