With the weight loss issue, I saw the new Gastro internal doctor last week. Was sent to him by my PCP. Since it was market urgent, I was seen within 48 hours.
Very large and efficient practice with 5 local area offices. During my 2 1/2 hour visit, I actually was seen by a total of 8 medical professionals. Yes, the weight loss is considered dangerous, now over 55 lbs. since January 2nd., came up to a little over 25% of my body weight, coupled with total lack of appetite, and now - constant stomach cramping and diarrhea (haven't had a solid movement in 3 weeks). Anything I eat or drink (i.e. Ensure or Boost) comes right back out of me.
Doctor gave me a thorough physical examination, noticed the tenderness in my lower right side. Even though I had my first colonoscopy slightly less than 2 years ago (polyps were found/removed), he has ordered another one, along with a new upper scoping for starters. Will be put under on June 13th at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville. He wanted it sooner, but they were that booked up. Nothing I can do about the delay.
He spoke of several possibilities, ranging from mild dx. to very severe choices, but he didn't want to speculate.
Did say they will take biopsy samples from my colon to be safe, from the linings.
He prescribed a very expensive med to help calm the entire digestive system and hopefully ease some of the cramping when I do eat. He said its a funny med, it will either work miracles, or it won't work at all.
In the days since, the med has had little effect thus far, but I put one pill under my tongue before I eat, hoping it will do something good.
He has other plans and tests in mind, but needs to get this first group done before proceeding.
Since everything seems to bother my insides, he felt strongly that I shouldn't force any eating, even if it means losing a lot more weight, because there could be something going on that will only continue to worsen or become more enflamed by additional food. Said eat only if I feel like it, and take it easy. That will be a cinch, because I still have absolutely zero appetite. There is still never a time I feel any hunger or hunger pangs.
I see my PCP for a follow up on Tuesday, and I see my Oncologist on Wednesday, so will see where this leads.
The gastro doctor said he did not see any thyroid test results, from my latest blood work. Not sure what to think of that, because the PCP office said they had been done, and the results were normal. Rather think they were mistaken, because we are all hoping that a thyroid problem would be the easiest to fix with medications. Some of the other options are much more serious, and rather not be on that path.
Doing what I can for myself, but rather limited at the moment until we can get an answer(s).
On another front, went back to the VA, and my dental plan has been consulted by their experts and decided, and will involve major dental surgery. Just waiting for the letter to come from Columbia spelling out the time for the surgery. I dread this most of all, but know it must be done. Broke part of another tooth just this evening, its like I am in a race now to salvage what's left. The big concern with the combined dental team, is working around what was described as major radiation damage to my left side jaw bone, without it complicating matters.
That's it, probably wont have much to report until this next series of tests are done. We are planning on having my first PSA test done of 2014 on this coming weeks visit. On that part, really doesn't matter to me one way or the other, I can only think its gone up even more since last time.
Post Edited (Purgatory) : 6/3/2014 5:21:56 PM (GMT-6)