I am SO hungry!

[Eve_L]

I on day 4 of the Modulen and I'm just so constantly hungry I'm sorry to have a moan but my husband doesnt understand, seeing as how he's just had something to eat! I would do anything for even just a piece of toast right now!
Blimey, this thing is mentally as well as physically tough.

 

[afman]

what is the modulen diet havent heard of that one before

 

[Eve_L]

Its a meal replacement drink you make up with powder and
water but it contains an anti inflammatory to try and reduce
the swelling in the bowel. You can't eat any food at all and
at first it's really hard!

 

[denisk]

how bout soup?

 

[Eve_L]

Apparently you can't have anything at all only that and
clear liquids so I've been told water and lemonade. It's
really boring and I just find it hard because I love my food!
I don't know why soup is a no go but my dietician says
that's the rules!

 

[Grumbletum]

Oh my! How long do you have to stay on it for without eating?

 

[vickie_x]

Keep strong
It seems like forever but your body will really appreciate it!
I was started on modulen but I couldn't tolerate it unfortunately (every feed I was sick :/ ) but I really wish I could have as I know how well it has worked for people. Instead, I ended up on an ensure only diet with similar restrictions... It's not fun when you love food!

Has your dietician ruled out boiled sweets? I know when I was going on the modulen, mine allowed boiled sweets so maybe asking about them just 'cause it feels like something solid (get boring after a while though!)

Hope the modulen works well for you though, hang in there <3

 

[saltimbanc0]

Hiya, I havent ever done this diet exactly but i have fasted a few times for up to 25 days (water, klemon juice and maple and other just fluid fasts.diets as well).

I can promise you if you are giong onto a liquid diet the first 2/3 days are the worst - if you can get through them (mentally more so than physically) your appetite WILL pass and the urges/cravings too as long as you dont wake it up.

On all the full fasts ive done by middle of day 3 my body has accepted food isnt coming in and that side of things has gone to sleep for a good rest. It then became a boredom thing from about day 7 but that was easier to manage and you realise how much of your life revolves around food - its quite liberating in a way.

If you are having milkshakes this may be diffferent as it may be thick enough to stimulate digestive action still and as soon as thats happening your body wants food. If you are able to keep them as thin as possible this might help, Ice cubes/lollies maybe?

For me even chewing gum or biting would make things tough because then your body starts producing enzymes in preparation to receive food. Keep fighting it out another day or so, keep yourself distracted, pampered and focus on the rewards of this - the well desrved break for your tummy will turn into a well deserved break for you from the pain and symptoms in a while.

S

 

[Boioiod]

You may want to binge, but you will feel horrible. I broke down last night and had pasta and shrimp and have been paying for it since. Missed work, constant potty visits, and the feeling of satisfaction from eating doesnt last nearly long enough...

 

[Sjblanch1984]

If you're starving, eat. I could see not eating for a day or two if you just weren't getting hungry but that's rediculous and your dietician is a moron and you can tell him or her that i said so.

 

[Debbie]

I know this might sound stupid,but when I was on iv feedings I started writing down meals I would cook when I was able to eat food again.It took my mind off eating,ironic,but it worked.I also started a journal.Writing made time pass.

 

[saltimbanc0]

haha that sounds like pure torture! I have to say though during fasts in the past by day 5 so many of my dreams (and actually i slept so much better as time went on in the fast) were really vivid about food and often i woke up so convinced id eeaten they were so clear and detailed that i was furious with myself for having broken the fast.
You really realise how much time in your life you think about and are consumed with tihngs relating to food when you totally cut it out -so much free time suddenly.
Want to just clarify that fasting or any absitnence from food should be medically advised and for health reasons not otherwise (IMO)

 

[supercellbaebe]

Oh chick, I know exactly what you're going through. I was on the Elemental 028 diet on and off for months and months and it is AWFUL, in a word. I think its similar to Modulin. I remember being in floods of tears when I went out with my mum so she could eat in cafes and restaurants, all I wanted to do was eat like all the other people. Horrible...

There are some things you can do, which helped me to get through the time. Firstly, try to avoid going to places where people eat food. I know its not always possible, but believe me it'll make it much easier not having to witness what you aren't able to do. Also as a last resort, when I was absolutely desperate to just eat something. I would often put small amounts of food in my mouth just to taste it, but not swallow it. The idea of the elemental diets is to give your entire system a rest, but frankly, they are torture. Just tasting the food, is not the same is swallowing it, but it beats having to sit there watching everyone else tucking into food while you sip a drink.

Also after you've been on it for a period of say a week or so, the hunger pangs should start to subside. If you are still starving, you might need to increase the amount of Modulin you drink because it may not be enough to satisfy your nutritional needs.

Final bit of advice, if you really can't take it, go back to your GI and ask for an alternative. You shouldn't have to torture yourself, there are other ways of treating IBD. The Elemental diets are not for everyone.

Good luck chick,
Thinking about you
xxx

 

[Eve_L]

Thank you so much for your advice. I've realised Ive been going for a while now and I'm managing slowly so I'm getting there.

The worst thing for me is that I have to cook for my daughter when she gets home from nursery because my husband isnt back from work until nearer her bedtime. I make fresh meals for her and sometimes the smells are just too much to resist and how I do it I will never know. Mind you, my husband is being rather insensitive and isnt making his own meals, so either I make it or he gets a takeaway. I was upset the other week when some friends came round for a drink and everyone got pizzas and thought it was rather mean of them, but then I just got over it (although I cursed them under my breath!).

I did fall down yesterday and have a piece of bread because the need to eat something solid was just so bad that I just did it. I didnt feel ill afterwards because it was so plain, but I'm back on track today :shifty-t:

 

[saltimbanc0]

Your husband needs a good smack, at the least without emotional or other support i;m not impressed that hes actually making things harder (i give him minus 5 points and im a guy myself!). I can only assume he is beyond awful at cooking otherwise id have him making your daughters too, at least initially to help you. I used to be in a huff on the nights the gf did the cooking when we were living together, it was something i enjoyed though if she did too i guess it was ok (probably i was more annoyed because i knew it was then my job to offer to wash up that night....then i bought a dishwasher and ....maybe thats where the became obsolete....)


I remember the FIRST time i had a colonoscopy i was ....13 and I had bil at school a whole day nil by mouth as the scope was the next morning. I got to come home and drink the citramag or whatever they used back then and my brother decided THAT was a good night to get pizza hut takeaway for "everyone" - i was 13 and pizza was a big deal so i hid the room next to the toilet and drank my potion in tears.

Keep at it and remind yourself this is helping you recover - short term sacrifice for long term gains

 

[25times]

I am so sorry you have to deal with that =(
I don't have much of an appetite lately, cuz I'm always nauseated/bloated/constipated from meds. But when I do get hungry, I still have to limit myself to very bland foods, and very little of them. Still, your diet sounds like cruel and unusual punishment.

I know what you mean about people eating in front of you when you can't. I find it soooo rude. When I was in the hospital last, my boyfriend was really hungry and got a sandwhich, pickle and some pretzles from the cafeteria. I almost gave him a ham and cheese enema, bastard. Alot of people figure that having crohn's is our problem, not theirs, so why should they have to comprimise and "suffer." I get that, really. I'm not one to put out my cigarette if someone starts coughing really obviously. But to be so inconsiderate to actually have you cooking for him? Maybe remind him that you are already dealing with enough "shit" and he can get off his non-inflamed ass and make himself a sandwhich?

Again, I'm sorry you're dealing with this. And sorry for the long post haha percocet makes me really chatty and no one is around to talk to.

 

[supercellbaebe]

Yeah that is really unfair. My ex boyfriend used to do the same. He'd make me go out shopping and buy all the ingredients, then cook his meal and then sit watching him gobble it down make "ummm..." sounds constantly. Its really unfair, you have to tell him, its just like rubbing salt into an open wound.

It must be really hard when you're having to share a house with folks as well, I am quite lucky I live alone so I could kind of distance myself to a degree (at least while my ex wasn't around). Just take car chick and remember what I said in my last text about finding an alternative if it really isn't working for you.

Big hugs
xxx

 

[Eve_L]

I have to make my daughters dinner because my husband doesnt get home til near her bedtime, but she doesnt eat in front of me to make me feel bad, she's only 2 and just needs to be fed! My husband on the other hand knows the score but doesnt really do much about it. I'm kind of used to it with him now - I tend to get him back with my stinky bottom burps!!! :stinks:

 

[supercellbaebe]

Oh Gosh Eve_L, I know the feeling! My Ex would insist he couldn't smell them, but frankly, you could probably smell them in Europe, they were so bad, I think he was just being polite!