Question for medical folk - Democratic Underground

ChickMagic

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Thu Jul-29-04 12:43 PM
Original message

Question for medical folk

First of all, I survived ovarian cancer a long time ago. Last year I faced extended hospitalization for a perforated gastric ulcer. I've been just dandy ever since. However, when I went to the doc a couple of days ago generally feeling badly and run down, I was shocked to discover that I lost 15 pounds in 2 weeks. My diet hasn't changed and my weight has remained consistent within a couple of pounds either way. My doc is pretty sure I have another ulcer, but would that account for a sudden, unexplained weight loss?

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liberalnurse

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Thu Jul-29-04 12:49 PM
Response to Original message

1. Check the thyroid.....

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ChickMagic

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Thu Jul-29-04 12:52 PM
Response to Reply #1

4. What kind of test?

What kind of test do they do on the thyroid? Is it invasive?

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SarahB

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Thu Jul-29-04 12:53 PM
Response to Reply #4

6. Bloodtest.

It's easy.

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ChickMagic

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Thu Jul-29-04 12:55 PM
Response to Reply #6

8. Hopefully

that was covered with that gallon of blood they took from me yesterday. :) I wish the results would come in - the suspense is (literally) killing me!

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liberalnurse

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Thu Jul-29-04 01:01 PM
Response to Reply #4

10. Slightly, they can do serum levels....

draw a blood sample.....T-3, T-4 and TSH...for starters. If one is beginning to experience hyperthyroidism, they could eat like Henry the 8th and not gain an ounce...... Hair starts coming out when you shampoo, small clumps or several strands fall out easily....skin feels dry; may have bouts of rapid heart beat....or you can really feel your heart pound at rest.....occassionally tremulous/shaky.....

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ChickMagic

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Thu Jul-29-04 01:08 PM
Response to Reply #10

12. I haven't had any of that

I have been a bit tremulous at times, but given the sudden weight loss, that's not too surprising.

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murphymom

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Thu Jul-29-04 12:50 PM
Response to Original message

2. Combined with unexplained weight loss,

have you been really thirsty or had to go to the bathroom a lot? That can be a symptom of diabetes.

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ChickMagic

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Thu Jul-29-04 12:51 PM
Response to Reply #2

3. Sort of

I've been having to go to the bathroom, but I haven't been thirstier than usual. I certainly have it in my genes - mom, grandmother, aunts.

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MuseRider

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Thu Jul-29-04 12:52 PM
Response to Original message

5. Don't panic

but get a second opinion. Do you still have contact with your oncologist? You might want to give him/her a heads up. Just covering the bases here. That is a lot of weight to lose so quickly. I have had ulcers and never lost a bunch of weight from them but we are all different. Just be certain that all your docs are informed and on the same page for the best diagnosis.

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ChickMagic

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Thu Jul-29-04 12:54 PM
Response to Reply #5

7. Thanks MuseRider

I don't know if my oncologist is still around here - he was a miracle worker but he's strictly GYN. With my history, I'm not feeling too optimistic about the test.

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DemBones DemBones

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Thu Jul-29-04 12:59 PM
Response to Reply #7

9. They DON'T always check for thyroid!!! I felt like I was dying

when my "low thyroid" (hypothyroidism) was accidentally discovered.

Make sure they have checked yours!

Good luck! :hi:

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ChickMagic

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Thu Jul-29-04 01:07 PM
Response to Reply #9

11. Thanks!

I'll ask the doc about that when he comes back with the results. Thanks for the heads up! :hi:

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