how and what to eat with GI GVHD

[donna j.]

Hi all,
I am 120 days post transplant and dealing with low counts (neutropenic too)following CMV. My digestive tract including esophogus to colon has some GVHD. I am finding fewer and fewer foods to eat and smaller amounts. I sometimes have an appetite but worry about the follow up discomfort. I take Maalox, and pantoprazole. Any suggestions what to try as I am losing weight and sure I am not getting proper nutrition eating mostly ginger snaps!

thanks,

Donna

[Neil Cuadra]

Donna,

My wife had GVHD of the digestive system and she mostly learned what foods to avoid by trial and error. She still has to be careful.

But I suggest that you start with an expert, by consulting the nutritionists (http://www.northshorelij.com/NSLIJ/Nutritional+Counseling) at the hospital. Each patient is different, but for the most part they've seen it all. They can probably give you tips that will help right away.

[donna j.]

thanks Neil, will try that.
Donna

[mandi273]

We had a lot of luck making smoothies containing different ingredients. I was caregiver/spouse to my husband who had a transplant almost 2 years ago. Following his transplant he had trouble eating as well. Put things into a smoothie! We added all sorts of things (flax seed, oatmeal, tofu, anything to get some protein/substance in him) along with lots of fruits and veggies and yogurt (approve yogurt with your doc before adding it). Good luck!