Boyfriend's Hospital Struggle: Days In Without Improvement
My boyfriend, who is 30 years old and generally healthy, especially active before his ankle mishap, has been hospitalized for several days without any progress or definitive answers. Here’s a brief chronology of his medical journey and symptoms: **5 to 6 Months Ago:** - Sustained an ankle injury while participating in sports. - Imaging scans revealed a torn ligament. - Began to walk with a moon boot for support. **3 to 4 Months Ago:** - Received corticosteroid injections due to persistent swelling. - Administered PROXEN SR 1000 (Naproxen 1000 mg) daily for a fortnight. **3 to 4 Weeks Ago:** - Underwent surgery for the ankle (TightRope procedure). - Kept non-weight bearing with the moon boot and crutches. - Commenced low-dose aspirin (once daily for four days instead of the intended two weeks). - Alternated Oxycodone and Tapentadol every four hours for three days. - Took Paracetamol (1g every six hours for three to five days). - Experienced stomach cramps and constipation during the first few days post-surgery. **2 Weeks Ago:** - Attended a follow-up post-op appointment. - The crutches were taken away, with encouragement to walk using the moon boot. - Resumed PROXEN SR 1000 for four to five days for managing swelling. **1.5 Weeks Ago:** - Began to feel stomach discomfort and a decreased appetite. - Mild constipation continued. **6 Days Ago:** - Suffered from black diarrhea for nearly two days. - Experienced intense stomach pain. **4 Days Ago:** - Noticed dizziness alongside persistent stomach pain. - Fainted and briefly lost consciousness; exhibited pallor, sweating, and cold clammy skin. - Rushed to the emergency department where his hemoglobin was noted at 120 g/L. **3 Days Ago:** - Started receiving IV fluids. - His hemoglobin level dropped to 105 g/L. **2 Days Ago:** - A gastroscopy identified a non-bleeding stomach ulcer. - Initiated on a daily dose of 800 mg PPI. - Received pain relief via Oxycodone and Paracetamol. - Dealt with constipation and observed a small bit of black blood in stool. - Hemoglobin levels fluctuated to 94 g/L in the morning and improved slightly to 99 g/L by night, with an iron level of 9 g/L. **1 Day Ago/Today:** - Commenced on Clexane injections for thrombosis prevention. - Mild postoperative ankle pain persists. - Continues to experience dizziness and near-syncope when attempting to stand. - Laxatives have been administered, leading to normal, non-bloody bowel movements. - Hemoglobin is currently at 99 g/L. Due to ongoing issues, he is unable to stand or sit upright without facing severe adverse effects, including: - Vertigo - Near-fainting episodes - Difficulty speaking - Shortness of breath - Visual disturbances, like bright white lights - Tremors and body vibrations - Relief only while lying flat with legs raised - Heart palpitations and erratic heart rate during rest - Heaviness in the head with headaches intensifying upon sitting or standing - Occasional chest pressure - All vital signs appear normal while he is reclining, with an ECG showing standard outcomes. According to the neurologist, there may be a possibility of a CSF leak, but confirmation through an MRI is expected soon. Although his stomach condition has improved and bleeding has ceased, he still struggles to stand upright without feeling faint. Even the slightest movement spikes his heart rate, and he describes the sensation of standing as similar to having run a marathon. Fortunately, his appetite and hydration levels remain stable.
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 1:20:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about your boyfriend's ongoing health struggles. It’s understandably concerning to see someone you care about facing such significant challenges without clear answers. Given the complex timeline and the variety of symptoms he’s displayed, it's important to focus on monitoring his current state while awaiting further medical evaluation.
Key Points:
- Persistent symptoms like dizziness and near-syncope could be related to his post-surgical condition, potential anemia, or even postural changes.
- The management of his stomach ulcer is a positive step, but monitoring gastrointestinal symptoms remains crucial.
- The pending MRI to evaluate a potential CSF leak is essential, as this could explain some of his neurological symptoms.
Explanation:
Your boyfriend’s experiences of faintness and dizziness when attempting to sit or stand may be a result of a combination of factors, including:
- Anemia: His hemoglobin levels have been concerningly low, which can significantly affect energy levels and overall strength.
- Medication Side Effects: Pain medications and previous corticosteroid use can lead to complications such as dizziness, especially if not balanced with adequate hydration and nutrition.
- Postural Hypotension: This occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can be exacerbated by his recent surgery and changes in fluid management.
Next Steps:
-
Encourage Rest and Safe Mobility:
- Until he receives further medical advice, it’s vital that he remains in a resting position that feels safe and comfortable.
- If approved by medical staff, slowly transitioning between lying down, sitting up, and standing can help his body acclimate, but this should be done cautiously to avoid sudden dizziness.
-
Hydration and Nutrition:
- Continue encouraging him to stay hydrated, as dehydration can worsen dizziness and other symptoms.
- Eating small, frequent meals may help stabilize his appetite and provide necessary nutrients, making sure to avoid food that can further irritate his stomach.
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Ongoing Monitoring:
- Keep a log of his symptoms, noting any changes in his ability to stand, frequency of dizziness, and any new symptoms. This will be helpful for his healthcare team to assess his situation.
- Regularly check for any signs of worsening symptoms, such as increased dizziness, chest pain, or confusion, which may necessitate immediate medical attention.
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Follow Up on MRI and Blood Work:
- Prioritize discussion about the MRI results and any suggested adjustments to his current medications or rehabilitation plan once they are available.
- Keep a close eye on his hemoglobin levels, and ask about iron supplements if his iron levels remain low.
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Engagement with Healthcare Team:
- Ensure that his healthcare team is aware of all symptoms and changes he is experiencing, as this information is vital for tailoring his treatment and monitoring his recovery.
It's important to remain hopeful and engaged with his treatment plan, advocating for his needs as things progress. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more information or emotional support during this difficult time.
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