Good food for an AIDS patient

[Guest greatness]

I am currently taking care of a friend who recently got diagnosed with AIDS. He started HARRT a week ago and I hope he gets better soon. I tried to cook porridge for him since he can't digest food well but he doesn't like it at all. I'm not a good cook. Tried a couple of prepared meals from Whole Foods but he barely touches it. Then went to a fancy restaurant and got soup from there and he feels nauseated after eating it. Do you have any recipe or idea that can help increase his appetite and he can eat it with no problems? He needs to eat well but barely touches what I give him. If you have ideas or special recipes what about sharing it on here. Thanks in advance.

[Luv2play]

Does your friend have AIDS or HIV infection? If he has full-blown AIDS, then he must have two or more of the diseases associated with AIDS such as pneumonia, Kaposis Sarcoma or other dibilitating diseases. If this is the case, then these may be causing him to lose his appetite. If he has HIV infection but no symptoms of other diseases, perhaps the meds are causing him to not eat. He should consult his doctor as they are well trained to find a combination of drugs that avoid most side effects. A lot of progress has been made in this regard since the early days of HARRT over a decade and a half ago. Good luck to your friend.

[Guest greatness]

He has AIDS. He didn't get tested for HIV until very recently when he got really ill. He can't eat well which is a big issue right now.

Does your friend have AIDS or HIV infection?

[Diverdan]

Greatness,

He should see his Doctor for referral to a Registered Dietitian (RD). There are many programs available to help with nutrition for patients with AIDS, and if I remember, you are in NYC and there are several programs there that can be of significant help. There is a special interest group within the American Dietetic Association that specializes in nutrition for patients with AIDS and HIV. Go to their website, http://www.eatright.org and look for the special interest groups. You can also search on their website for a Registered Dietitian by zip code and find someone nearby that can be of help to you. Good luck and let me know if you need further information.

DD

[Guest greatness]

Thanks!

 

I was just visiting NYC, I live in the south but thank you for the compliment! Is it my fashion style? lol. Thank you for the info. You are so sweet. I am seeking recipes for tasty dishes that are easy on the stomach. He barely eats anything, which is a big problem. I think he is a bit depressed too. I hope he can eat something tonight.

 

Greatness,

He should see his Doctor for referral to a Registered Dietitian (RD). There are many programs available to help with nutrition for patients with AIDS, and if I remember, you are in NYC and there are several programs there that can be of significant help. There is a special interest group within the American Dietetic Association that specializes in nutrition for patients with AIDS and HIV. Go to their website, http://www.eatright.org and look for the special interest groups. You can also search on their website for a Registered Dietitian by zip code and find someone nearby that can be of help to you. Good luck and let me know if you need further information.

DD

[Guest Wetnwildbear]

Easy to Digest

 

It may be Cliche - But it works

 

Go to the Grocery store and get low sodium low fat Canned/Boxed Chicken Stock/broth - Get some Boneless/skinless

 

chicken breasts some barley and some carrots - Cut carrots and chicken breasts into 1 inch pieces add a little dill

 

weed - cook low and slow until chicken and carrots are very soft. (Remember Barley GROWS in Liquid and absorbs

 

ergo less is more)

 

 

Easy to digest - smell is enticing and reminds folks of childhood. You can substitute noodles for barley.

 

 

Serve with toast w/melted american or mild swiss cheese - Also easy to digest and smells reminisent of childhood.

 

 

When my friends with AIDS would eat nothing else - these simple childhood foods brought them comfort and

 

covered the basic food groups - Protein/carbs/fat/veg/grain

 

 

Follow the advice from others about doctor and nitritionist - nut also try the simple things - I hope your friend is

 

back to himself soon!

[Guest Wetnwildbear]

Easy to Digest

 

It may be Cliche - But it works

 

Go to the Grocery store and get low sodium low fat Canned/Boxed Chicken Stock/broth - Get some Boneless/skinless

 

chicken breasts some barley and some carrots - Cut carrots and chicken breasts into 1 inch pieces add a little dill

 

weed - cook low and slow until chicken and carrots are very soft. (Remember Barley GROWS in Liquid and absorbs

 

ergo less is more)

 

 

Easy to digest - smell is enticing and reminds folks of childhood. You can substitute noodles for barley.

 

 

Serve with toast w/melted american or mild swiss cheese - Also easy to digest and smells reminisent of childhood.

 

 

When my friends with AIDS would eat nothing else - these simple childhood foods brought them comfort and

 

covered the basic food groups - Protein/carbs/fat/veg/grain

 

 

Follow the advice from others about doctor and nutritionist - but also try the simple things - I hope your friend is

 

back to himself soon!

[Lookin]

Starting HAART therapy is going to cause a lot of changes in your friend's body as he responds to the medication. Sounds like his sense of taste is being affected currently.

 

Over the next few weeks and months he'll most likely get back into equilibrium, and these short-term changes should diminish. My guess is his sense of taste will return to normal before long, as will his appetite.

 

In the meantime, has he considered taking something to boost his appetite? His doctor can prescribe marinol or - dare I suggest? - he may want to fire up a doobie an hour or so before dinner. http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/smoke/toke.gif

 

Once again, greatness, your eagerness to stand by your friends always brightens my day. http://www.maleescortreview.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.png

[Guest greatness]

Thanks.

 

Wow Lookin... Can you come over and take care of my friend with me? You are so knowledgeable. He is not on Marinol but he is taking something else. Thanks wetnwildbear! I will try it tonight and see whether it works.

 

 

Starting HAART therapy is going to cause a lot of changes in your friend's body as he responds to the medication. Sounds like his sense of taste is being affected currently.

 

Over the next few weeks and months he'll most likely get back into equilibrium, and these short-term changes should diminish. My guess is his sense of taste will return to normal before long, as will his appetite.

 

In the meantime, has he considered taking something to boost his appetite? His doctor can prescribe marinol or - dare I suggest? - he may want to fire up a doobie an hour or so before dinner. http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/smoke/toke.gif

 

Once again, greatness, your eagerness to stand by your friends always brightens my day. http://www.maleescortreview.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.png

[rossthebosssf]

Greatness, Wetnwildbear is on to something. Has your friend considered medical marijuana? If you Google, there's been quite a bit of research on the subject in getting patients to consume and hold down food. If he doesn't live in an area that offers a dispensary, you can always go on Craigslist to get access to a small stash. If he doesn't mind trying, you might want to pursue this option.

[+ Gar1eth]

There is also a prescription antihistamine called Periactin that enhances appetite and a steroid( which may not be good for someone in an immunocompromised state) called Megace ( although I think Megace has been shown to mainly increase fat and not lean muscle). If he has a physician experienced in HIV treatment and if his symptoms are not just from depression ( and even if they are), this should be discussed with the doctor for suggestions.

 

Gman

[Guest greatness]

Thanks Gar1eth.

[Guest greatness]

Wetnwildbear, thank you. I don't know whether you have seen a movie called "No Reservations" but your post reminded me of the movie. In that movie Catherine Zeta-Jones is a perfectionist chef. Her sister dies from a car accident and she inherits 9 year old niece. Her grieving niece would not eat anything despite of her great cooking skills. I don't remember the exact lines in the movie but her therapist recommends "fish sticks" for the niece. Something simple that her niece is used to eating. Today I sat down with my friend and I ate the same food (what you suggested with a little bit of modifications). I didn't bother to prepare something else for myself. I suddenly realized whenever I prepared his food I thought it was only for sick people not for me. My heart was in the wrong place. Thanks to you he finished half of it! Well I hope he can eat everything tomorrow. Thank you all.

 

Easy to digest - smell is enticing and reminds folks of childhood. You can substitute noodles for barley.

 

 

Serve with toast w/melted american or mild swiss cheese - Also easy to digest and smells reminisent of childhood.

 

 

When my friends with AIDS would eat nothing else - these simple childhood foods brought them comfort and

 

covered the basic food groups - Protein/carbs/fat/veg/grain

 

 

Follow the advice from others about doctor and nutritionist - but also try the simple things - I hope your friend is

 

back to himself soon!

[adriano46]

Just want to say I am in awe of the excellent, compassionate advice given so well here on this topic. GREATNESS, so many guys here like you (as you well know), and so they are ready to help. I will only add my 2 cents on simple recipes such as home style chicken soup (or even just a flavorful chicken broth), grilled cheese etc... Sometimes the meds affect taste; there is something too for the underlying depression he may feel following the diagnosis, which should not be ignored.

 

I have found that while it is truly a great act of love to prepare the meal (even a simple one), a bigger act of love is sitting there eating with the patient, and more just being there at his side. This will (hopefully) help bring back the appetite. Good luck!

[Diverdan]

Greatness,

I would only add again to this advise to go with your friend to his Doctor if possible and discuss this with him. Also, you really do need the service of an RD who can help you not only with the right "comfort food" for him, but to make sure he gets the proper nutrition to accompany the medications he is on. There is a HUGE interaction between the medicines for AIDS patients and the nutrition they need. There is now a lot of research on this, and the last thing you want to do is to give him something that will interact negatively with his medication, even if he loves eating it and keeps it down. I so admire you for what you are doing, and as I said earlier, send me a PM if I can be of more specific help. We are all pulling for you and your friend, and your focus on eating with him and eating what he is eating is a wonderful testament to your love and compassion. You are in fact, "GREATNESS"!

[Guest greatness]

Diverdan, you are so sweet. I should make a trip to midwest just to see you. I have already consulted many professionals so I am not giving him anything that will harm him. I started this thread to ask people to share personal experiences that might be useful. Sometimes just talking with others help. I will certain PM you if I need help or when I don't need help just to get to know you better lol. Thanks for all the help guys. He finally had his first breakfast today. Hugs~~

 

Greatness,

I would only add again to this advise to go with your friend to his Doctor if possible and discuss this with him. Also, you really do need the service of an RD who can help you not only with the right "comfort food" for him, but to make sure he gets the proper nutrition to accompany the medications he is on. There is a HUGE interaction between the medicines for AIDS patients and the nutrition they need. There is now a lot of research on this, and the last thing you want to do is to give him something that will interact negatively with his medication, even if he loves eating it and keeps it down. I so admire you for what you are doing, and as I said earlier, send me a PM if I can be of more specific help. We are all pulling for you and your friend, and your focus on eating with him and eating what he is eating is a wonderful testament to your love and compassion. You are in fact, "GREATNESS"!

[Guest Wetnwildbear]

So Glad I was able to help - even a little. Your friend is lucky to have such a devoted and caring person in his life.

[Diverdan]

Great news, Greatness... glad to know that things are going so well. Looking forward to meeting you in person one of these days too!!!!

[Guest greatness]

I would like to let you know that he is eating better. Lookin and travis69, Marinol works well so he can finish most of his meal. He is getting more energy and can do more things around the house. He did his laundry today and walked around the back yard. I put bird seeds outside his window so birds come every morning to greet him. I hope he can recover fast.

[Diverdan]

Greatness,

Thanks for the good news. Please know that your friend and you are in our thoughts and prayers. You truly are "greatness" personified, and it would be marvelous if every guy who has AIDS had a friend like you. I loved the bird seed idea and am going to pass that on to my niece who is looking after her elderly mother who is becoming more and more depressed. Birds chirping and singing in the morning is a brilliant idea.

DD

[Guest greatness]

You are a great uncle.. I couldn't make through these days without the support from forum members. So thank you all.

 

Greatness,

Thanks for the good news. Please know that your friend and you are in our thoughts and prayers. You truly are "greatness" personified, and it would be marvelous if every guy who has AIDS had a friend like you. I loved the bird seed idea and am going to pass that on to my niece who is looking after her elderly mother who is becoming more and more depressed. Birds chirping and singing in the morning is a brilliant idea.

DD

[MsGuy]

I put bird seeds outside his window so birds come every morning to greet him.

 

Wonderful idea, greatness! Did the same thing for my Mom after she became disabled. I suggest using those variety packs of seeds to bring in a greater diversity of species. Watching the different types of birds interact is endlessly entertaining.

[Guest greatness]

Thanks~~

 

MsGuy you are right. He enjoys some live activity while he is in bed. He is gradually eating well and has more energy. I suggested reading him a book and he said " No, I'm not a child" If I ever get sick like him I think I would love to somebody to read a book for me. I didn't understand it but people think differently. Hugs~~~

 

Wonderful idea, greatness! Did the same thing for my Mom after she became disabled. I suggest using those variety packs of seeds to bring in a greater diversity of species. Watching the different types of birds interact is endlessly entertaining.