topic Re: Malabsorption Issues?? in Wellness

Malabsorption Issues??

NickNack — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:24:25 GMT

I've had some health issues the past couple of years and just recently found out that my protein levels are low. I definitely eat enough protein and am very confused and unsettled by this. I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow to discuss it.

I've lost ten lbs. this past year without trying. I'm okay with that but am small anyway and don't want to lose anymore. I'm very bloated and look pregnant from the side, which is strange to me. I do have IBS and bloating is a symptom but this is extreme. I'm bloated when I wake up in the morning.

When I Googled low protein levels it said that it's extremely rare to have low protein in a first world country even if you don't eat meat (I DO eat meat). I eat chicken and fish several times a week and drink milk, etc. I immediately thought of those pictures of children in third world countries with big bellies.

I'm thinking my body isn't absorbing nutrients properly. It can also indicate kidney or liver problems. Has anyone else ever had this? What was done for you?

Re: Malabsorption Issues??

hopi — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:51:09 GMT

Please update us after your DR. appointment.... hopefully we can give you more productive feedback.

Re: Malabsorption Issues??

Sweet Kitties — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:53:28 GMT

Please let us know how your doctor appointment went. I know that I can't eat dairy products anymore. When I do, it get bloating & cramps that last for two days. I developed an intolerence to dairy about ten years ago after I went through menopause. You're right that low protein if very rare. I've been eating a whole food plant based diet for five years. Which means no animal products at all. My yearly blood work never shows a low protein level. I'm guessing there's something else going on with you rather than a dairy intolerance.

Re: Malabsorption Issues??

piperbay — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 18:06:17 GMT

Possible causes might be Crohn's or Celiac. I would ask the doctor for a stool test along with other tests to rule out a parasite.

Re: Malabsorption Issues??

Still Raining — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 18:07:10 GMT

Please be well and consult with doctors as needed. Best wishes.

Re: Malabsorption Issues??

KailaS — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 18:30:28 GMT

I have malabsorption issues and initially lost weight because of EPI, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. I lost part of my pancreas ten years ago, so I need to take enzymes to digest food properly and must monitor what I eat. Obviously, your doctors should be able to monitor and diagnose your situation. Good luck.

Re: Malabsorption Issues??

Terrywu — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 20:00:36 GMT

I have no solutions, just good wishes. Keep us posted.

Re: Malabsorption Issues??

Pink123 — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 20:10:55 GMT

@NickNack Have you had blood work done recently? If so and everything is normal then that's good.

I have very low "ferritin" levels for years now. I have a hematologist and it is unsolved. He has come to the conclusion that since I am on heavy "GERD" medication I have malabsorption issues and so it's tough to get good nutrition. They block the stomach lining from letting the good nutrients in for good health.

Someone mentioned Chron's and I think a gastro or Colorrectal Doctor would be worth while. My best friends son kept losing weight and it turned out to be crohn's like another poster mentioned here.

Please have a blood work up if you have not already. Best wishes.

Re: Malabsorption Issues??

NickNack — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 20:57:57 GMT

@Pink123 That's interesting about PPI's causing malabsorption. I've been on 40 mg. Nexium twice a day for about two years. I've been on PPI's for probably close to 20 years. I just had an endoscopy, and there is a little damage to my esophagus so my gastroenterologist told me to continue with the Nexium twice a day. My reflux had gotten much worse even while on that dose and he prescribed amitriptyline (not for depression) 10 mg. at night. That took care of the lower abdominal pain from IBS and helped with the reflux but not as much as I'd hoped. He increased the amitriptyline to 25 mg., which has helped tremendously.

I had complete blood work in January, and my Rheumatologist just did bloodwork recently and found the low protein levels. He sent the bloodwork to my Internist, and I'm seeing her tomorrow. I did have low ferritin levels last year and had iron infusions which raised it. I had a colonoscopy a couple of years ago, and my Gastro said that I did not have Crohn's. He has done a couple of biopsies to check for Celiac, and I don't have it either.

I will mention Crohn's to my doctor tomorrow and see if she thinks I could have developed it in the last two years. I will also discuss what your hematologist said with her about the PPI's. I know she was shocked that I was still having reflux when on that much.

I have a follow-up appt. with my Gastroenterologist at the end of August (because he started me on amitriptyling) but can see him sooner depending on what my regular doctor says tomorrow.

I appreciate the information that you and everyone else here has given me. I'm glad I posted before my appt. tomorrow.

What do you do for your malabsorption issues? I've read several things and am not sure what they would do.

Re: Malabsorption Issues??

chrystaltree — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 21:00:22 GMT

Leave the diagnosing to doctor. Playing doctor by Google can drive you crazy. I do indeed have malabsorption issues due to the gastric bypass I had almost 30 years ago. I'm fine in terms of protein but I had multiple vitamin deficiencies. Low calcium and vitamin D were wrecking havoc on my body. I had to see an endocrinologist who specializes in such things and it took a few years to resolve. Since my body doesn't metabolize nutrients well, I have to take a variety of vitamins and a massive dose of vitamin D and twice the calcium supplements that most women need. I have blood work done twice a year and my endocrinologist adjust what I need based on the lab work.

Re: Malabsorption Issues??

Pink123 — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 21:16:56 GMT

@NickNack wrote:
@Pink123 That's interesting about PPI's causing malabsorption. I've been on 40 mg. Nexium twice a day for about two years. I've been on PPI's for probably close to 20 years. I just had an endoscopy, and there is a little damage to my esophagus so my gastroenterologist told me to continue with the Nexium twice a day. My reflux had gotten much worse even while on that dose and he prescribed amitriptyline (not for depression) 10 mg. at night. That took care of the lower abdominal pain from IBS and helped with the reflux but not as much as I'd hoped. He increased the amitriptyline to 25 mg., which has helped tremendously.

I had complete blood work in January, and my Rheumatologist just did bloodwork recently and found the low protein levels. He sent the bloodwork to my Internist, and I'm seeing her tomorrow. I did have low ferritin levels last year and had iron infusions which raised it. I had a colonoscopy a couple of years ago, and my Gastro said that I did not have Crohn's. He has done a couple of biopsies to check for Celiac, and I don't have it either.

I will mention Crohn's to my doctor tomorrow and see if she thinks I could have developed it in the last two years. I will also discuss what your hematologist said with her about the PPI's. I know she was shocked that I was still having reflux when on that much.

I have a follow-up appt. with my Gastroenterologist at the end of August (because he started me on amitriptyling) but can see him sooner depending on what my regular doctor says tomorrow.

I appreciate the information that you and everyone else here has given me. I'm glad I posted before my appt. tomorrow.

What do you do for your malabsorption issues? I've read several things and am not sure what they would do.

Your welcome @NickNack I too had damage to my esophogaus several years ago and it healed. What helped? I take "prilosec" twice a day but some times I need to up it. I do take a swallow or two of mint flavored Gaviscon (it's magnesium) and helps me so much. I would suggest it at bedtime. That's what got my esophogaus normal again after several months. Gaviscon, mint flavor liquid.

I am on a relaxant myself. Stress causes stomach problems leading to anxiety.

No the hematologist/oncologist wasn't shocked at all. I too have been on these antacids for over 20 years. I had my last coonoscopy/endocsopy in January and I have a slight ulceration in my tummy. No wonder I've been having nausea again.

Reading your post you seem to be up do date on bloodwork, and doing everything right.

My ferritin levels have been low for 10 years now. All it gives me is a bit more tiredness than others. I have noticed this, however he is not concerned and is chief at a big hospital.

My gastro does not seem concerned with the extra prilosec, the alrernative is far worse right? I do have Barrett's Esophogaus too by the way.

You might want to try a tablespoon full of Gaviscon mid day between meals or at bedtime (a bit after pills). My gastro says it's fine and it's soothing.

This stops me from taking more ppi's. Let me know how it goes tomorrow. They will find the culprit.