FAO Sqad - Medical Query

[WELSHYORKIE]

Hi Sqad, female relative really down at the moment due to thinning hair - currently taking effexor xl, bendrofluazide and metoclopramide. Obnoxious GP won't take her hair problem seriously and it is becoming extremely distressing for her. She has asked me to go with her to see the bar steward later this week and I am wondering if you could give me any ideas what to say to him or what test to ask/tell him we want doing or even what to suggest it may be?

Thanks in advance sqad

[Sqad]

Well as far as I know, the drugs that you have mentioned would not cause thinning hair.

I would ask if I could have blood thyroid tests to eliminate an underactive thyroid.

After saying that she is taking effexor and this MAY lead me to suspect that her thinning hair may have a psychosomatic basis.

Sorry I can´t be more hopeful and helpful.

Keep me up dated.

[WELSHYORKIE]

Sqad, thanks for the swift reply - I knew you wouldn't let me down. Blood thyroid test it is and I will keep you updated. Many thanks.

[NazNomad]

"Well as far as I know, the drugs that you have mentioned would not cause thinning hair."

Could the symptoms that necessitate that medication cause hair loss?

[muchlovex]

Hi Welshyorkie. I am sorry to hear of your friends distress. My hair thinned out and you could almost see my scalp, when my mam was terminally ill with cancer. My hair has grown back now and is alot more thicker.

Is she suffering from any stress at the momet?

P.s. I had such a laugh when you said 'bar steward'..my mate used to say that!

[NazNomad]

Depression/Anxiety cold cause hair loss. I see Effexor in the list, so added 1+1.

[rowanwitch]

this may sound a silly suggestion but is her hair quite long and if so does she tie it back? if so stopping and improving circulation to the scalp head down positions and massage (gentle) might help pointing out to GP how much a womans self esteem is tied into appearance and hair has a huge role in this is important... we all know how a bad hair day feels... she's having them daily...
short styles may look better too

[WELSHYORKIE]

Thanks, all for your comments. She has been suffering with depression for the last 10 years or so and has been improving and is trying to wean herself off the effexor slowly but the hair thinning is proving to be a tough situation for her. Muchlovex/Naz- yes she has lost both her dogs recently and she is struggling to overcome the grief. Rowan - no her hair is not quite collar length but I take on board the circulation issue and will mention it to her.

[rowanwitch]

grief /loss is most likely..... I lost a lot of hair during my divorce

[WELSHYORKIE]

Sqad, just to update you - blood tests according to GP 'inconclusive' other than to tell her she has an inflamed liver. He has taken another set of bloods and sent them off for further tests. She has to call the surgery for the test results tuesday/wednesday next week. He has no idea of what is causing the inflamed liver.

[Sqad]

Welshy....interesting.

The blood tests would indicate that enzymes (chemicals) which should be inside the liver cells are "spewing out" into the blood stream and this could be due to many factors.

Keep me informed as we may may learn something here.

Thanks.

[WELSHYORKIE]

Will do, Sqad and thanks for the help

[WELSHYORKIE]

Hi Sqad - blood results have come back as 'normal - no action required' however she is still in pain so I have trold her to get her @rse down to see the other doctor at the practice (hers in on leave) to get his opinion, and if need be demand an instant referral to the local hospital.. Apart from the pain, she is lethargic not eating very well and can only manage to drink about a quarter of a cup of tea before feeling sick. If trhe bloos tests have ruled out thyroid problems, could it be something like gallstones?

[Sqad]

Welshy....good news on the blood tests....BUT what is this pain business?

This is the first time on this thread that you have mentioned PAIN.

[WELSHYORKIE]

Sorry, sqad - f*cked up. She has pain around her abdomen mainly on the right side just at the bottom of her ribcage- she descibes it as a crushing type of pain - and she cannot manage to eat much or drink tea as she feels nauseous.

[Sqad]

Welshy, my mate.....now you tell me.

Those symptoms that you have just described would go well with gall stones......it should be mentioned to her GP for possible investigation.

[WELSHYORKIE]

Cheers, sqad. Will keep you updated

[WELSHYORKIE]

Sqad, she has just come from doctors - he has taken more blood for test as he wants to see whether her 'levels' are better - whatever that means. There was no mention of gallstones.

[WELSHYORKIE]

Sqad, if you are observing what's going on - my OH went to the docs again and again had bloods taken - then has to go back to doc on thursday to find out whether or not she has to be referred to hospital. She is now starting to show yellowing around the eyes and skin - obviously jaundice - but I am getting a bit worried as this has been dragging on for a few weeks now and seemingly no action being taken. The doc has stopped all her medicines and she is being told that they have to keep checking her bloods to see if she is getting better or worse. Fore funks sake she's turning effing yellow and they want to wait to see if she is getting better. A whole lot of good that is doing her!

[murraymints]

I would ask for second opinion AND a referral to consultant ASAP !

[WELSHYORKIE]

Good to see you back, sqad - i've defo missed you.
Update:: OH has started turning yellow over the last few days ansd at the moment resembles a jar of Colmans mustard. GP has said he will 'urgently' refer het to local hospital but that it may take 3 weeks to get appointment (unless I wish to go private which I cannot afford). Nothing has shown up on blood tests other than inflamed liver which he thinks is down to a virus. In the meantime she can't hold any food down and her urine resembles lucozade in colour Would you concur with GP?