General
What guidance could be shared about supplements or nutritive support after your treatments?
February 23, 2023
in General
As a care partner it was extremely difficult to figure out what foods and supplements to utilize after Daniel's treatments were completed. I struggled to optimize his restorative nutrition and overall well being. It was a challenging time particularly with regards to nutrition and what his body could tolerate. The last thing a care partner wants to do is any harm or discomfort to their loved one or patient. Unfortunately, we had to do a lot of difficult hits and misses. What have your experiences been with this side of treatment and recovery? What guidance or advice can you share?
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I would have to say it can be a hit or miss, as some of the supplements fight against present meds, so you have to be careful with them. I think doing the research is good but always run the possibilities with a doctor as well. I remember wanting to try another route, spoke with my doctor, and he said okay, but if the numbers look funky, I would have to stop that method; well, my method was a failure that did something crazy with my liver so that was that, but it can be a trial and error in most cases.
Yes, it all seems tore trial and error for both of us. I recently have been told the supplement I am taking is not worth the bottle it comes in. I am going to do some research because I would like to get maximum benefits from a multi-vitamin to ensure my body and Daniel's get all they need to be functioning at their best.
Care Partner
Nutrition Support
When I started treatment it was suggested that I go on a protein diet, mostly premixed drinks. I never liked those, I had tried them when I was diagnosed with AIDS and disliked the flavor.
At the end of treatment, it was recommended that I start taking them again. I did not want to. The flavor, the consistency, the flavor. (Did I say that twice?) Eating anything else was very difficult so one morning I decided to drink one.
I was so sick, this is going to sound dramatic but I nearly fainted, I was weak, and could not get the taste out of my mouth. I came home from radiation and slept most of the day.
Was it all the drink, probably not, but for the sake of the conversation I am going to say 'yes'! Then one morning I was craving bean & salsa tacos and one of my friends brought me two.
My appetite came back, I was able to eat, and my nutritionist was not too happy about my choice, but I was eating and that was the goal. Slowly I starting more foods my mother would make for me.
Nutrition, the traditional way or the way we are told doesn't work for all so do what works for you and I hope you feel better. For the sake of following nutritionist guidelines: eat fruits and vegetables and exercise. 💁
Yep, sometimes we want so much to go with the alternative that may or may not help us along the way, but be mindful of the possibilities of negative results.