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What Causes Severe Fatigue In An 85 Year Old Rectal Cancer Patient?

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Posted on Mon, 20 Jun 2016
Question: I a
Have been suffering with chronic fatigue for well over two years. It is growing worse,however I do not have all the markers for chronic fatigue syndrome, and none of my doctors have offers any ideas on the subject.I am 85 years old and will start chemo and radiation in 2 weeks for rectal cancer.vwith my normal fatigue plus what will come frightens me, but none of my doctors seems to be concerned. I also have fibro, pancreatsis, arthritis, back problems. Do you have any ideas to help mitigate this problem. My email is YYYY@YYYY
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
A complete evaluation is necessary before chemo.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

The diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome is achieved after all over possible causes of similar symptoms are excluded.

Before chemotherapy and radiation, in order for the fatigue not to get worse, it is necessary to evaluate some issues such anemia, blood iron levels, vitamin B12, thyroid gland function, pituitary gland function and hormones, electrolytes in blood, with appropriate blood tests, and to correct any imbalance.

Immune system status, the stress that this condition is causing you and any viral infection should be addressed and treated also by discussing with your primary care Doctor.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4494 Questions

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What Causes Severe Fatigue In An 85 Year Old Rectal Cancer Patient?

Brief Answer: A complete evaluation is necessary before chemo. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your query and understand your concerns. The diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome is achieved after all over possible causes of similar symptoms are excluded. Before chemotherapy and radiation, in order for the fatigue not to get worse, it is necessary to evaluate some issues such anemia, blood iron levels, vitamin B12, thyroid gland function, pituitary gland function and hormones, electrolytes in blood, with appropriate blood tests, and to correct any imbalance. Immune system status, the stress that this condition is causing you and any viral infection should be addressed and treated also by discussing with your primary care Doctor. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Greetings.