HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Sudden Loss Of Weight With Dizziness And Fatigue?

My mother-in-law is 78 yrs. old has lost approx. 50 lbs. unexplained weight within the last yr. She has chronic constipation, takes Miralax, has low thyroid, is on medication, had heart cath last month, arteries are OK, caroid CT and abdominal CT W/contrast done, findings, were abdom. fiscures, twisted colon, small spot on lung, 50 yr. smoker, still smoking. Dr. wants to do exploratory laporospy to fix twisted colon, would the CT scan show if there were a malignancy, or could this only be determined by the surgery? She is 5'7" 108 lbs. very malnutritioned. We are very concerned about her having this procedure done, she is so weak, dizzy, fatigued, and general malaize.
Mon, 15 Dec 2014
Report Abuse
Geriatrics Specialist 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows.
1. She is overtly stressed and malnourished, which has led to loss of weight.
2. Along with ti excessive dehydration and low blood pressure would cause dizziness.
3. she does need the surgery. She is only 78 years, and surgery could improve her health. Without surgery and associated weight loss, infection - prognosis even for a month becomes poor.
4. Yes, it is complicated surgery due to present condition, but necessary. CT would usually show a malignancy, if not PET scan will definitely do. Twisted colon needs to be corrected at the earliest.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
I find this answer helpful

Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Colorectal cancer


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Sudden Loss Of Weight With Dizziness And Fatigue?

Hi, Thanks for asking. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows. 1. She is overtly stressed and malnourished, which has led to loss of weight. 2. Along with ti excessive dehydration and low blood pressure would cause dizziness. 3. she does need the surgery. She is only 78 years, and surgery could improve her health. Without surgery and associated weight loss, infection - prognosis even for a month becomes poor. 4. Yes, it is complicated surgery due to present condition, but necessary. CT would usually show a malignancy, if not PET scan will definitely do. Twisted colon needs to be corrected at the earliest. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again.