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Is An Unexplained Weight Loss A Cause For Concern?
Question: Hi, my name is XXXX,its not for me, but my friend XXXX who is 67 years old. about 6 weeks ago I had to bring him to hospital cause he was dehydrated they gave him an iv. Before that he went to one of those "Walk in clinics" so they gave him something for the Flu, and it had codine in it, and he said it made him lose his breath. now he did get a little better after 2 weeks, but not much. still body aches and fatique, (No vomiting though). now the past 3 weeks ill say give or take, he has gotten worse, weight loss,(hes already skinny) hes 6"1, and now is like 146 pounds. and loss of appetite, he says he cant eat much or swallow much, excessive talking, although he seems cold with me the other day? like distant, and then he says he feels fatigued no energy.talks to himself. so please help me, hes so stubborn, wont go to hospital don't trust doctors, however he said he will go to some doctor his neighbor goes to, so this Monday hell go to dr miller. but in the meantime, what can I do for him? hes all alone, he doesn't have kids, or a wife, and his siblings live in calfornia, don't know where they are, he don't see them no more. so I was also told to call "Protective services", I don't know? what do I tell Dr. Miller on Monday to check him for? it seems like depression, since his friend died a few weeks ago, but also an underlying health problem? I hope its not cancer, also he takes potassium, which I told him not to take without a doctors permission. thanks for helping me, take care. XXXX. I forgot to mention he still feels like he has shortness of breath he claims its allergies but I don't think so its a health problem I think. thanks.
Brief Answer:
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations.
1. Your friend had been treated for dehydration about 6 weeks ago and by now he should have made a complete recovery.
2. His nutrition is a concern and slowly he might be developing a nutritional deficiency state and this also explains the loss of weight over last few weeks.
3. It is nice to know that he will be consulting Dr.Miller on Monday which is three days from now. Till then you can help your friend and try to make sure he is having a regular intake of fluids and taking meal on time.
4. From the physical health point of view, he requires to take a complete physical examination keeping in mind his possible nutritional deficiency and ailments which are commonly seen in gentlemen of his age group. Even anemia and electrolyte imbalance might cause vague symptoms like fatigue and body aches.
Increased intake of potassium leads to a condition called hyperkalemia which itself causes weakness and fatigue.
It will be important to know if he is experiencing any physical condition which he has not disclosed till now and if that might be preventing him from taking eating well. This includes the suspected intake of over the counter pills for regular stomach pains (as told by his neighbor) and requires to be explored in detail.
5. His mental health is also important to be addressed. The passing away of a friend is a delicate matter and a possibility of his extended grief needs to be dealt with keeping him comfortable. This matter might also be discussed with Dr.Miller on Monday. If required, Dr.Miller might refer him to a mental health professional.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations.
1. Your friend had been treated for dehydration about 6 weeks ago and by now he should have made a complete recovery.
2. His nutrition is a concern and slowly he might be developing a nutritional deficiency state and this also explains the loss of weight over last few weeks.
3. It is nice to know that he will be consulting Dr.Miller on Monday which is three days from now. Till then you can help your friend and try to make sure he is having a regular intake of fluids and taking meal on time.
4. From the physical health point of view, he requires to take a complete physical examination keeping in mind his possible nutritional deficiency and ailments which are commonly seen in gentlemen of his age group. Even anemia and electrolyte imbalance might cause vague symptoms like fatigue and body aches.
Increased intake of potassium leads to a condition called hyperkalemia which itself causes weakness and fatigue.
It will be important to know if he is experiencing any physical condition which he has not disclosed till now and if that might be preventing him from taking eating well. This includes the suspected intake of over the counter pills for regular stomach pains (as told by his neighbor) and requires to be explored in detail.
5. His mental health is also important to be addressed. The passing away of a friend is a delicate matter and a possibility of his extended grief needs to be dealt with keeping him comfortable. This matter might also be discussed with Dr.Miller on Monday. If required, Dr.Miller might refer him to a mental health professional.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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