Unexpected weight loss and insomnia

[BBfink00]

I was a ver healthy 60 year old male, very active , working out regularly when I was stricken with Myofacial trigger points about 1 month ago. The pain was terrible but with injections and physical therapy I am improving and managing better each day. However, during this period I have lost 16 pounds from 198 to 183 and cannot get a full nights sleep. It  seems my metabolism rate has increased 1000%. Ive taken blood work and its normal. Any ideas as to what is going on with me. I am obviously fatigued and very worried.

[Barb135]

Diabetes would be something that comes to MY mind as well.  Are you finding yourself being more thirsty, going to the bathroom more frequently, etc??\

I would also have to reiterate twehner5, in that "normal" blood tests according to lab ranges are NOT always "normal" for your body.  Your doctor needs to consider your symptoms just as closely as he considers the blood tests.  

Anxiety and lack of sleep can cause weight loss and pain such as you described would certainly bring on anxiety and lack of sleep.  Are you eating on a regular basis and getting the types of foods you need?  

Again, I agree with the others - continue to rattle the doctor's cage until you are able to resolve this problem.  

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.  

[Ranaesheart]

Welcome to the WL&D community!  Thank you for posting your question; you have already received some excellent advice from a few of our caring and knowledgeable members.  

Am certainly glad to see you know your body well and that you are collaboratively researching some of the possibilities of your recent weight loss.  With your thyroid tests being normal, diabetes also comes to mind.  Have you noticed any change in thirst/drinking?  

In doing a little research online, here are some reasons for unintentional weight loss that need to be considered and/or researched further .. depression, frequent diarrhea, hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), infection, poor nutrition, AIDS, and cancer. If you're trying to figure out why someone else is losing weight unintentionally, you may also want to look into drug abuse, eating disorders, and smoking.

Unexplained Weight Loss and Colon Cancer - Tumors are their own life form. They require a blood supply and energy to grow, and they also release their own waste products. Since they're living inside you, tumors use your blood and nutrients, and release their waste products inside your body. You're unlikely to notice the diversion of blood and nutrients, but sometimes tumors release chemicals that increase the body's metabolism (such as burn calories faster), which can lead to unexplained weight loss.

Medical Attention for Unexplained Weight Loss - According to the National Institutes of Health, adults should consult a medical professional if they've lost more than 5% of their body weight over the past 6 to 12 months without trying. (That would be about 10 pounds for a 200-pound person.) You should also call your doctor if you experience unexplained weight loss in conjunction with other potential colon cancer symptoms.

Please don't be alarmed .. this is just information to help you work through this process and get the answers  you need.  

Very best wishes .. and please let us know how you are doing and what you find out.

[lucindamartinez]

Diabetes comes to mind for me as well.  I agree....keep on rattling the doctor's cage and telling them that something is just not right.  Best of luck to you.  Your stongest weapon is that you know your own body well and that you are looking for answers.  ; )  

[twehner5]

Were you checked for diabetes...?

[BBfink00]

Thanks for your comments. I had bloodwork done about a month ago without thyroid and everything checked out, so last week my doctor did take blood for thyroid and that came out normal as well. Maybe the lack of sleep and anxiety is causing the weight loss but I know my body pretty well and this is very unusual. I will keep rattling their cage if I keep losing weight. Thanks,

[twehner5]

I'm assuming that by blood work, you mean your thyroid was checked?  I am learning that sometimes doctors need to check more specifically to find certain thyroid disorders.  Google hyper-thyroid and find out what "specific" blood work needs to be done - and see if THAT was done on you...if not, request it.

I've also head it said over and over that "normal" ranges given by the labs may not be normal for YOU.  Don't give up.  

What is your heart rate?  If you don't know how to check it, go to one of those machines in your local drug store.  Sit there for 10 minutes or so, so that you haven't walked up to it and your HR is up already when you take it.  

But, try to do some of your own research and KEEP RATTLING YOUR DOCTOR'S CAGE!