I’m really struggling with no appetite at all I have to force myself to eat and even then I only manage a few bites… I’m losing weight and I already only weigh 7 and half stone… My stomach is crying out for good but I just can’t eat and I feel awful and so ill because of it… What do I do?? I’m on steroids but they havnt increased my appetite at all if anything it’s much worse… I tried eating a meal yesterday and it made me feel so sick after and bloated and full I couldn’t even eat a bite for the rest of the day and I struggled to eat a few bites of toast this morning to take my medication… Please help I don’t want to lose anymore weight but I just can’t eat…
Milkshakes - can be made with various nutrients - add Ensure or Carnation instant breakfast.
Fruit smoothies are good too Liquids are easier to digest than solids I have the same problem and I do NOT eat a meal but rather eat very small amounts all day
Hello Cayleigh,
Steriods don't put weight on everyone it's all down to the individual and their metabolism and plaquenil alone causes weight loss...if you don't mind me asking you a question...do you think anorexia maybe starting in yourself as this is another symptom linked with Lupus and have they checked your thyroid gland because if you have hyperthyroidism that can cause weight loss...see if your having any of the symptoms in the link i'm adding and if you have and it's not been checked then see your GP about being tested.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Thyroid-over-active/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
There is a number of issues which can cause these symptoms your having like Gastro problems for a start...so please see someone straight away because i've been at your weight in the past and you can't afford to lose anymore.
Try what poobie as suggested and see how you go in a couple of days but please keep we updated.
Hugs Terri xxx
I definitely don’t have anorexia I think I’m too thin and I do want to eat I just can’t 
it’s so annoying I rang my rheumatologist and he said I’ve got to wait till my appointment in October and if I’m still worried see my gp… Apparently all my bloods are ok so he’s not worrying about it but how can he not?? I’m not eating!!
Cayleigh if there's no signs of anorexia and your rheumo does'nt seem concerned...then i would see your GP - ASAP because your body needs the nutrients mate from food and not being able to eat like you've said although your body wants the food can lead down that road slowly.
Pleazzzzz book in to see your doctor. Love & hugs xxx
cayleigh said:
I definitely don't have anorexia I think I'm too thin and I do want to eat I just can't :( :( it's so annoying I rang my rheumatologist and he said I've got to wait till my appointment in October and if I'm still worried see my gp... Apparently all my bloods are ok so he's not worrying about it but how can he not?? I'm not eating!!
Cayleigh, I agree with Poobie and Terri. You have to get the nutrition in, or your overall health will suffer. Some of us are meant to be small, and every size in between up to big. So look back at what was normal weight for you, and if you are below that, time to see your GP, ask for the first available emergency appointment. That usually gets you in that day or the next.
I'm short and well padded because my body is in starvation mode, I eat very little. I find though what I call "grazing" helpful. I eat a number of very small snacks through out the day. Keeping something easy to grab in the fridge helps, and if your digestion can tolerate it, nuts and dairy will help add calories. When a meal is cooked, use a storage container, and place a meal in it to have ready to go. No fixing, no real cleanup.
Also, if you tend to not digest well, do the milkshakes, adding a teaspoon of MCT oil or hemp oil to it. Great micronutrients, and another healthy calorie boost. Will see if I can find my fruit, and milk based recipes and post to you. Our son had a huge weight issue, and ended up with a g-tube so they could do liquid feeds at night to help him.
Do you have a blender? So helpful. If not, borrow one from a family member or friend. Make a double batch, sip away on half, and keep the other in the fridge for later in the day. Where you are, if they have the discount big box stores like Costco or sam's, buying carnation instant breakfast in bulk is much cheaper to do. Get the name brand, not a store version, as they do not have equal nutritional value.
keep us updated. hugs,
Louise
I have a terrible time eating and have since my diagnosis. I don't know what a "stone" is but I do know what lbs. are and I have lost between 45-50. Although I could have stood to lose a bit, I look sickly and that's not the way to lose weight. One thing that I have found that works is gluten-free ginger snaps. The gluten reduction has helped and the ginger settles my stomach. I eat just small bits at a time so I don't get the over full and nauseated. Zofran also helps me.
These are just suggestions, but you need to speak to your doctor about this. Poobie is right about a shake. I use vanilla almond milk with Carnation instant breakfast. Nut milks can be high in calories so if you can tolerate dairy and it's your preference that works well, of course. Soy actually contains gluten and may not be a great choice.
Do feel better soon, dear.
Hugs,
DeAnne
DeAnne a stone mate is.... 14lbs in a stone 
whathappensinvegas said:
I have a terrible time eating and have since my diagnosis. I don't know what a "stone" is but I do know what lbs. are and I have lost between 45-50. Although I could have stood to lose a bit, I look sickly and that's not the way to lose weight. One thing that I have found that works is gluten-free ginger snaps. The gluten reduction has helped and the ginger settles my stomach. I eat just small bits at a time so I don't get the over full and nauseated. Zofran also helps me.
These are just suggestions, but you need to speak to your doctor about this. Poobie is right about a shake. I use vanilla almond milk with Carnation instant breakfast. Nut milks can be high in calories so if you can tolerate dairy and it's your preference that works well, of course. Soy actually contains gluten and may not be a great choice.
Do feel better soon, dear.
Hugs,
DeAnne
Hello Cayleigh,
Have you been to see a doctor or made an appointment....please let we know how your doing?
Terri :)
I went through the same thing. For a very long time I just would not, could not, eat. Finally, I started juicing to get the nutrition into me. It helped big time. I was also taking papaya pills for the acid reflux and nausea. It worked for me. Also, when my body was willing to eat something, anything at all, I did. Even if it was French fries or meat (I am vegan due to the “China study” and the high likelihood of our meds causing blood cancer). You can get a juicer from wal-mart for only $25.
Hi Mindy,
Thank you so much for your input and i hope it helps Cayleigh in a large way.
Terri :)
Mindy Wolff said:
I went through the same thing. For a very long time I just would not, could not, eat. Finally, I started juicing to get the nutrition into me. It helped big time. I was also taking papaya pills for the acid reflux and nausea. It worked for me. Also, when my body was willing to eat something, anything at all, I did. Even if it was French fries or meat (I am vegan due to the "China study" and the high likelihood of our meds causing blood cancer). You can get a juicer from wal-mart for only $25.
My appetite is a bit better today do I hope it’s sorting itself out… My doctor wouldn’t do anything unfortunately and I can’t see my rheumatologist untill October… Thanks for all the help I’ve been eating soup mainly
Hello Cayleigh,
Sorry i've not been on earlier to reply...hows your appetite since you added this comment and so sorry your rheumo is'nt seeing you till october which does'nt help.
Terri :)
cayleigh said:
My appetite is a bit better today do I hope it's sorting itself out... My doctor wouldn't do anything unfortunately and I can't see my rheumatologist untill October... Thanks for all the help I've been eating soup mainly
I hope you find an answer soon! I have absolute NO APPETITE when I am having a flare. This last flare, I lost about 15 pounds in a very short amount of time. Just wan't hungry. After I got better though, my appetite returned. Are you having a flare at the moment? I hope you find an answer soon, no nutrients is hard on the body! Good luck to you! :-) Keep us posted.
My appetite is better but still not great… I’m having to wait to see my rheumie but atleast I’m not losing any more weight 
I’ve actually managed to put a little back on so I hope it carries on that way… Thanks for your concern guys I really appreciate it I know I can always come on here for an answer
Hello Alex,
As soft as it sounds weather it's lupus or not...alot of people lose their appetite with certain issues, now i'm not to good where foods concerned with a cold.
Do takecare and i hope your flare goes sooner than it came and your appetite returns.
Hugs Terri :)
Alex said:
I hope you find an answer soon! I have absolute NO APPETITE when I am having a flare. This last flare, I lost about 15 pounds in a very short amount of time. Just wan't hungry. After I got better though, my appetite returned. Are you having a flare at the moment? I hope you find an answer soon, no nutrients is hard on the body! Good luck to you! :-) Keep us posted.
Hello Cayleigh,
I'm pleased with your update on not losing no more weight but if your eating a little it's better than nothing.
Do takecare and please update we regular on how your keeping.
Love Terri :)
cayleigh said:
My appetite is better but still not great... I'm having to wait to see my rheumie but atleast I'm not losing any more weight :) :) I've actually managed to put a little back on so I hope it carries on that way... Thanks for your concern guys I really appreciate it I know I can always come on here for an answer :) :)
Right there with ya babe! In usually about 134-140 and now down to 102 and can only tolerate liquids. I’m also working w/ a nutritionist.