very cold feet hands and inside

[frantic sister]

In November my sister was operated to remove a thymoma from chest. she was doing well except for a pain in arm. She was given pain killers which included opium. This made her very ill. She was vomiting for aprox. 7 days. has been ill now for a month.Symptoms extreem fatigue. shortness of breath. feeling extreem cold in hands feet and inside especially after eating something. she is eating very little. It seems something is sucking the life out of her, she is always tired. Doctors are very vague. they take tests but don't seem to know what to do.
Doctor doesn't want her in hospital for fear of hospital infections. My Sister is in Scotland Fife Markinch. Mother is nursing her. is there a specialist we can call. She needs to have a scan but has been too ill to go and have it as she is too fatigued to travel. Please help we are all very worried

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Not sure this is a urology-related question.

There can be many reasons for the symptoms, with infection and cancer being on the list.  

Obtaining thorough set of blood tests, such as a blood count, metabolic panel, thyroid test, vitamin B12 level, and various viral tests (HIV, EBV etc.) should all be done at minimum.  Blood cultures to evaluate for possible endocarditis can also be done.  

The shortness of breath can be evaluated with chest imaging and an echocardiogram to evaluate the heart.

I would suggest an internal medicine specialist for a comprehensive workup.

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_

[frantic sister]

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