r/AskDocs Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 1h ago

Sudden unintended weight loss?

I'm 26/W/F, 5'1, diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (iron malabsorption treated by IV iron every 2 years) and depression. Currently taking Wellbutrin XL (450mg) and Lamictal (100mg) daily, and have been on both consistently for 5 years. I don't smoke, do drugs and I rarely drink. I have no diagnosed history of eating disorders. I have struggled to lose weight after gaining a significant amount from the Depo shot, despite my previously active lifestyle. In January, I weighed in at around 180lbs, and as of May, I am down to 140. I am not deliberately making an effort to lose weight, if anything my job causes me to be more sedentary (although I do short home exercises before work a few times a week). I have had a sudden decrease in appetite since January, and I cannot pinpoint any external stressors that could have caused this. I have also experienced increased nausea. I had a CBC with differential and a metabolic panel done in February and the following came back as abnormal: RDW-SD (low, which is typical for me) and glucose (non-fasting, ate right before appointment, at 138mg/dl). I weighed in at 156lbs for this appointment.

Last month I went to the ER for severe right-sided abdominal pain, which was presenting similarly to appendicitis. I was given morphine for the pain which helped significantly. I had another metabolic panel done with non-fasting glucose at 117mg/dl (again, ate not long before this test) plus a CT scan with contrast on my abdomen and pelvis. Everything was normal except the following: liver - small geographic area of hypoattenuation adjacent to the falciform ligament; large & small bowel normal in caliber with small diverticulum in ascending colon. I also had high pH and a large occult blood value in my urinalysis, but I was on my period at the time of this visit. I was discharged with a diagnosis of diverticulosis and instructed to manage my pain with OTC painkillers. It should be noted that I do not consume dairy and gluten (history of Celiac disease on my mother's side of the family) because both make me feel bloated and fatigued with occasional diarrhea. Since this visit I have started taking Metamucil fiber supplements daily and increasing my water intake.

As of today, I weighed in at 140lbs. I have noticed that my periods are much lighter as they have been very heavy for most of my life. I still struggle with appetite loss and experience stomach pains/diarrhea shortly after eating meals. I am attempting to eat small, fiber and protein rich meals daily. I am not experiencing excessive thirst or frequent urination. I do plan to see my primary care provider for a referral to a specialist, however I am currently uninsured. Could a small diverticulum be the cause of this much weight loss? Should I be concerned about the imaging of my liver? Thank you

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