HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Why Does One Eat Very Little After Inserting A Pacemaker?

My husband had a pacemaker/defibrillator put in a month ago. Since then he has been able to eat very little - eats mostly yogurt, Ensure, fruit, etc. His stomach feels like it's filled with air. He also got pneumonia, then congestive heart failure. Could it be medication or an after-effect of what he has been through. We see the cardiologist Friday and hope we'll get some answers. But maybe you can come up with some answers. Thank you.
Mon, 15 May 2017
Report Abuse
Pulmonologist 's  Response
Hello
Thanks for posting at HCM.
Loss of appetite after a pacemaker/defibrillator insertion is uncommon. But it is common after a pneumonia or congestive heart failure. I think the loss of appetite is as a result of the pneumonia and heart failure. Medications like antibiotics can also decrease appetite. You have to ensure that his nutrition is proper. Ensure is a good protein supplement along with fruits and milk products. Antibiotics are usually continued for 10-14 days after pneumonia depending on severity.
He will gradually regain his appetite. There are some appetite boosting medications also like syrup aptivate or syp neogadine elixir. These brands can have different names in different countries. I don't know which country you are from. You can ask your doctor for appetite boosting medications. It is the course of disease and a pneumonia and congestive heart failure can take about one month for the patient to recover.
Wishing him good heath.
Regards
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Cardiac electrophysiology


Loading Online Doctors....
Why Does One Eat Very Little After Inserting A Pacemaker?

Hello Thanks for posting at HCM. Loss of appetite after a pacemaker/defibrillator insertion is uncommon. But it is common after a pneumonia or congestive heart failure. I think the loss of appetite is as a result of the pneumonia and heart failure. Medications like antibiotics can also decrease appetite. You have to ensure that his nutrition is proper. Ensure is a good protein supplement along with fruits and milk products. Antibiotics are usually continued for 10-14 days after pneumonia depending on severity. He will gradually regain his appetite. There are some appetite boosting medications also like syrup aptivate or syp neogadine elixir. These brands can have different names in different countries. I don t know which country you are from. You can ask your doctor for appetite boosting medications. It is the course of disease and a pneumonia and congestive heart failure can take about one month for the patient to recover. Wishing him good heath. Regards