Ask Me Help Desk - Worrisome weight loss

Worrisome weight loss

I am 25 years old. Before I had my baby via cesarian I ate like a grown man. I am 4'11" and my average weigh is usually around 100 lbs or so. Ever since I had my baby, my appetite has decreased. Well, I get hungry, but when I try to eat each bite makes me nauseous. My husband says it's anorexia and the only answer is to eat, but I know I'm not fat, I have dropped down to 78 lbs. I know it's not anorexia. We can't afford to go to a doctor. Has anyone else experienced this sort of thing! I do try to eat, but small amounts make me full or I can't even chew the food without feeling ill.

How long ago did you have the baby?

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Originally Posted by teacherjenn4

How long ago did you have the baby?

1 year this month.

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Originally Posted by tinymom27

1 year this month.

Try to find a clinic or affordable medical care. Having trouble eating and keeping food down for this long is worrisome.

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Originally Posted by teacherjenn4

Try to find a clinic or affordable medical care. Having trouble eating and keeping food down for this long is worrisome.

It has happened gradually and it's only been the last month that the nausea has gotten worse. I have no choice but to wait until we get our finances in order.

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Originally Posted by tinymom27

It has happened gradually and it's only been the last month that the nausea has gotten worse. I have no choice but to wait until we get our finances in order.

Could you be pregnant?

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Originally Posted by teacherjenn4

Could you be pregnant?

No, I thought that too, at first, but my period came right on schedule. I have had a lot of stress from relatives and a couple of huge lifestyle changes. I had a discussion with my husband and we are going to try a few home remedies and if it doesn't seem to help in a few weeks we are going to make some arrangements to see a doctor.

I'd backtrack to the c-section. Was it unusual in any way? Were you in labor at all before the c-section? Were any other procedures performed at the same time?

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

I'd backtrack to the c-section. Was it unusual in any way? Were you in labor at all before the c-section? Were any other procedures performed at the same time?

I went into premature labor at 34 weeks and was in labor for four days prior to the c section. No other procedures were done.

Why did they let you labor for FOUR days?

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Why did they let you labor for FOUR days?

In order to give the steroids time to do their thing for the baby's lungs.

How was the labor? Stop and go or barely there or wild and crazy? Did they give you anything to stop labor?

How long were you in the hospital? And your food intake then?

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

How was the labor? stop and go or barely there or wild and crazy? Did they give you anything to stop labor?

How long were you in the hospital?

and your food intake then?

The labor was pretty intense at first. I was in the hospital for a total of seven days. I had a solid meal thanksgiving morning, then liquids only on Friday. They had me on magnesium solfate to stop the contractions. Nothing at all to eat or drink for two days. My water broke on Saturday. After the c section it was liquids only for the first day, but even after that, I didn't eat much.

Have you had additional symptoms such as unusual fatigue and constipation?

I went Googling around for magnesium sulfate and found that hypercalcemia, an elevated calcium level in the blood, can cause anorexia. If I were in your shoes, I'd ask for a blood draw to check my calcium levels. It's a slim possibility and I am definitely not any kind of a medical professional, but I am a skilled and experienced researcher who was able to change my oncologist's mind about a couple of long-held beliefs. It might be worth checking out.

J_9, our resident nurse, will certainly have input here along the way.

It wouldn't have to do with the Magnesuim. She's too far out for that. That's temporary and we have Calcium Gluconate at the bedside should hypercalcemia should happen.

I'm wondering if you have a form of GERD. This can happen before, during and/or after pregnancy.

I'm sorry to say, and I know you don't have insurance, but a doctor's appointment is seriously in order here.

I agree with what J_9 has said. I was wondering, did anyone make you feel as though you were overweight while you were pregnant or after?
I was a single mom of three so I do understand what it is to live from paycheck to paycheck and to make it stretch. You may want to check with your local health dept. they may have a program for uninsured/low income or they may no of a community clinic that offers care on a sliding scale fee. It is just so important to get checked out. In 2005 I was having some symptoms and did not have insurance or very little money. I went to the ER which didn't help at all. I finally got out the phone book and picked out a three ob/gyn that were females. I didn't have any luck at the first but the second helped me. I went and explained what was going on and asked for help and let them know I had no insurance and very little money. They agreed to see me the next day and within two more days I was dx with uterine ca. The gyn found a excellent oncologist see me and do my surgery ( with no insur/$$). The oncologist let me know that I was very lucky that I had not waited much longer. See that is why it is important for you to not give up because you do not have insur/$. If you be persistent someone will give you care. You cannot afford not to. Your health is one of the most precious things you have.
Unexplained weightloss and loss of appetite could very well be something that cannot be put to the side. I do not mean to scare you but I do mean to scare you if you understand what I mean. Please let us know how you are doing. I will keep you in my prayers.

Although I am retired from the medical field, my responses DO NOT replace the advice given by your doctor. I am not licensed to diagnose or treat your specific illness. Any responses I give are to be considered my opinion.