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I'm sorry about the issues you're facing. Insurances can be a "challenge" (to substitute a phrase I won't repeat here). And thank you for the clarification.
You cooking skills will come in handy-the gastropresis diet can be very unsatisfying to put it mildly. I often supplement with Ensure or Boost, and get creative with those as well. But I don't have the restrictions you do with the renal diet. But I will add to them some orange juice or ice cream to increase fluids, calories, etc. You could try some low-carb ice cream and there are dairy free ice creams as well.
Some thoughts:
I find that fermented dairy allows me to tolerate it better-so Greek yogurt is often a go-to for me, and I can put some cereal on it for texture and consistency.
I don't know if you're supplementing with a probiotic, but that was a game-changer for me. Right now, I have doubled my probiotic as I am having issues with post-COVID GI issues. That is one I think should be required for the GI stuff. This may help:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-pick-the-best-probiotic-for-you/
I usually will graze unless I am working. So sips of fluids and a bit here and there as you can get it in. I always have a water bottle or cup at the desk at work and next to me at home. You can go to broths and soups if you need to when things are bad. Fluids is big with gastroparesis because I find if I am dehydrated, the nausea is always worse. I stay away from a lot of fruit juices as the sugar content causes diarrhea.
There are herbal supplements such as Iberogast which was recommended to me at one point by GI (at Mayo). You can ask your doctor about that.
It is also helpful to have some kitchen equipment-for me, a Magic Bullet for smoothies and a food processor for mincing vegetables as I am able to tolerate them. There are books that offer recipes for the gastroparesis diet
https://www.amazon.com/GASTROPARESIS-COOKBOOK-Manuscripts-Gastroparesis-enjoyable/dp/B09NGYCCFK/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1673737925&sr=8-3-spons
https://www.amazon.com/Gastroparesis-Healing-Cookbook-Easy-Digest/dp/B0B4KCXB2G/ref=sr_1_11?crid=2UT4K7PQBGQ27&keywords=gastroparesis+cookbook&qid=1673737925&sprefix=gastroparesis+cookbook%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-11
Some of it is trial and error. There are good days and bad days for me. And sometimes I cheat. But I usually pay for it ;-).
You can message me on Connect if you wish.
Replies to "I'm sorry about the issues you're facing. Insurances can be a "challenge" (to substitute a phrase..."
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@catmomma, thank you so much for your thoughtful reply and the links.
I used to cook a lot but can't do much any more. Tremors make it too dangerous to cook and chronic fatigue makes cooking even more challenging. (LOL, like you, I can think of another word but like you I won't use it here.) An area non-profit senior agency sends in a worker twice a week to do dishes, dust, sweep, clean bathroom and kitchen and prepare certain things for meals for two or three days. So, in general, if it can't be microwaved or eaten cold it doesn't go on my plate.
I do eat non-dairy yogurt with probiotics twice a week but only a half serving each time because of the fat content in the coconut milk in it. And there are some excellent vegan frozen dessert "ice creams" available. Here again, though, I only eat this occasionally and then usually less than a full serving due to the fat content but it's enough to satisfy me.
I totally agree, fluids are a must. I try to get in 60 or more ounces of water, juice and Boost every day.
I do have a blender but no longer can physically deal with it, partly because of my wheelchair height but mostly because of my shakiness so my worker uses it to puree some of the veggies she cooks for me. I will check into the Magic Bullet, though - maybe I could use it. Thanks for the idea.
You said something that really caught my attention when you mentioned grazing. Everything I've read so far has said not to graze but if I could do that, I would be much more comfortable than I currently am with 3 small meals a day and 3 smaller ones.
My neph & internist and PCP okayed ginger capsules to control nausea since Rx meds for that usually only work short term and it has helped a lot.
I agree, broths and soups are good to "go to" when I can't tolerate purees and soft solids.
And I hear ya about paying for it when you cheat, LOL. Like you, I usually regret it.
Thanks again for your help, hope we can keep in touch!