Meal replacement shakes

[chl0102]

Hi all
Im hoping to get some information regarding meal replacement shakes please!!
Im having a rather bad flare at the moment almost to the point of no longer being able to keep soild food in. So ive given it some thought and decided that shakes may be the solution to the problem as I will get all my nutritional needs without having to physically eat something. Now the issues im having are
1. Can I use any shake while on medication as the last thing I want it to do is render my tablets useless. (Currently on prednisolone, pentasa and ferrous sulphate)
2. If I cant use just any old shake. What shakes are the best on the market?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sophabulous]

I had ensure plus shakes as complete meal replacement for 8 weeks, and then 50/50 for a further few weeks. I was ok on them but someone on here did mention an ingredient in them that can cause problems? Can't remember what it was called but I think it began with a P?!

That's going to drive me crazy!!

 

[chl0102]

Thankyou so much for your reply.
Will I get ensure in the UK?
Does it not react with the tablets?
Sorry for all the questions, im a newbie when it comes to meal replacement x x

 

[Sophabulous]

Not at all! I'm in the UK and I got mine on prescription through my Hospital's dietitian. When I looked into buying them they are very pricey to use long term for complete meal replacement so i would definitely see if you can be referred to a dietitian for this.

Mine also offered an alternative that you mix up yourself but I went for ensure as it was easier with work etc. As far as I'm aware there's no issue with any meal replacement plan interfering with medications, I think the idea is to give your bowel a good rest. I was on Pentasa shortly before I started it, was taking iron tablets throughout and ended up on azathioprine and was never made aware of any interaction or issue.

If anything the issue would be if the prednisolone is increasing your appetite, that would make the shakes hard to stick to, but I guess that's subjective

 

[chl0102]

I literally can't thank you enough for your wealth of knowledge regarding this!! I've scoured the internet and couldnt find the answers I was looking for.
I just want some way of getting nutrients in me without having to eat as it causes me great discomfort when flaring (I know you know the drill).
As you say I just need to give my bowel a rest.
Currently dealing with bloody loose stools (sorry if tmi). Just want to start feeling a bit better.
Hope your symptom free and enjoying the new year

 

[ronroush7]

I had ensure plus shakes as complete meal replacement for 8 weeks, and then 50/50 for a further few weeks. I was ok on them but someone on here did mention an ingredient in them that can cause problems? Can't remember what it was called but I think it began with a P?!

That's going to drive me crazy!!

Most Ensure shakes have carregeenan in them which can be a problem . Check the ingredients.

 

[chl0102]

Thank you for all the input. Its most informative

 

[Sophabulous]

Most Ensure shakes have carregeenan in them which can be a problem . Check the ingredients.

That's the one, thank you for clarifying!

 

[ronroush7]

Welcome

 

[Pilgrim]

We have found them to be a great help during our daughter's flares. We do take her supplements at times when she is not drinking the shake. Just to increase her absorption. If you take your meds with food, then you would take them with the shake.
She had used them as her only food for two 6 week periods and it helped. Just make sure you drink enough to get your calories.

 

[Lisa]

Good advice above on meal replacement.

BUT - are you also contacting your doctor about the symptoms? If you are bleeding and haven't already, you NEED to contact your doctor and let them know. It sounds like your medications are not cutting it.....and may need to be adjusted and/or changed.

 

[chl0102]

Lisa: hi lisa, yes been to my gp and just recently been put back on steroids and when I go to hospital for next appointment theres talk of reintroducing azathioprine. I have been on it before but that was some years ago. Thankyou again to all that have replied as I really didn't know much about m.r.s .