my husband suffered heart failure how can I...

[LINDA P]

...tempt him to eat as he has no appertite or energy?

[macguffin]

Fix his favorites foods (unless there are dietary restrictions). If he won't eat on his own, he'll have to be hooked up, and I doubt he wants that. Is there a chance he's depressed (beyond the normal situational sadness that heart-failure can precipitate)? Is he deliberately trying to starve himself? These are questions to ask him to determine his state of mind. But definitely prepare (or purchase) foods he finds (or use to find) tasty and appealing. Start with chocolate, think?!

[bevalou]

Try Small portions of brightly coloured foods.Try not too put too much emphasise on eating.My mum is a poor eater and has a serious illness.I find if i take her something like that to eat and eat with her she will eat it (even though she says she isn't hungry and doesn't want to eat anything.)Good luck , hope this helps.

[lucy s]

Hi there!You have to be careful it is take a time get well after heart failure!Be positive and loving!Don`t forget his medicine!You can try to make his favourite food, supply him plus with fruit and vegetables...a bit of walk, tiny exercise and also very important is to enough sleep!Good would do for him reflexology treatments!It will bring a missing balance back to his body, spirit and soul!All the best! Get well him soon!L

[Mary Beth G]

A lot of these suggestions sound good, there are also perscription appetite stimulants you could ask his cardiologist about.

[psalmist]

He may be afraid to eat, perhaps he is keeping something to himself. Perhaps eating is causing him some discomfort in his chest which reminds him of his heart failure symptoms. Also as previously suggested he could be depressed about what has happened. Try not to get anxious about it yourself as he will pick up on that. Sit with him calmly. Introducing too many different things like herbal teas and build up drinks might make him more anxious. Perhaps he would just prefer some soup and a wholemeal roll or toast. This would give him nourishment and not fill him up too much. Pies and curries are not a good idea as they are stodgy. If it goes on for many more days you will need to tell his GP, as he could need treatment for depression or need to unburden himself of his fears. In the meantime, lots of fluids and light meals that won't make him feel too full just to even look at them. Try putting a small meal on a large plate, which will make him feel he is only having to eat half a meal, our bodies resrouces are quite good and we can survive quite well for a little while on smaller amounts. If you find him just sitting, staring out the window or behaving withdrawn, in a world of his own, definitely call the doctor out to him. This is a sign of depression. Lots of loving care in the meantime. You will have to have the patience of a saint. But he will get better. Make sure you also get plenty of rest. My GP told me that people who suffer heart attacks, the pressure is such on the family that we can suffer things like palpitations and chest pains, this happened to my 13 year old son at the time of my husband's first attack. So don't forget to look after yourself too. You are important as well. Best wishes.