Why am I losing weight and experiencing neuropathy?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am feeling very unwell. I have lost weight and I am experiencing neuropathy, along with other symptoms.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I hope you are doing well. First of all, I want to reassure you. I completely understand your concerns, especially regarding the weight loss, constipation, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can understandably make you worry about serious health conditions.

However, I want to reassure you that you do not have any serious issues. I have carefully reviewed your endoscopy report (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), and am confident there is no evidence of malignancy.

What you do have is grade III gastritis and duodenitis caused by Helicobacter pylori. This bacteria is leading to severe inflammation in your stomach, which explains the weight loss, constipation, decreased appetite, and possibly even vomiting. The inflammation itself can cause all of these symptoms.

We must treat your H. pylori infection properly. You must complete the full course of treatment, which will last no less than two weeks, and in your case may extend to one month. We will use triple therapy, which includes:

A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) 20 mg taken twice a day.
Clarithromycin 500 mg taken twice a day.
Metronidazole 500 mg taken three times a day.

You need to take these medications regularly for two weeks. After that, we will repeat an H. pylori test using a stool sample; there will be no need to repeat the endoscopy.

Your condition will improve with medicines. Your weight should gradually return, your digestive system will improve overall, and the constipation should resolve. However, it is essential not to neglect the treatment. Grade III inflammation is significant; although it is not malignant, it still requires proper and serious attention.

Once again, I want to reassure you: there is no malignancy. This is inflammation, and it is treatable if we follow the complete course of therapy.

If you have any questions at any time, we are here to help and happy to assist you.

I hope this information helps with your situation. Please share your valuable feedback to improve patient care, and let me know if you have any further questions.

Thank you.