Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
March 28, 2024, 05:03:35 pm

Login with username, password and session length


Members
Stats
  • Total Posts: 772946
  • Total Topics: 66310
  • Online Today: 424
  • Online Ever: 5484
  • (June 18, 2021, 11:15:29 pm)
Users Online
Users: 1
Guests: 386
Total: 387

Welcome


Welcome to the POZ Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and others concerned about HIV/AIDS.  Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning:  Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

  • The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own physician.

  • All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

  • Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators of these forums. Click here for “Do I Have HIV?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ community forums.

  • We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are true and correct to their knowledge.

  • Product advertisement—including links; banners; editorial content; and clinical trial, study or survey participation—is strictly prohibited by forums members unless permission has been secured from POZ.

To change forums navigation language settings, click here (members only), Register now

Para cambiar sus preferencias de los foros en español, haz clic aquí (sólo miembros), Regístrate ahora

Finished Reading This? You can collapse this or any other box on this page by clicking the symbol in each box.

Author Topic: Rapid weight loss and CAT scans tomorrow  (Read 5194 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline buca45

  • Member
  • Posts: 187
Rapid weight loss and CAT scans tomorrow
« on: July 01, 2009, 06:30:12 pm »
So here is the story all
I have lost (without trying at all) 36 lbs in under three months. The last 6 lbs was in one week. I have stuffed myself full of all kinds of food to see if I could gain weight back to no avail. After all that eating, I still have not gained a pound.
Yesterday at my doc appt, he looked through my blood work and suddenly sat straight up and turned off the monitor as though he was hiding something. He then took out his script pad and said I needed to get a complete chest and abdomen CAT Scan in hopes of finding out what is happening. He mentioned that any of a number of serious issues could be going on, lymphoma slipped out before he caught himself and stopped speculating, and he then said he needed to get these Scan & blood results back ASAP so we could move on a solution or treatment.
His whole demeanor has me worried as he seems to already know what is happening. While we have had good communication all along, he shut during this appt. After telling me his office would be making appts for the scan, he drew 7 blood samples and sent me on my way. I got a call this AM from the hospital telling me I am scheduled tomorrow for a 12:30 visit with the scans being done two hours later.
So, any ideas what could be going on with me from this weight loss and Doc's sense of urgency to get moving on this? I am scheduled for results from scan and blood on the 7th, but I am already freaking out because of his behavior. Normally he is so cool and laid back and now to see him sort of panicing in front of me......YIKES!!
Ideas and any thoughts on a diagnosis oh wise ones? I know I have to hear it from Doc, but if any of you have had any thing like this happen, please let me know. Just dropped my 4th tab of Xanax today from this freak out....
My background: 17+ yrs poz, many drug cocktails as most failed after a year or so. On Oxycontin, Hydrocodone for pain, Xanax and Prozac for depression, Intellence, Isentress and Epzicom, Androgel, Lyrica and a cholestrol reducing med. Other than constant and severe everyday pain and being fatigued all the time, all seemed to be OK for few years, now this.
I cannot wait until the 7th to hear what is going on....hoping like hell it is not Lymphoma...
HELP!!!!
"Love and Laughter and Happiness Ever After"

Offline buca45

  • Member
  • Posts: 187
Re: Rapid weight loss and CAT scans tomorrow
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2009, 06:33:06 pm »
One more thing, had a TB test that had a negative result today, so that is ruled out.
Thanks all for any advice/ideas.
"Love and Laughter and Happiness Ever After"

Offline aztecan

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,530
  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: Rapid weight loss and CAT scans tomorrow
« Reply #2 on: July 01, 2009, 11:33:57 pm »
Hey Buca,

Wow, that is quite a bit of weight loss.

How are your CD4s?

OK, if it is lymphoma, it is better to find out sooner rather than later.

I know someone who just completed his chemotherapy for lymphoma. He did beautifully and is now in remission. Of course, that is no guarantee, but I just wanted to let you know lymphoma is definitely treatable.

I am not going to speculate what could be wrong. For one, I'm not a doctor. For another, there are just so many variables that guessing would not do you any good anyway.

I will be keeping you in my thoughts and sending lots of positive energy your way though.

Please let us know what you find out.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline BT65

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 10,786
Re: Rapid weight loss and CAT scans tomorrow
« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2009, 06:08:54 am »
Buca, no thoughts about what could be causing the weight loss, just wanted you to know I'll be thinking about you.
 Best,
Betty
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Condom and Lube Info https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/safer-sex
Please check out our lessons on PEP and PrEP. https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/pep-prep

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/treatmentasprevention-tasp

Offline buca45

  • Member
  • Posts: 187
Re: Rapid weight loss and CAT scans tomorrow
« Reply #4 on: July 02, 2009, 09:57:48 am »
Thanks Mark and Betty...I am getting ready to go in now. Still a bit freaked, but after 17 yrs living with 'our friend' I have been through so much nothing really bothers me any more. I have been pretty lucky in that I haven't been REAL sick before, just a ton of small things that have been more nuisances than anything. Well, this constant pain and fatigue suck but I have a large arsenal of meds to deal with that issue.....LOL
Hey, one thing I just learned from reading through the threads here is that it is possible to lose the 'cushioning' layer of fat on the bottom of our feet. I have noticed that over the past few months, walking any distance is a real pain. Even the huge doses of pain meds do not help there. I know my beautiful dog will not be happy if we curtail our 3X a day walks through the park nearby.
One thing a bit off topic ( I tend to go off topic a lot and have been known to ramble on at times), I don't know how many of you all are superstitious or spiritual but here's a story I find both comforting a strange, (I am Native American so I DO believe in 'happenings')
Last night while we were sitting in the park, I was rubbing my 12 yo Chow/Golden Retriever to find a hand sized soft lump on her back between her shoulder blades. I have known animals (a few of my own as well) who are so close to their owners that they develop things like this. I have heard and believe it is  a way of them 'sharing' the pain/maladies you go through.  A sort of sympathy pain if you will. She doesn't seem to be bothered with pain by it, but it had me worried enough to cruise the net last night looking for a cause for this large lump. I found out it is most likely a fatty deposit tumor as it is just under her skin.
I have an appt for her to see her doc tomorrow so a biopsy can be taken. She is 12 yo and has been a huge source of strength and support for me over the years... my guardian angel. There have been times when I have been sick and she will not leave my side at all and even sleeps on my bed with me. Usually she is very independent and wonders all around the house sleeping in different places every night, but lately she has been sticking by me and looking at me as though she knows something is up. OK enough of my baby.....
Back to this thing....
My T's have always remained in the 300 - high 400 range for as long as I have been on meds. The highest they have been was once for about a month they were at 524. Currently they are at 424 and I have been undetectable for years. All other areas seem to be in the normal range or just slightly off. That is up to tests I took last month....the ones Doc seen right before he started acting a bit weird. He didn't tell me all of them after that, so I am nervously thinking there is something he knows that he did not want to share with me until after the scan and the blood work results come back. I go in on the 7th for results.
OK once again, thanks to M & B for their support and if anyone else can contribute, Thanks!
"Love and Laughter and Happiness Ever After"

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Rapid weight loss and CAT scans tomorrow
« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2009, 10:34:41 am »

His whole demeanor has me worried as he seems to already know what is happening. While we have had good communication all along, he shut during this appt.


That would be totally unacceptable to me. I want complete honesty and openness from my doctor. Give me the good along with the bad. But give it to me straight.

Buca, I also , don't know what may be causing this weight loss, but I am thinking of you and wishing you the best. Hope you get some answers soon.

You've also mentioned about loosing that cushioning under the feet. I have very little cushioning anymore. Feels as though I am walking bone on floor.


I don't know, I just don't want my Doctor acting "weird on me"


Take care of yourself, sending energy your way----Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline AndyArrow

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,197
Re: Rapid weight loss and CAT scans tomorrow
« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2009, 06:09:20 pm »
Buca,

I just wanted to wish you luck with your scan & keep us posted on what you find out.

Hugs,
AA
It is not the arrival that matters.  It is the journey along the way. -- Michel Montaigne

Offline smalltown66

  • Member
  • Posts: 73
Re: Rapid weight loss and CAT scans tomorrow
« Reply #7 on: July 03, 2009, 07:31:20 pm »
Positive thoughts, positive energy and the power of a higher being! My thoughts are with you. Please keep us informed. Whatever the result, I wish you strength and endurance through this hard time.

Smalltown66
Lifting the weight of the world sure is easier with others with the same goal.

 


Terms of Membership for these forums
 

© 2024 Smart + Strong. All Rights Reserved.   terms of use and your privacy
Smart + Strong® is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC.