problems eating

My dad was recently diagnosed with P/C they attempted the whipple procedure but they were not able to do it because it is intertwined in arteries and vessels.  They did do a bypass to ease his pain and a nerve block.  Ever since the surgery 1/28/07 he has had trouble swollowing food or water.  He feels like everything is going to come back up.  If he does not gulp 10-12 times it will along with some acid.  If anyone knows what might be causing this I would definatly like to know.  He is also have trouble with his pain meds(everything they have tried) becuase they all make him very thirsty and his mouth very dry.  He is so weak becuase he dreads eating and I think he is more weak now than even immediatly after his surgery.  Its very hard to see him go through this and try and stay strong for him when nothing seems to be going in his favor.

 

 

I'm so sorry about your father. That is just another horrible aspect of this disease, watching your loved ones unable to eat. I don't know what to suggest about eating. My father also had that problem and just stopped eating. That is not the answer. You can try all the easy things - pudding, ice cream, ensure drinks, etc. But for the thirst and dry mouth, I highly recommend Eclipse gum. It is strong and intense, but really does away with dry mouth. Good luck to your dad and your family. Try everything you can to get him to eat on days that he can and have patience and understanding on days that he can't. --Darlene

I'm so sorry about your father. My father was diagnosed 4 months ago. Since then he has problems eating and swallowing, we were all so worried. A dietition gave me good advice, she said not to worry too much and that it's the quality of food that is important- not quantity. He has to have a lot of protein, for eg you should mix milk powder into his milk or any other milk related food or deserts. Eggs, cheese, lentils, chicken soup. I was told bread, pasta, fruit and vegetables were not to be considered as they are not so nutritional in this case. There should be vitamin shakes, drinks and puddings offered by the hospital. Try everything, and select those your father likes. I hope this will help.