Eating real food again after having a TPN line for awhile.?

Question

My Mom had to have a TPN line for awhile (less than a month). She has been off it for about 2-3 days and we cant get her to eat at all. She will drink fluids, but anything we give her to eat, even her favorite foods, she will only take one or two bites, or will hold the food in her mouth for awhile and want to spit it out. She just says stuff doesnt taste good. She never had a very good appetite before the TPN line and was always a picky eater. We have told her she has to try and eat so as not to go back on the TPN line and all she says is "I know". Please can anyone tell me what I can do to help encourage her to eat? We talked to the Dr and he said they may start her on a oral med to help with her eating in a few days. Please.. any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

I was on TPN for 3 months. I had pancreatitis and could not put anything in my stomach. When I was allowed to eat again, I couldn't. My stomach had shrunk so much, that I could only eat a mouthful of food. She should eat only things that appeal to her to start. She can get medication that will improve her appetite. She also may be depressed. Keep in touch with the doctor. I never really ever got my appetite back, and lost over 60 pounds. The doctor has me drinking diet supplements like Boost, Ensure or Glucerna. See if your mom can tolerate some of these supplements. They contain lots of calories and things she needs. Best wishes.

Answer 2

what was she on the tpn for? does she have cancer? if thats the case, it's very common for the food not to taste good. her taste buds are kind of shot. you can't force her.i used to think that the smell of the food cooking would help wet the appetite but it doesn't. the only thing you can really do is incourage her.if you push to hard though, she may shy away from it even more. best of luck to you.