I was that person who ate to live. I would forget to eat, then mix the weirdest combinations because I was that starved. Yes, I battled with anorexia. Then after the surgeries and Crps 2 I became less active and couldn't chew properly. So I gained weight and wasn't able to keep fit.
Now with dissolving molars, this last one was so painful, I just stopped eating. Back on Ensure.....my sister bought me a vitamix. And now everything is purée. Have you ever eaten a hamburger with a soup spoon... and my jaw still hurts! So I make stuf, purée take a few....bites? Slurps is a better word. Then away down the drain it goes.
Trying to keep positive.....losing weight is a plus.....
Thanks for leting me vent.

Have you tried some of the baby foods? I have during some difficult times, they are pretty good.

Enna,

So sorry to hear about the eating diffculty. Does that tooth need to come out to give you relief?

I just went through wisdom tooth removal with my son and had my own taken out just about 3 years ago. I found getting creative to power pack nutrition helpful. In addition to smoothies you might try Power Pancakes. You can make them with egg white, quick oatmeal and either cottage cheese or yogurt for either sweet or savory. Sometimes I grate in zucchini. Toppings like pureed black beans go nicely on the cottage cheese variety with avocado and sour cream. I know it doesnt sound great but they are actually pretty tasty and good for you. Cheesy risotto cakes are yummy and easy to eat too...

Hamburgers run through the blender do not sound appetizing.

Greek yogurt, homemade custard, soups, hummus, eggs/omelettes, baked potatoes, squash, soft fruit, soft cheese like brie, etc. I often have sensitivity to hot and cold when this area is flared--not sure if this is an issue for you? You have to try and carefully chew slightly more sturdy foods like pot roast or fall off the bone chicken whenever is the best time of day for you. There are times when I can only eat "real" food early in the morning. Because, if you stop using those muscles completely, it exacerbates the problem even more. Remember Goldilocks and the 3 bears? Eat small amounts slowly and carefully at the best time of the day. BTW, you can use a website like Allrecipe's to put in ingredient's you want in a recipe and exclude ingredients you don't. So, if you put in a search word like soup with Greek yogurt and asparagus, you'll get a nice, healthy soup you should be able to manage with.

Have you tried putting Epsom Salt lotion on your jaw? It does seem to help me. I've also been known to use a Lidocaine patch covering my jaw/neck area.

I know this is awful, but I have found when I'm flared the worst, it's best not to close my mouth completely, but to breath through my nose.

I completely understand how miserable this is.

SGB's still help me, when I can get them. I don't remember if you do or not, but I thought I'd throw the idea out there!

Such nice, yummy suggestions Lit Love. We are coming to your place for snacks.

Good thing I actually left the house and got fresh produce from the communtiy garden yesterday then! Oh, the peaches... drool.

Thanks all for the suggestions. That goodness my sister was so generous with the vitamix. I just can't believe how the mind after all this time goes back to just stop eating.
Little lov SGB? Sorry drawing a blank.

Oh, sorry! Stellate Ganglion Block.

It is very hard not snacking....but I see the benefits. My blood pressure has gone down. 104/64. So basically my upper number now falls between 99 and 110. And my lower number is mostly in the 60.
Not wanting to put pressure on that molar, I continue to have a very small chewing soft meal w my front teeth. This fatigues my jaw very much. But like lit love mentioned I cant stop chewing altogether.
The rest of the day is just one ensure and one large smoothie.
No additional sugars besides creamer (ie no baked dounuts , apple muffins etc) I miss bread. A lot.
Thanks again for all the love and advice.

Thanks for the update Enna. I've been wondering how that was going for you. Sounds like very slowly. I'm glad you a trying to chew at least one meal a day. I agree that lit love had a good point. Please try to stay as creative as you can with the one meal so that you can get some nutrient variety. Hang in! ~mac