Unexplained weight loss is hosptialization an option?

[andi04]

I recently dropped weight here is the order, 103.3 to 95.6 to 93.5 then back to 93.8.

here's the situation I have IBS severly since childhood I have fibromyalgia, Chronic fatigue syndrome, and possible connective tissue disease.  I also have barret's esphogus that is in remission.  I have intermittent abdominal pain above and below my navel that creates back pain.  when I eat I'm nauses almost right away, then for the rest of the night my stomach hurts it doesn't seem to matter what I eat. I do get pain in my shoulder blade, and mid epigastric pain after swallowing.  They suspect, Inflammatory arthritis and possible scleroderma.

My psychatrist wants me in the hospital to stabilize my weight my internest/rhematologist I think is going to disagree with him.  I have a meeting with him on monday with my father. who is also deeply concerned about how skinny I am. I have always had issues with infections whether it be ear or whatever.


I don't know what to do, if my internest says no should I let my psychatrist put me in one of his hospitals for nutritional therapy I've been on carnation instant breakfast now for the last month, with vitamin d milk, and eating things that are nutrious but will also help me gain weight, I am taking prosac twenty miligrams twice daily and have been doing that for the last month or so which is why my psychiatrist is worried.  I am also on pain medications morphine oral, and percocet for breakthrough pain, and seasonique, (birth control), and I am also on 600 mgs of neurotin as needed and klonipin for anxiety.  I've been on these medications for a long period of time though so it wouldn't cause a drop in weight.

I'm not sure is hospitalization for weight a good idea? I know your advice doesn't replace the advice of my doctors but i'm scared and i'm not sure what they are going to do, and i don't understand why my internest/ rheumatologist is taking so long with her decesion.

thanks for your help hope i've given you enough information If I have to i will pay again to get another response. well worth the money.

thanks andi.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I cannot speak for your physicians.  If your psychiatrist thinks an inpatient admission is beneficial, I would tend to agree with him despite the objections of your internist.  If the weight continues to go down, hospitalization may be appropriate to achieve the intensive therapy needed to reverse the weight loss.  

It is not uncommon for those with severe, sustained weight loss to be admitted.  A multi-disciplinary team approach is needed that is not easy to achieve as an outpatient.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[andi04]

Thanks for your reply they decided against putting me in the hospital, because I am actually digesting food, but for some reason can't keep the weight on, I found out I had a really bad ear infection that required rocephin through an IV and then followed up with the Z pack.  I'm still having issues with weight loss they want me to drink ensure, but didn't say for how long.?  And no I don't have an eating disorder, all three of my doctors agree with this.

thanks for your time.