Weight Loss--When to Worry

Posted By Christine on August 30, 1998 at 11:23:16:







I've previously posted here regarding a 2 month history of nausea, loss of appetitie, diarrhea, and an approximate 10 lb weight loss.  My doctor suspected and treated me for giardia even though tests later proved negative.  After treatment with Flagyl, I noticed a definite improvement of my condition.  But since I wasn't "cured" I had a flexible sigmoidoscopy this past Tuesday.  My doc found that my colon looked good and I will get pathology report on Monday of some random biopsies he took of my colon.  My question is--now that I am "almost" back to normal and my appetite has returned for the most part (not 100% though), I am having problems getting my weight back up.  I have tried eating more "junk" foods and higher fat products but I am only maintaining my weight at this point.  Prior to this incident I weighed about 148/149 lbs (I am 5'7", 34 y/o, female).  I am now down to 139 lbs.  Despite going out to restaurants, eating ice cream, chips, and sugared colas--my weight is not coming back on.  I have discussed this with my doctor but he really has no comment at all.  I have to say that I do have a history of thyroid cancer; however, I recently got a clean nuclear scan for this so there is no indication to think this is causing a problem.  As you can tell, I am concerned about weight loss associated with cancer.  All the literature I read about bowel problems gets very alarming when weight loss is present.  Can you elaborate on when weight loss is a problem and when it is not?  Thanks.
Christine