Weight loss with out an explanation

Posted by badnana1 @badnana1, Jun 12, 2016

My mom took a pretty hard fall last November, since then she said none of her food tastes good, she's dropped 40# in 3 months. She says she's always full. None of her Drs seem to be concerned at all. She keeps losing at least 1 lb a week. Her weight is 97lbs. She's wasting away to nothing and I'm at a lose as to what to do next.

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Hi @badnana1. Welcome to Connect! We are so glad you've joined our community. I certainly understand your concern; that does seem like quite a lot of weight loss. Here is some information from Mayo Clinic about unexplained weight loss: http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/unexplained-weight-loss/basics/definition/sym-20050700.

That kind of weight loss can be indicative of something deeper going on. And that amount of weight loss in such a short period of time can cause other issues that you may need to be cautious of. Have you shared your concern with her doctors? If she will allow you, you may need to attend an appointment with her to act as an advocate. Have you tried protein shakes or something that maybe she would be able to get down that would give her the nutrients her body needs? Are there any foods that she does like? At this point getting her to eat anything would be a success 🙂

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@kelseydm

Hi @badnana1. Welcome to Connect! We are so glad you've joined our community. I certainly understand your concern; that does seem like quite a lot of weight loss. Here is some information from Mayo Clinic about unexplained weight loss: http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/unexplained-weight-loss/basics/definition/sym-20050700.

That kind of weight loss can be indicative of something deeper going on. And that amount of weight loss in such a short period of time can cause other issues that you may need to be cautious of. Have you shared your concern with her doctors? If she will allow you, you may need to attend an appointment with her to act as an advocate. Have you tried protein shakes or something that maybe she would be able to get down that would give her the nutrients her body needs? Are there any foods that she does like? At this point getting her to eat anything would be a success 🙂

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I have tried all the above. I take care of her so I take her to her appts, I'm in there with her. I have mentioned this all to her primary Dr and he says he doesn't want to do anything at this time. Why, I ask. What are you waiting for. She is literally wasting away to nothing.

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Those are all good questions. If you don't feel like you are getting the answers you need, have you considered looking into a new doctor? These days second opinions are very common.

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@kelseydm

Those are all good questions. If you don't feel like you are getting the answers you need, have you considered looking into a new doctor? These days second opinions are very common.

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Yes, I believe in second opinions (and even third opinions if warranted).  Try to find a large medical center that specializes in the problem.  You can "Google" the problem, unexplained weight loss, and perhaps find a doctor or health care system that specializes in that problem.  Let us know what you find out.  Teresa

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Good morning @badnana1. Unintentional weight loss is common among older adults. May I ask how old is your mom? You mention her doctors are not concerned about the weight loss. Did they explain why not?

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Hun I would so get a second opinion , and pray god will direct you to the right Doctor I so agree that should be a Big concern , Hang in there do not give up .....

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