Outpatient Care vs. Emergency Room for Severe Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite
I am a 35-year-old male weighing 210 pounds. Over the past four months, I have been struggling with a persistent illness that has led to a staggering weight loss of 70 pounds. I have visited the emergency room six times due to my condition. Following these visits, I underwent surgery to remove my gallbladder and received an ERCP for a blocked bile duct, which resulted in a nine-day hospitalization through a laparoscopic procedure. Despite the surgery, I am still grappling with the same initial symptoms—persistent nausea and a significantly reduced appetite that have lingered for six weeks since the operation. While my recent blood tests have not indicated any critical issues, I still feel that my situation is not being fully understood or addressed. I am concerned about my inability to eat sufficient food and fear that if I postpone further testing, it might jeopardize my chances of recovery. Is it possible to be admitted to the hospital even though my lab results currently appear stable?
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 11:40:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are facing a challenging and concerning situation with your health, particularly with the significant weight loss and persistent symptoms of nausea and loss of appetite. It's understandable to feel anxious about your condition, especially after multiple hospital visits and surgery.
Main Points:
- Persistent Symptoms After Surgery: After your gallbladder and bile duct surgeries, ongoing nausea and lack of appetite can be frustrating and concerning.
- Need for Comprehensive Evaluation: Even if your lab results seem stable, your ongoing symptoms and substantial weight loss warrant further evaluation.
- Hospital Admission Considerations: You can be admitted if the medical team believes it’s necessary to address your symptoms and provide adequate treatment.
Explanation:
Your significant weight loss (70 pounds in four months) and symptoms like nausea and reduced appetite can arise from various underlying conditions. While your tests may have returned normal results, the persistence of your symptoms suggests that further investigation is essential. These symptoms could indicate issues like delayed recovery from surgery, complications related to your bile duct, or even gastrointestinal problems requiring attention.
Next Steps:
- Document Your Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, appetite, fluid intake, and any additional concerns to provide comprehensive information to your healthcare team.
- Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Reach out to your primary care physician or the surgeon's office to discuss your ongoing symptoms and the weight loss you've experienced. Emphasize the urgency of your situation based on your documented symptoms.
- Express Your Concerns: Be clear about your worries regarding your reduced appetite and the potential long-term effects of continued weight loss. This may encourage your doctor to recommend further observations or evaluations.
- Prepare for Possible Admission: If further testing or treatment is deemed necessary, you may need to be admitted to the hospital for closer monitoring and appropriate interventions.
Remember, communication with your healthcare provider is key. They can better address your symptoms and concerns by understanding the full scope of your situation. You've already been proactive by seeking help, so keep advocating for your health.
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