Appetite

[dylanfanatic]

Hi, I am a 64 year old man, had heart attack 2013, and have C.O.P.D, am a smoker. Live alone, have had a few relationships, lived with a widow for eight years plus, but generally prefer my freedom. Problem is, I have always looked after my self (ex forces) including cooking my own meals, shopping, cleaning, hygiene etc. For the past couple of years my appetite has been non existent, I just don't feel hungry, and am cooking a meal because I need to eat, rather than because I want too. I don't enjoy or relish my food anymore, whereas I once ALWAYS cooked myself a full roast with all the trimmings on Sundays, and regularly had full English breakfasts, soups, fish and chips etc and loved my food. I'm not depressed, have a full social life, read write and paint as hobbies. I wish I could enjoy my food again, like I used to, but I don't - any ideas please?

[bookbinder]

How's your appetite if someone else does the cooking? I'm thinking of going out for a meal: pub lunch; restaurant; friends; etc.

[woofgang]

How’s your sense of smell? I get bouts of sinus trouble and much of the flavour of food is lost when I lose my sense of smell.

[grasscarp]

Nicotine supresses appetite. As you suffer from COPD and continue to smoke you may not care.

[Khandro]

What about an aperitif beforehand to get you in the mood to eat?

[jennyjoan]

Dylan - my appetite is suppressed too - I think it comes with age. When I get up in the morning I can't eat until about 4 or 5 - right now I have just had one round of toast all day.

I am going to get a fish later from the local chippie. As you say you need to eat.

[jennyjoan]

I forgot you had COPD - my friend doesn't have it but smokes very heavily and she eats like a bird. Just adores a fag and cup of coffee - starts that about 5.00am right through until about 11 at night.

She is murder to go on hols with - but I would never go away with her again unless I had my own room. She roams all night - fidgeting and footering - boiling the kettle, a fag - has me up as well and I am definitely not a morning person - no, never again. Her daughter has said the same.

[dylanfanatic]

Thanks for all the great answers, makes no difference if someone else cooks, still no appetite, when out with sis for a meal she tucks in while I peck and pick lol. Tried aperitif, no good, forgot to say on statins, maybe its them. Also agree with JennyJoan, could be an age thing. Think it best to mention it when doc sees me again for heart review, many thanks for the great replies
Bob

[Khandro]

It's a tough assignment but take grasscarp's advice and give up the fags (you know it makes sense) you'll eat like a horse! :0)

[Sqad]

There certainly is a direct relationship between COPD and weight loss.
Simply, one uses up all your calories in breathing function.
Fortisip is a food supplement and well worth a try.

[ethandron]

Are you losing weight Bob or is it just a jaded appetite?

[dylanfanatic]

Sorry, should have mentioned, had my heart review this morning, last Friday was blood tests, height, weight, waistline etc. Bloods are fine, weight no change and ok, no diabetes, B.P. fine (always is) cholesterol up a bit, just want appetite back lol!

[grasscarp]

I have a nephew with COPD who continues to smoke. Very sad. He is killing himself.