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?
On my last visit to him, when I said, "What's next?" He simply said, "I don't know". BTW, he was highly rated and is part of MD Anderson.
Sorry this is so long, but its actually the short version. I don't know what to do at this point. Could use some help. The pain from this ordeal out does the capability of all the script level pain meds I am already on, so not looking for more meds.
Looking for any advice or help, thanks in advance. I can fill in any holes if you ask me direct questions.
David in SC