Hello,
I've never posted before, but am desperate and wonder if anyone can offer some advice?
After almost 20 years with CFS/ME I have developed a new symptom - total loss of appetite, to the point where I have lost 35lbs in the last few months. I was carrying a little extra weight to start with, so am probably at about the 'right' weight now but really cannot afford to lose any more. I am now only managing to eat a small portion meal every other day - which I have to force down - and the rest of the time I have just a few crackers each day. Incidentally, I have also suffered from nausea for several years which is relieved by taking cyclizine.
After a battery of tests - bloods, CT scan, endoscopy and colonoscopy - came back clear, my doctor says it could be that I've developed a side effect of gabapentin after 11 years on it and wants me to start coming off it. I am incredibly reluctant as I feel starting on it led to a huge improvement in my pain levels and mood. Even if I did decide to come off it, the process would take up to two years and my doctor has made no suggestion of anything like meal replacement drinks, even though most of the time I couldn't manage them anyway.
Has anyone had similar symptoms for such a long period of time and, if so, did anything help? Thanks, and be kind - I'm new to this forum stuff!
I've never posted before, but am desperate and wonder if anyone can offer some advice?
After almost 20 years with CFS/ME I have developed a new symptom - total loss of appetite, to the point where I have lost 35lbs in the last few months. I was carrying a little extra weight to start with, so am probably at about the 'right' weight now but really cannot afford to lose any more. I am now only managing to eat a small portion meal every other day - which I have to force down - and the rest of the time I have just a few crackers each day. Incidentally, I have also suffered from nausea for several years which is relieved by taking cyclizine.
After a battery of tests - bloods, CT scan, endoscopy and colonoscopy - came back clear, my doctor says it could be that I've developed a side effect of gabapentin after 11 years on it and wants me to start coming off it. I am incredibly reluctant as I feel starting on it led to a huge improvement in my pain levels and mood. Even if I did decide to come off it, the process would take up to two years and my doctor has made no suggestion of anything like meal replacement drinks, even though most of the time I couldn't manage them anyway.
Has anyone had similar symptoms for such a long period of time and, if so, did anything help? Thanks, and be kind - I'm new to this forum stuff!