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Need to gain weight

Digestive Health | Last Active: Aug 29, 2023 | Replies (27)

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@frances007

in reply to @t98 Thank you. Yes, I am anemic and recently had two iron infusions that knocked me off of my feet because I was allergic to whatever they gave to me. I will never have one again. The hematologist has suggested both a colonoscopy and endoscopy. The gastroenterologist ran some tests and concluded that a colonoscopy was not necessary. I have had many lab tests run by the hematologist, and he has assured me that I do not have a plasma cell disorder. He too wanted me to have the colonoscopy. As you can imagine, I have been navigating the crazy medical system for a very long time, while trying to remain positive. Yesterday the nurse from the hematologist's office sent me a note telling me that the LDH lab which has been abnormal twice, may just be a "fluke" and I have to go back to the lab for additional workups. I will do this at the end of the month when I can take care of everything on the same day. All of this is exhausting, so I have decided to take a break from all things medical at least until the end of the summer.

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Replies to "in reply to @t98 Thank you. Yes, I am anemic and recently had two iron infusions..."

With bleeding (anemia) and weight loss they usually want to check for stomach or colon cancer, so I think both the colonoscopy and endoscopy are indicated. Usually they recommend a colonoscopy anyway every 8 years or so even without any symptoms - but certainly if you have symptoms. Doing an endoscopy at the same time is a good idea because then you don't have separate preparation, and you don't have to worry about the test because you don't feel anything because you're sedated. (I've had some personal experience.) Considering you also have high LDH, since this was done twice, I think with your weight loss and anemia you should assume that it's correct and not a fluke, and look for cancer. It's better to discover these things earlier rather than later. Finding the cause will help you be stronger, so I suggest you don't wait too long.