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Re: Stomach Problems

Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2015 4:38 pm
by Jane Dean
The weight loss is a major concern. I suggest you contact your Father's GP and ask him to expedite the scan as an emergency.
The antibiotics will have disrupted his intestinal micobiome but this can be addressed once you have a diagnosis.

Re: Stomach Problems

Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2015 4:42 pm
by Dr Roger Goulds
From what you say, I am really concerned about your father , and suspect he has a very serious medical condition. I suggest you express your concerns to his GP as a matter of urgency or alternatively call 111 for advice. I hope I am wrong.

Re: Stomach Problems

Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 10:33 am
by Julie Thompson
As far as his symptoms are concerned medications can be helpful for symptoms but the biggest concern is the fact that you state he is not eating or drinking well. I think he would be best advised to see his GP again as soon as he can get an appointment, as long as he agrees of course. Severe dehydration can also be a medical emergency please see the following link which gives advice about symptoms of severe dehydration and what to do in that situation:

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Dehydratio ... ction.aspx

For fluid the amount needed can vary from individual to individual and as you have not stated his weight I cannot tell you precisely how much is needed – the amount needed will also depend on the climate (more is needed when the weather is hotter), age and activity levels. Normally six to 10 glasses are required but more may be needed if he is suffering from diarrhoea. You could ask your father if he would be happy to see a dietitian to help him with his nutrition, this does sound like a significant weight loss but not knowing his original weight it isn’t possible to work out what percentage of his weight he has lost – a dietetic referral is normally required if a 10% unintentional weight loss has occurred. Dietitians work both in outpatient clinics and in the community and can be very helpful with increasing both diet and fluid intake, your GP can refer him. Please see the attached link on how to get to see a dietitian. Your GP can also provide supplement drinks to help with weight loss (also fluid intake) in the interim, if there is a long wait to see a dietitian. Any supplement drinks should be introduced slowly if 10-15% of body weight has been lost very rapidly, his GP can work this out and might also recommend B vitamins to be taken to facilitate the body’s ability to utilise the nutrition provided by the drinks.

https://www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/WhatIsDietitian.pdf

Re: Stomach Problems

Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 10:37 am
by Dr Nick Read
I can understand your worry, Jayne. This is not your father’s usual pattern. He is losing weight and becoming fatigued. He is not well and it sounds as if he should be admitted to hospital for urgent investigation and treatment. I don’t think you should be waiting any longer. Please impress on his doctor how ill he is.