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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Abdominal Discomfort and weight loss
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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Abdominal Discomfort and weight loss
by Rickvin, Jan 21, 2004 12:00AM
My 64-year old father recently went for a parathyroid surgery. All started because of abdominal discomfort. Unfortunately things have not improved after the surgery.
Prior to the surgery he had a series of tests done by the gastrologist who only found bacteria in the stomach. Other tests were negative. 2 weeks of antibiotics were given after that, and only when the condition did not improve did they conduct further test to check on the parathyroid.
It's been 3 months after the surgery and he has lost 5 kg during this time. He now finds it very difficult to eat, 'cos after almost every meal, which is very light, he experiences stomach discomfort like a feeling of indigestion.
He has changed his diet to semi-solid food.
Despite all the visits to the doctors, they claim there is nothing wrong and concluded the feeling was psychological.
Can somebody advise what other doctor he should see.
He has also seen an endocrinologist.
Prior to the surgery he had a series of tests done by the gastrologist who only found bacteria in the stomach. Other tests were negative. 2 weeks of antibiotics were given after that, and only when the condition did not improve did they conduct further test to check on the parathyroid.
It's been 3 months after the surgery and he has lost 5 kg during this time. He now finds it very difficult to eat, 'cos after almost every meal, which is very light, he experiences stomach discomfort like a feeling of indigestion.
He has changed his diet to semi-solid food.
Despite all the visits to the doctors, they claim there is nothing wrong and concluded the feeling was psychological.
Can somebody advise what other doctor he should see.
He has also seen an endocrinologist.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 22, 2004 12:00AM
, Jan 22, 2004 12:00AM
I would suggest a gastroenterologist as the next step. There are a variety of causes for stomach discomfort, including the bacteria that was previously mentioned (this sounds like H Pylori).
Other potential causes would inclde GERD, an ulcer, inflammation of the esophagus / stomach or a mass.
With the pain occuring after meals, I would suggest an upper endoscopy to look for ulcers. If negative, you may want to consider a 24-hr pH study, which is the most comprehensive test to look for GERD. Esophageal motility studies can be done durine the pH study to look for motility disorders - which would be less likely, but still possible.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Other potential causes would inclde GERD, an ulcer, inflammation of the esophagus / stomach or a mass.
With the pain occuring after meals, I would suggest an upper endoscopy to look for ulcers. If negative, you may want to consider a 24-hr pH study, which is the most comprehensive test to look for GERD. Esophageal motility studies can be done durine the pH study to look for motility disorders - which would be less likely, but still possible.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
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these antibiotics wiped out a lot of good bacteria in his body which is needed to maintain good flora and prevent yeast from overgrowth.
has he been eating yogurt ??
Nope he has not been eating yogurt.
But there is a long list of food to abstain, of which even Chinese Tea is there.
I am not sure about he needs to abstain from yogurt, but we tried him on Yakult and even Noni Juice.