My first elemental drink (1 down, 377 to go)

You will have fewer bms, though none at all doesn't sound right. *However*, it's early days and I wouldn't worry too much yet. Your body has to adjust. Maybe ask the nurse / doctor / dietitian when you next speak with them.

I'd suggest that it would be better not to think about the six weeks, but just to take it a day at a time. Maybe give yourself a gold star on your calendar (or similar) for every day you complete, and promise yourself a treat for every [insert your own amount] you accumulate.

Are you able to do any gentle exercise?

Ivy.

Nah, it's just that if you can move around a bit, you have scope for:
a) moving the insides and perhaps expelling whatever's stuck inside , and
b) doing something nice for yourself, that doesn't involve having a hot drink at a cafe (going window shopping? visiting somewhere interesting or beautiful?)

As with most life changes, if you look at the big picture, you'll scare yourself before you barely get started. Just take it a step at a time. It won't be long before you'll be able to tell yourself you've done 10% of your drinks, and things just improve after that. Even 5% can be a significant accomplishment.

Ivy.

Don't overthink it, NCOT. A change of diet almost always does strange things to your insides. I think it would be best just to wait to see what happens. You know what to do if things get bad; have done it a few times now already.

The walking doesn't have to help; as long as it doesn't make things worse

Honestly, I'd say that 99% of the people who go on these diets seriously doubt that they can stick it out for the required time. They have, and you can, too. Just don't talk yourself out of it before you even get started!

Lots of people have hitches along the way - don't worry.

Ivy

It's only... what? day four? Give it time.

I hope you sleep soundly and feel better in the morning.

Ivy.

Hello penelope-marie.

After stressing out last night about constipation, I have since been to the toilet twice <_<. Wasn't green, but was pure liquid. With regards to the taste, I honestly wish the metallic taste would come back: for whatever reason I don't taste it anymore. Instead the drinks just taste like puke flavour :/ I do keep the drinks in the fridge by the way, as they are slightly less horrible chilled than at room temperature.

Where was your disease located if you don't mind my asking? Mine's in the colon and terminal ileum. I have a stricture in the TI, but apparently a resection wasn't possible without also removing the entire colon and having a permanent ileostomy. This diet, and a double dose of Remicade, is an attempt to heal my colon enough to not need such radical surgery. I must admit, I'm having trouble with the diet though. I find the 028s a complete chore to drink: there is no pleasure in it whatsoever. And today it's more of a chore than ever, probably because I've lost even more of what little appetite I had.

I'm gonna have a serious talk with whoever has taken over my diet ASAP because if what my dietitian says is true - that studies show there's no difference between an elemental and a polymeric (eg Fortisip, Ensure) diet - I think I will see if I can transition back to the Fortisips.

Anyhow, thanks for your feedback. Appreciated :p

Oh crikey.... *bangs head against wall!* :-/

I have to say, everything I've read has indicated that improvement happens rather quickly; within a matter of days. But no distinguishment was made between small and large bowel disease, so...

On top of everything, I think I'm getting a cold ;_;

Oh, woe, woe, woe is me... :-/

I read somewhere that if you don't see an improvement within 10 days, EN's probably not gonna work for you.

So far I have a sore throat, a very low grade temperature, and a feeling of being rundown. All minor stuff, nothing to make me bedridden. It's the sort of thing which could blow over by tomorrow - or turn into one of those b*stard annoying 'mild' colds which linger for two whole weeks before turning into a cough which lingers for another six weeks :-/

Oh steaming doggy's do.

*reads*

Yay! :p

Recent research has shown that liquid nutrition in the form of polymeric formulas can be just as effective as elemental formulas. Polymeric formulas use whole proteins and, therefore, taste better than the elemental formulas. This allows patients to drink their exclusively liquid diets and not require feedings through a tube. However, research shows that in order for enteral nutrition to be effective as an anti-inflammatory treatment, it must be essentially the only source of calories for the patient.

On Monday I'll try to find out who's actually looking after my elemental diet (since it wouldn't appear to be my dietitian..) and speak to them about it. Otherwise I'll have to see about getting an NG tube, or something. That option isn't very appealing, but I don't think I can drink these drinks, in the quantities required, for that long.

Thanks, killcolitis, at any rate. Helpful stuff to know.

hi meagain sorry to reply twice like that i didnt realise it had worked. best wishes again