Please help my little brother, I dont know what else to do

[mogirl27]

My little brother is 20 years old and has been severly ill for about 6 months now off and on for a period of a week to 3 weeks at a time with only a week of "relief" or showing no symptoms. He has been losing an excessive amount of weight, he literally looks like a skeleton. He is 6 feet tall and only weighs 78 pounds. When I took him to the doctor for this the doctor said its a normal weight.. I dont think it is! He loses at least 3- 5 lbs a week. The most has been 15lbs in one week.   He has chronic sinus pain and rarely ever sleeps, if he does he has to take a medication to make him sleep. He has been battling stomach issues for awhile. Nausea and no appetite is the chronic problem with an acute problem of vomitting and diarrhea. He also shows signs of anxiety which he has had since he was 13, it gets worse when his symptoms flair up. He also gets severe headaches about once a week. He can no longer function. I have taken over his bills because he can no longer work.  Im at my wits end. Every doctor I take him too says the same thing, "all tests are normal". Im sorry but a 6 foot tall 20 year old male who weighs 78 lbs is not normal!  Please help! thanks...

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
This is great news! What a wonderful birthday gift for your brother! I am really happy that the cause was identified and that surgery was done immediately. Your brother is indeed very lucky to have you and your family with him during this time. Take care always and warm regards.

[mogirl27]

Sorry it has taken awhile to get back to you. Ive been so busy dealing with doctors and tests and everything else that goes along with trying to get my brother diagnosed. but I FINALLY got an answer!!!! I honestly have no idea what I was paying ALL those doctors 200 bucks a visit for when the problem came down to him having a testical that never dropped. Apparently it lost blood flow and started rotting and caused a major infection. The doctor who caught it thought it was severe enough that he had him rushed in for emergency surgery, he had the surgery this past Tuesday on May 25th, he turned 21 today, May 29th! The doctor said that he might not have ever seen his 21st birthday, he got to leave the hospital today and for the first time in almost 2 years I heard him say he was hungry! Thank you so much for all your input!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How is your brother?  You are right in saying that a 6-foot tall with a weight of 78 lbs is not normal. Ideal body weight should be in the range of 105- 110 kilograms. There are many causes of unintentional weight loss such as chronic diarrhea, possible cancer, certain medications, eating disorders, hyperthyroidism, and infection. With his acute problems of diarrhea and vomiting, i recommend that you have him evaluated further by a gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis. Direct clinical examiantion is essential. Tale care and do keep us posted.