Anything to help nutrient absorption?

[Alzoid]

My first time back on these forums in a long while... (posting at least, I browse quite a bit).

Ever since I was diagnosed I've been losing weight, which has been expected... When we finally diagnosed it and started meds, the weight loss stopped. The problem is, Every time I go to the doctors office, which is normally 2-3 months, I seem to have lost about 10 pounds every time. He's told me to eat more, which I am, I've even started downing two ensures a day, but it doesn't seem to be helping.

I'm 5'11 and about 137 pounds now... I eat quite a bit, so at least my parents and I, are assuming I have an absorption problem... we talked to my doctor, but all he did was up my Imuran dosage.

I'm not actually sure if that will help, but I was hoping somebody might have some suggestions, if there are any, or ways to help with nutrient absorption.

My apologies if I posted this in the wrong forum, it just seemed like the appropriate place to post

 

[rygon]

It would be worth making a diary of what you eat (and how much). At least then you can work out roughly how many calories you are eating. This will give you a bit more info (what some people may think is a lot of food may be little to others as you most probably know).

What about making your own smoothies/ juices? Ive been doing this as i dont really eat much fruit or veg. Normally something like carrot/celery/apple makes a nice drink. Had one with apples/plums/strawberries in it the other day which was amazing. Just watch out you dont have too much fruit as they are high in sugars

 

[Lydia]

Try taking an enzyme supplement with meals. You cant absorb what you dont break down.

 

[Alzoid]

Try taking an enzyme supplement with meals. You cant absorb what you dont break down.

Thank you, I'll give it a shot and see if I can find some next time I go to the store

 

[Jennifer]

I think it would make more sense to up the Apriso rather than the Imuran since Apriso helps reduce inflammation (don't do it, talk to your doctor about it). Steroids also reduce inflammation. Has your doctor told you or your parents what your blood work says such as what your inflammation markers are? Or have you had a test done recently that confirms a large amount of inflammation? Upping the Imuran helps in slowing down the progression of the disease including the inflammation but I think using a med that reduces inflammation would be a good idea as well (you're on one already but perhaps you need the dosage upped or another one added or both).

 

[littlemissh]

You should ask for a referral to a specialist ibd dietician, they are really helpful.

 

[Alzoid]

I think it would make more sense to up the Apriso rather than the Imuran since Apriso helps reduce inflammation (don't do it, talk to your doctor about it). Steroids also reduce inflammation. Has your doctor told you or your parents what your blood work says such as what your inflammation markers are? Or have you had a test done recently that confirms a large amount of inflammation? Upping the Imuran helps in slowing down the progression of the disease including the inflammation but I think using a med that reduces inflammation would be a good idea as well (you're on one already but perhaps you need the dosage upped or another one added or both).

Interesting, I wasn't aware the upping of Apriso could help with inflammation. And I'd like to avoid steroids if possible (may not get a choice, I'm dropping weight fast, even with 2 Ensure's a day + meals)

I'll make sure to ask him about the bloodwork next time I go in (hopefully 2 weeks), normally he just says everything has turned out within normal limits.

You should ask for a referral to a specialist ibd dietician, they are really helpful.

I'll make sure to ask... if he doesn't know any, I'll take the the internet and try my school's dietitian in the meantime.

 

[Teresa T]

I have vitamin deficiency...when i went to the doc my potassuim levels were real low so he prescribed me prescription strenght potassium pills...I also take the chiidren flintstone vitiamins cause they seen to absrorb better...I just take two instead of one like the kids do....Not telling you to do so but i just wanted to chare with you my expierences....hope u get to feeling better soon!!!