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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Gastrointestinal Problems,sleeplessness And Loss Of Appetite?

my son has been working with heavy metal based paints , he makes his own bullets for hunting . now is complaining of gastrointestinal problems, is nervous,anxious,unable to sleep,loss of appetite.all of his tests are coming back normal. he is fixated/convinced he has a terminal illness.can the problem be related to heavy meatal in his body
posted on Thu, 30 Apr 2015
Twitter Sat, 18 Mar 2023 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 31 Mar 2023 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Although ingestion of heavy metals like lead, silver etc., can cause many gastrointestinal problems like loss of appetite and GI upset, it looks like the symptoms your son is having are not from the metals, rather it seems an underlying psychological problem. As all the tests came normal, it can rule out metal ingestion.

For your information there is a psychological condition known as hypochondriasis in which a patient feel that he / she has an underlying terminal illness despite of normal body tests. Sleeplessness is another symptoms that is more common among psychological diseases. Being a doctor I would suggest you to consult a psychiatrist, who will evaluate your son for any psychiatric problem.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Zia Ul Haq, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Gastrointestinal Problems,sleeplessness And Loss Of Appetite?

Hello, Although ingestion of heavy metals like lead, silver etc., can cause many gastrointestinal problems like loss of appetite and GI upset, it looks like the symptoms your son is having are not from the metals, rather it seems an underlying psychological problem. As all the tests came normal, it can rule out metal ingestion. For your information there is a psychological condition known as hypochondriasis in which a patient feel that he / she has an underlying terminal illness despite of normal body tests. Sleeplessness is another symptoms that is more common among psychological diseases. Being a doctor I would suggest you to consult a psychiatrist, who will evaluate your son for any psychiatric problem. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Zia Ul Haq, General & Family Physician