My mother has sudden weight loss and waist pain after my father's death. How to manage it?

Question

Hi doctor,

My mother is 61-year-old of height, 5.3 feet, and weighs 127 to 132 lbs. She is having regular pain below the waist (both thighs), sudden weight loss, not able to sleep at night, feeling like vomiting every morning, no interest in meals. I lost my father two months ago. It might be one of the reasons affecting her health conditions. She is taking pain relief tablets.

Kindly give your opinion.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am deeply sorry for your loss and the worries you have because of your mother’s condition. The probable cause for the pain can be gastritis or upper digestive system cancer (unlikely). It would be a good idea to make her see her family doctor or GP (general practitioner) to rule out a severe underlying condition. So please take her there or make the doctor see her at home. However, also grief can cause such symptoms. Therefore I will suggest her a mild antidepressant, Amitriptyline 50 mg, three times a day. I wish the two of you strength and your mother a speedy recovery.