Getting ready to see my original PCP for extreme weight loss issue (update 5/20)

I think he has already thought of pancreatitis when this problem occured in 2012 as he posted this on 12/10/2012 on the Celiac Forum:

"Decided to stop lurking here, and introduce myself. I have been at HW for 4 years. Most of the time in the Prostate Cancer group, more recently with the fine people at Chronic Pain. You can get an idea of what I have been going through on my signature.

The short version, since 1998, I have dealt with 4 serious bouts of cancer, involving a total of 15 operations, 2 bouts of major radiation, and a lot of terrible side effects and damage, mostly from the last radiaton being delivered wrong.

I still have advanced prostate cancer, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue.

about 2 months ago, I started losing weight fast, without any attempt at dieting or exercise. Then almost like someone turned off a switch, I lost any sense of a natural appitite. Even now, I never ever feel hungry.

When I do eat, I get immediate and terrible cramping in my lower abdomen, which then puts pressure on my lower back. Its pain level 8-10 at times. It started out with the cramps starting 15-30 mins after eating, but now, it can begin as I am eating. Also, if I need to go to the toilet, the cramping is even worse until I go. No, I do not have any constipation issues.

My oncologist recently sent me to a gastro doc. He did the endoscopy and had my first colonosopy. He found and removed 4 large pre-cancerous polyps. But doesnt know what is going on with the other symptons.

I have lost 45 lbs from the start of the year, over half of it in about the past 7 weeks. I sometimes lose 1/2 to 1 1/2 lbs per day.

I had my pancreas checked by tests and MRI recently, I did have pancreatitis when I was 28, but is supposedly is fine now.

Could these be symptons of Celiac? Can it start late in life, I just turned 60? Could the trauma of what I have been through triggered this? If so, how is it diagnosed and why didn't the gastro doctor suggest it as a possibility?"

David, I sure hope that they can figure out what is going on with you. I am also one that misses you over on the cp forum. You have definitely been through so much and are in need of a break. I always keep you in my prayers. You have made an impact on the way that I view things and how to treat others. I learned long ago not to ask why me because in the end it really doesn't matter why me.

We just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and do the best with what we have. You are always upbeat and willing to help anyone out no matter what. I really hope that you get to feeling better and this issue can be taken care of quickly. Eating is supposed to be a pleasant experience and I hate that you aren't able to have that. Keep us updated.

Inlakesh

Lynn

Yes, when I had my original acute pancreatitis attack, I have never had so much pain. Felt like someone sticking and twisting in my abdomen with a rusty jagged knife over and over again, and the pain continued to build and build.

In the ER, they didn't know what was going on, we had to wait for an off-duty doctor to come in to make the call, but meanwhile, they wouldn't give me anything for the pain.

The doctor just happened to be an expert with pancreatic disease, and he knew right away what it was. The next thing I know I woke up in a cloud of morphine in an ICU unit.

That was nearly 33 years ago, and I can still cringe thinking about it.

Ultimately, they had to do open surgery to remove my gall bladder, and in those days, it took a very jagged 9 1/2 inch incision, that looks like a shark had bitten me.

Horrible experience, praying I will never have to deal with that again

D.

got,

glad you explained, would have never figured out the obvious, lol.

you say you kept losing weight, but did you have any appetite?

my main issue is, aside from the weight loss, is that there is never a moment that I feel any sense of hunger or appetite. and I mean none.

even this evening, grilling out both steaks and sausage, even the aroma did nothing for me. just no natural desire to want to eat. I forced myself to eat a very small dinner this evening, and I mean force, because its hard to eat if you don't feel hungry, at least for me. cramping wasn't as bad this time, but it still was in force within 30 minutes of eating. I would have preferred not to have eaten at all, wasn't worth the discomfort later, and felt completely "thanksgiving dinner" stuffed after a couple of bites.

see the doctor tomorrow afternoon, hope he takes all of this seriously. lost another 2 lbs the past 24 hours, now within 6 lbs of what I weighed when I was 21. really remarkable. the muscle loss in my arms and legs is what is most noticeable.

David,
Nothing new to add, but I hope that something can be found that works to give you some help on any front (pain, appetite, etc.). I have read your postings as I lurk on this site for years, and you are a good man. You are stronger than I am, and I wish you the best.

David:

Yep, you're right we never seem to get a break. However, like you said both the just and unjust get the same treatment. I totally get being sick for 6 years. I know my flare up really started rolling in 2001 when they finally DX'd me, then I guess 2004 was when I starting sliding down hill and have never stopped since then.

I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you tonight as I sit here at almost 2 in the morning. I'm in terrible pain and I'm really hoping that you're not up in pain. I hated hearing that dinner made you cramp up, but at least you said it wasn't to bad.

I want to wish you well today with your doctor and I'll be anxious to see what he has to say. I will personally come down there and kick some doctors in the butt if he doesn't help you period. Sometimes, the just need a good kick in the rear end.

I'll be putting an update in the lupus forum on me, don't want to detract from your thread. Have loads of stuff coming up for me. I'll stop by later this evening to see what the doctor had to say. You hang in there and keep putting one foot in front of the other one.

Your Pain Buddy sends you hugs,
Barbara

Could be a sideeffect of medication or psychological due to extreme stress.

I would try my "cure" assuming the drs have no answers. Certainly no harm in it I wouldn't think. I think it stabilized me almost the same day. Gaining weight is a much slower process.

I was happy to get on the scale and finally not see a drop. I hope pbnj is your answer too :)

David
Hi once more from this side of the Atlantic.
Given we are all (still) busy with trying to guess what’s up with you, I will throw in yet another thought, though this one is coming from anpther direction.
My wife has recently visited an old friend whose daughter is having the opposite problem to you. She is in her thirties and was putting on weight for no obvious reason. Turns out she has a problem with her pituitary gland and her hormones, and it is such a weird problem that her body actually thinks she is pregnant!
Anyway, I had a little search about her problem and noted that it can work both ways with the pituitary when it malfunctions both weight gain and weigth loss. So…if you or you assorted doc have not already considered a problem with your pituitary gland, is this now perhaps worth investigating?

Otherwise All the best.
Alf

Hi David! Ron and I have been thinking about you and wondering what the doctor said? He is doing fine thus far. It will be 4 years in August. Apparently 5 years is a marker and he "may" be considered cured.

You might remember that I told you my brother had cancer. He was on chemo for 6 months. It seems this caused a weakened immune system which resulted in lung problems and pneumonia. Sadly, my brother died last night and I am in a state of shock.

Just touching base and hoping you were getting a break in your life.

Hugs,
Aimzee & Ron